Scott Special
The Coyote Special (also known as the "Coyote Flyer") was one of Death Valley Scotty's most famous publicity stunts. In 1905, Scotty chartered a private train to race across the country from Los Angeles to Chicago in an attempt to set a new speed record. The stunt was evidence of his gift for spectacle and a clever method to continue making people believe he was very wealthy, which he said came from an undisclosed gold mine in Death Valley. The Journey Train Details: The train had a locomotive and a few cars; Scotty was the star passenger. Dubbed the "Coyote Special," the name evoked the cunning and speed Scotty wanted to project.
The Route: The train went along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway tracks, stopping only a little and trying to make a fast trip across the country.
The Speed Record: The expedition was completed within less than 45 hrs, which was phenomenal.
Scotty's Claim
Scotty used the Coyote Special to reinforce his mythos as a millionaire prospector. He told reporters that he had financed the train with the proceeds from his secret Death Valley gold mine. In reality, it was a fabrication-Scotty didn't have a mine, and the train ride was financed by wealthy backers like Albert Johnson and others who had bought into his tales of riches.Media Sensation
The Coyote Special captured national headlines. Newspapers loved the story of the eccentric desert prospector who could charter a private train for a record-breaking trip. It was a perfect blend of Wild West romance and modern technology, and it elevated Scotty's fame to new heights.Legacy
Though the gold mine was a complete hoax, the Coyote Special was a brilliant piece of self-promotion. It highlighted Scotty's ability to turn spectacle into legend, ensuring his place in history as one of the Mojave Desert's most colorful characters.Today, the story of the Coyote Special is remembered as part of the larger-than-life persona of Death Valley Scotty, a man who turned lies and charisma into a lasting legacy.
Los Angeles Herald, Volume 33, Number 12, 13 October 1905
A.T. & Santa Fe
