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In exploring the panorama of the Antelope Valley's history and its people's varied aspirations, determination, and accomplishments, it is easy to see the lasting and dramatic impacts they have made. A few are famous, like young Frances Gumm, who went on to become legendary actress Judy Garland, or Richard "Dick" Rutan, who circled the world nonstop on a single tank of gas in the Rutan Voyager aircraft. Most, however, never knew fame during their lives. Some came seeking gold or worked on the railroads, the Los Angeles Aqueduct, and Borax 20 Mule Teams. Others forged ahead, farmed difficult landscapes, and found success in providing for their families. A poet laureate, the father of Death Valley geology, a suffragette who went on to achieve national fame, and individuals who broke through color barriers are among those who have made the Antelope Valley what it is today.
About the author
A resident of the Antelope Valley since 1985, local historian Norma Gurba is the retired director and curator of the City of Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery, now known as the Lancaster Museum of Art and History. In researching the valley's heritage, she has written two Arcadia books in the Images of America series: Lancaster (2005) and Palmdale (2010).
