A History of The Geysers Geothermal Field Through 1960, An Annotated Bibliography

Abstract

years I’ve collected the early history—including a vast file of photos—of The Geysers Geothermal Field in Northern California. Everything changed at The Geysers in 1955 after the first modern geothermal well was drilled and in 1959 or 1960 when the first modern geothermal power plant went on line—but remnants from past eras remain. I’ve published these remnants several times and in several ways through the years, including one video—each adding to what was known before. Because no comprehensive bibliography exists for information about the early history of The Geysers Geothermal Field, and believing one—with annotations—would be useful, I’ve prepared the following document. It isn’t inclusive, as I personally have used only a small part of what’s available. But even with a caveat, the bibliography should assist researchers. Do you need descriptions of natural features or of Indian tribes who lived at The Geysers for thousands of years—who they were and what they left behind? What kind of a spa was The Geysers? What drilling tools were used in the 1920s when wells were first drilled there and the first power plant constructed? How was the first geothermal project financed in the 1920s? The answers are in citations from this annotated bibliography, divided into five historical eras: the time of wilderness; the period of discovery and use by Indians about 13,000 years ago; the development of organized tourism from the mid-1800s on, including visits by kings-to-be and at least four US presidents; the failed attempt in the 1920s of geothermal electrical-power generation; and, finally, the successful start of modern, geothermal electrical-power generation—the first ever in North and South America. Future historical researchers may work for geothermal companies or prepare museum displays. Some may be geothermal archaeologists and anthropologists. This annotated bibliography, readily available in the GRC Proceedings, should help them all.