Herman William “Bob” Eichbaum long dreamed of building a resort hotel in Death Valley, believing its beauty, mystery, and history would draw tourists. Beginning in 1915, motion pictures, automobile companies, and writers promoted exciting images of its harsh environment and helped reduce fears about traveling there. In 1925, Eichbaum sold his profitable sightseeing business on Catalina Island, built a 38-mile toll road over Towne Pass, and developed 20 green-and-white tent-style bungalows along with a restaurant, general store, and filling station. Nicknamed Bungalette City, the Stove Pipe Wells Hotel opened in 1926 and reflected a shift in Death Valley from mining interests to tourism. Several months later, the luxurious Furnace Creek Inn opened, beginning a rivalry between Eichbaum and the Pacific Coast Borax Company as both sought to profit from growing tourist travel into Death Valley. The Death Valley Toll Road, financed with Eichbaum’s own money and charging $2 a car and 50 cents per person, was closely followed by modern-day CA 190.