Harmony Borax Works, Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California, USA Stock Photography

Harmony Borax Works was the central feature in the opening of Death Valley and the subsequent popularity of the Furnace Creek area. After borax was found near Furnace Creek Ranch, William T. Coleman built the Harmony plant and began to process ore in late 1883. When in full operation, the Harmony Borax Works employed 40 men who produced three tons of borax daily.nThe Harmony operation became famous through the use of large mule teams and double wagons which hauled borax the long overland route to Mojave.The romantic image of the “20-mule team” persists to this day.