High Noon – History of the Twenty-Mule Teams program (Virtual Zoom)

High Noon
August 20, 2026
Noon

Register for this Lecture: https://events.washoecountylibrary.us/event/16804752

Title: History of the Twenty-Mule Teams of Death Valley

Speaker: Ted Faye, Historian, Author, and Film Producer

Talk Summary: Long before modern branding dominated American culture, one image reigned supreme: a massive train of wagons pulled by twenty mules, stretching across the unforgiving desert. It was as instantly recognizable in its time as today’s most iconic logos—a symbol of grit, endurance, and ingenuity. This was the trademark of Pacific Coast Borax Company and its flagship product, 20 Mule Team Borax—a name forever tied to the harsh mystique of Death Valley.

In this engaging live presentation, author Ted Faye brings this remarkable story to life—tracing the discovery of borax in the American West and revealing why men risked everything for a salty white mineral hidden in some of the most remote and punishing landscapes on Earth. He explores the extraordinary lengths taken to bring it to market, where twenty-mule teams functioned as the big-rig trucks of their day, hauling massive loads across terrain as dangerous and unforgiving as anything seen on modern routes.

With vivid storytelling and historical insight, Ted takes audiences beyond the legend—connecting the daring logistics of these desert hauls to the birth of one of America’s earliest and most successful marketing empires. From the wagon trails of Death Valley to the rise of a nationally recognized brand, this presentation uncovers how a rugged transportation system became a cultural icon.

For those who remember Death Valley Days—once hosted by Ronald Reagan—or the familiar tins of Borax, this talk offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how history, storytelling, and marketing combined to shape the American imagination.

Speaker Bio: Ted Faye is an accomplished producer, historian, and author who is a passionate storyteller who explores history and culture. He produced Iverson, the definitive documentary on NBA superstar Allen Iverson, which aired on Showtime and Netflix.  He produced the Weird Tales series and Tales from Death Valley, bringing unique narratives to life on screen. He has worked extensively with Nevada communities and Travel Nevada to promote cultural and heritage tourism.  As an author, he has written Death Valley Gold Rush, The Twenty Mule Team of Death Valley, and Goldfield, delving into the rich past of the American West. A graduate of UCLA with an MFA in Film and Television, Faye continues to craft compelling stories that blend history, mystery, and adventure. He is currently working with Mark Hall-Patton on a new series, MARK AND TED’S HISTORY ADVENTURES.