Furnace Creek, Census-designated community in Death Valley, California, United States.
Furnace Creek is a settlement in Inyo County, California, serving as the administrative center of Death Valley National Park with visitor facilities and service buildings. The community sits 58 meters (190 feet) below sea level and forms one of the few permanently inhabited spots in the valley.
The Pacific Coast Borax Company founded Greenland Ranch in 1883 to support borax mining in the region. The site was later renamed Furnace Creek and grew into a supply center for miners and travelers crossing the valley.
The settlement takes its name from the hot springs and mineral deposits that reminded early settlers of a furnace. Visitors today can still see the palm groves sustained by the rising water, creating a sharp contrast with the surrounding desert floor.
The settlement offers a gas station, a general store, and several accommodations that serve as a base for exploring the national park. Those arriving between May and October should expect extreme heat and bring plenty of water and sun protection.
In July 1913, the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth was measured here at 56.7 degrees Celsius (134 degrees Fahrenheit). This measurement remains the officially recognized world record and draws weather enthusiasts from around the globe.
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