SEARLES LAKE BORAX DISCOVERY

Historical Landmark

Description:
John Searles discovered borax on the nearby surface of Searles Lake in 1862. With his brother Dennis, he formed the San Bernardino Borax Mining Company in 1873 and operated it until 1897. The chemicals in Searles Lake-borax, potash, soda ash, salt cake, and lithium-were deposited here by the runoff waters from melting ice-age glaciers, John Searles' discovery has proved to be the world's richest chemical storehouse, containing half the natural elements known to man.

Registration Date: 8/16/1962

Location:
City: Trona
County: San Bernardino

Directions:
Roadside rest area, Trona Rd at Center St, Trona

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