These Images Reveal What Life Was Like in the Wild West

Gold and silver weren’t the only treasures that the Wild West had in abundance. Another valuable resource discovered during this era was borax, a mineral found by Aaron Winters in the heart of the frontier. Legend has it that he stumbled upon these crystals in a desiccated lakebed, recognizing the potential for a lucrative venture.

Yet, there was a catch. This newfound borax deposit lay nestled in one of the hottest and driest regions of the United States. Undeterred, Winters hatched an audacious plan. He enlisted the aid of 20 hardworking mules to transport this precious cargo across the unforgiving arid landscape to the nearest train station, from where it could be more conveniently shipped to its destination.