Ep 1. How Death Valley Got Its Name

In the first episode of Death Valley Days, entitled "How Death Valley Got Its Name," viewers are transported back to the 1840s and introduced to a group of pioneers making their way to California. As they travel through the scorching hot desert, they come across a valley that seems to be barren and void of life.

The leader of the group, James Finney, decides to venture into the valley to see if it is possible to find any resources that could help them survive their journey. However, as he explores the valley, he begins to feel the intense heat and becomes disoriented. He eventually collapses and is later found by his companions, who realize that the valley is extremely dangerous and possibly lethal.

As the group continues their journey towards California, they encounter other travelers and settlers who warn them about the dangers of the valley and share stories of those who have attempted to cross it and never returned.

One such story involves a group of prospectors who were searching for gold in the valley and were overcome by the extreme heat and lack of water. They eventually succumbed to the harsh conditions and were never seen again. Another story tells of a man who attempted to cross the valley with his family but lost both his wife and children to the harsh conditions.

As the pioneers make their way towards California, they begin to refer to the valley as "Death Valley" due to its deadly reputation and the numerous stories of those who have lost their lives trying to cross it.

The episode also touches on the history of the native inhabitants of Death Valley, the Timbisha Shoshone tribe, and their struggles to maintain their way of life in the midst of the arrival of European settlers. The pioneers encounter members of the Timbisha Shoshone tribe and learn about their traditions and beliefs, including their use of the mesquite tree for food, medicine, and tools.

Overall, "How Death Valley Got Its Name" sets the stage for future episodes of Death Valley Days by introducing viewers to the harsh conditions and dangerous reputation of the valley while also shining a light on the rich history and traditions of the native inhabitants.