The Salton Sea: An account of Harriman's fight with the Colorado River

"The Salton Sea: An account of Harriman's fight with the Colorado River" by George Kennan is an early 20th-century story about turning a harsh desert into fertile farmland, showcasing the huge problems that arose, like those caused by the mighty Colorado River. The story focuses on E. H. Harriman, who was essential in stopping the valley from being destroyed by floods and bad planning. Early on, the book explains how the Salton Sink was formed long ago and the initial attempts to bring it back to life. It highlights the dreams of people like Professor Blake and Dr. Wozencraft, who believed the desert could bloom if water was brought in from the Colorado River. The book then turns to Harriman's tough battle against the river's massive floods, showing both the cleverness of humans and the raw strength of nature. The story describes the early journeys and unsuccessful tries at irrigation, giving a clear sense of the hard times Harriman and the Imperial Valley settlers would face.