A historic 113-year-old salt tram tower in Death Valley National Park was damaged by an irresponsible driver, according to the New York Post. The National Parks Service (NPS) reported that the Saline Valley Salt Tram tower was knocked from its foundation and toppled into mud between April 1 and April 24.
The NPS observed tire tracks near the scene, indicating a vehicle had veered off the road and got stuck in the mud. In an attempt to extricate the car, the driver used the tower, pulling its concrete anchors from the ground and causing the structure to fall.
The damaged wooden tower was originally constructed in 1911 by the Saline Valley Salt Company as part of a 13-mile aerial tram system that carried salt from the Saline Valley to the Owens Valley, climbing over 7,000 feet. This tramway is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places for its historical significance and unique engineering features.
Park officials seek public help to find individual behind historic tower damage
In response to the incident, park officials seek public assistance to identify the culprit responsible for the damage. “The National Park Service (NPS) is looking for information regarding recent damage to a historic salt tram tower in Saline Valley. The 113-year-old tower was seemingly toppled as someone attempted to winch their vehicle out of deep mud, occurring between April 1 and April 24, 2024,” the NPS announced.
Before this incident, there were plans in place by the National Park Service to stabilize the tram towers. Death Valley National Park Superintendent, Mike Reynolds, expressed his dismay over the tower’s destruction and called on the perpetrator to step forward and discuss compensation. “I have walked along parts of this tramway, and the effort required to construct it is incredible. I urge the person responsible for this damage to reach out to us so that we can address restitution,” Superintendent Reynolds stated.