The Antelope Valley has a long and interesting history. From the Eighteen Hundreds when Native Americans would meet to feast and trade between the different tribes, to the Nineteenth Century when farmers and cattleman shared the lands to make a life for their families. The High Desert has fascinated people. Even today, man is still trying to conquer this harsh but beautiful land.

   In the mountains southwest of what is now known as Lancaster. Native American tribes would come from as far away as Arizona to meet at Lake Hughes and celebrate in song and dance the events of the last year. This had become a Neutral Zone of sorts. Here, they had water to drink and food was plentiful. This was a place in which all tribes agreed that differences and disputes should be put to the side, and brotherhood as a people should be embraced. For more information on the Native Americans that shared this land before us. Visit the Antelope Valley Indian Museum.

   From around 1942 till present day. The desert has been home to the Aerospace industry. Here in this seemingly barren wasteland, man was once again finding new uses and challenges for the land known as the Antelope Valley. It was here in 1947 that Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier at Muroc Army Air Field now known as Edwards AFB.

   Man and the Antelope Valley have gone through many changes in the last 200 years. Even though the Native Americans that once gathered in Lake Hughes have long since moved on to other areas. Lake Hughes is still visited by many different people from all parts of the world. Many come here to get away from the day to day world they live in. Wanting to be a little closer to nature and perhaps relive the camaraderie once shared by our Native American ancestors.

by Jim Burns.