Chasing The Gold Rush

The last great gold rush played out in the deserts of Nevada and California. It began with those who roamed the barren hills seeking their fortune. Most traveled with their tools, some food, a blanket and a jackass. They were called "single-blanket-jackass prospectors." Most never made the fortune they sought, but many discovered something else: freedom and a kind of peace in the wilderness.

In 1905 the world was coming to Beatty, Nevada. It was the site of a great gold rush. Two giants of the mining industry wanted to capitalize on the boom and get their railroads to the goldfields. In a drama with many twists and turns, only one railroad would make it to the goldfields first, yet the other would outlast its rival by nearly two decades.

Ever since America discovered the desert, images of death have been a part of the story. These are tales of death, near death and survival. From the strange journey of Hootch's skull to a man who died dancing in the desert. From the story of Jimmy Dayton's tragedy in Death Valley to the last words of a dying prospector.

Death Valley's fascinating history comes to life in the words of 'old-timers' who remember its wild west days. Meet prospectors, promoters, millionaires and homesteaders through the eyes of those who knew them. Hear Death Valley Scotty's lawyer give an eyewitness account of the famous "Coyote Special" train ride of 1905.