Tecolote Rancho Site

A novel sold this valley to the country. Harold Bell Wright bought a hundred and sixty acres here in 1907, lived in a tent, built a studio out of woven arrowweed in 1908 and a house the year after, and wrote The Winning of Barbara Worth about the reclamation of the desert and the Colorado flood of 1905. It was his biggest seller. Her name is on businesses in the valley still, and Barbara Worth never existed.

What the plaque says

Site of Rancho El Tecolote Prolific author Harold Bell Wright purchased 160 acres here in 1907. While living in a tent he built Rancho El Tecolote, constructing a woven arrow weed studio in 1908 and a ranch house in 1909. From 1907 to 1916 he wrote three best sellers, including the historical novel "The Winning of Barbara Worth," a chronicle of desert reclamation and the Colorado River flood of 1905. As Wright's most successful and important book, it brought the Imperial Valley and its agricultural wealth to the attention of the nation. The book's heroine Barbara Worth became an icon for the region. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 1034 This plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Squibob Chapter, April 27, 2002.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Camp Salvation — 9.9 mi
• Site of Fort Romualdo Pacheco — 16 mi