Zzyzx, California, is a place with a name as unique as its history. Located in San Bernardino County within the Mojave National Preserve, Zzyzx has undergone significant transformations over the years. Originally known as Soda Springs, it became famous for its mineral springs and health spa before evolving into a center for desert studies. This article delves into the intriguing history of Zzyzx, highlighting its origins, development, and current
status.
The Origins of Zzyzx
Zzyzx was originally known as Soda Springs, a name that reflects its natural mineral springs. In 1944, Curtis Howe Springer, a self-proclaimed doctor, established the Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa on federal land. Springer claimed the name Zzyzx was the last word in the English language, a testament to his flair for the dramatic. He filed mining claims for 12,000 acres surrounding the springs, using them to bottle water and provide drinks for travelers.
Springer’s spa attracted visitors with its promise of health and wellness, and he imported animals from across the country to draw families to his ranch. Despite its popularity, Springer’s operation was not legally sanctioned, and in 1974, the government reclaimed the land. This marked the end of the Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa era, paving the way for a new chapter in the area’s history.
Transition to a Desert Studies Center
In 1976, the Bureau of Land Management and California State University (CSU) collaborated to manage the land around Zzyzx. They established the Desert Studies Center, a field station dedicated to research and education about the Mojave Desert environment. The center is operated by the California Desert Studies Consortium, which includes seven CSU campuses.
The Desert Studies Center provides opportunities for research and instruction, allowing students and researchers to experience the unique desert ecosystem. The site is particularly interesting to biologists due to its perennial wetlands, which attract diverse species, including the endangered Mohave tui chub. The center’s establishment marked a significant shift from Zzyzx’s previous identity as a health spa to a hub for scientific exploration.
Zzyzx Today
Today, Zzyzx is known for its role in desert studies rather than its past as a health spa. The area is part of the Mojave National Preserve, established by the California Desert Protection Act of 1994. This act formalized the partnership between the National Park Service and the CSU Desert Studies Center, ensuring the site’s continued use for research and education.
Zzyzx’s unique name continues to capture attention, often appearing on lists of unusual place names. It is recognized as the lexicographically last place name in the United States, adding to its mystique. While its history as a spa is a distant memory, Zzyzx remains a place of interest, drawing researchers and curious visitors alike to explore its desert landscape and rich biodiversity.
