The earliest published history of California's Imperial Valley, an 8,000 square mile region located in the southern part of the Colorado Desert. Documenting the pioneer period in the Valley's history, which roughly corresponds with the first decade of the 20th century, Howe and Hall provide abundant details concerning the irrigation project directed by Charles Rockwood and George Chaffey that turned part of the desert into rich agricultural and residential lands. Also includes information on Valley's history before modern settlement, the accidental formation of the Salton Sea, and several early settlers.