Owens Valley was the scene of the California Water Wars. This hot spring pool has also been at the mercy of history. California Water Wars Just a 10-minute drive south of Bishop, the largest city in Inyo County, California, is Keough's Hot Springs. It consists of old-fashioned natural hot spring pools, RV park, and campground. Originally used by the Native American Paiute tribe, whites began to settle in this area in the late 1800s. The water temp was first measured in 1859 and recorded at 127 degrees F. That has not changed significantly today. OWENS VALLEY HISTORY Keough’s Hot Springs was founded in 1919 by Philip P. Keough, who had an idea for a health resort. At the time, it was more than just a pool, but flourished greatly as a prestigious social gathering place for fishing, dining, dancing, events, and accommodations in cabins. It also had a beautiful orchard using hot spring water, where visitors could eat grapes, apples, pears, and peaches for free. In 1926, Keough sold the land and water rights to the City of Los Angeles. In fact, the City of Los Angeles was facing a shortage of water sources due to rapid expansion. The mayor's fraudulent acquisition of land and water rights in the Owens Valley has been dubbed the California Water Wars because it disrupted the local economy and caused conflict. Once owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Keough's Hot Springs was subsequently leased on a short-term basis to various operators. As a result, some ...
