In 1914, Cabot Yerxa, an artist and world traveler who settled in the area now known as Desert Hot Springs unearthed naturally occurring 132-degree mineral waters beneath the surface of Desert Hot Springs using a pick and shovel. After discovering the hot mineral waters, he dug a second well near his original home to provide drinking water and found a natural cold spring. His discovery of both hot and cold mineral waters in the region lead to the naming of the area, Miracle Hill. A branch of the San Andreas Fault called the Mission Creek branch bisects the land below DHS, on one side, is the hot springs and the other the cold springs.
It was nearly 30 years later in 1941, when Cabot and his wife, Portia, began construction on what is now known as “Cabot’s Pueblo” a unique museum located just minutes from Aqua Soleil. The four-story, 5,000 square foot pueblo was built entirely by hand using reclaimed materials from all over the Coachella Valley. Cabot used wood from his original homestead and then began purchasing abandoned cabins in the area for materials, and was even known to straighten out old nails to reuse. Cabot also spent his time making adobe style clay bricks in the courtyard allowing them to “bake” in the sun to complete the pueblo’s 35 rooms and 30 rooflines.
Today, the Cabot’s Pueblo features Native American art and artifacts, souvenirs from Cabot’s world travels, and even some of his own art. During the months of October thru April, the Pueblo hosts artisan markets each month and a Dia Day Los Muertos (Day of the Day) celebration in mid-October. Visitors can also book an hour-long Pueblo tour for $13. During the peak, months of season (October – May) tours are offered every day except Monday. Once the summer heat sets in, tours are available Wednesday thru Saturday only. For more information on visiting the legacy of Cabot, check out their website.
Written by Nicole Bowen of The Darling Niki
Header photo from CoachellaValley.com
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