Lehman Orchard and Aqueduct

Welcome to Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada! As your tourist guide, I am excited to take you on a journey to explore the Lehman Orchard and Aqueduct. The Lehman Orchard was established by Absalom Lehman, who also discovered the Lehman Caves in the park. The orchard covers over 7 acres of land and used to have more than 100 trees at its peak in the 1930s. Today, only seven apricot trees and one peach tree remain. However, the orchard still holds historical significance as it is one of the few remaining orchards from that era. To irrigate the orchard, Lehman built a ditch from Lehman Creek that runs for 2 miles to encircle the orchard. This aqueduct system allowed water to flow into the orchard, providing much-needed hydration for the fruit trees. A branch above the orchard ran to a reservoir, which has now vanished, but was once used for ice, fishing, and swimming. A portion of the aqueduct has been reconstructed, allowing visitors to see how the irrigation system worked. You can walk along the reconstructed portion of the ditch and learn about the history of the orchard and aqueduct. The reconstructed portion is located near the National Park Service's Lehman Caves Visitor Center, making it easily accessible for tourists. Both the Lehman Orchard and Aqueduct were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, recognizing their importance in the history of the park and the region. If you are interested in learning more about the orchard and aqueduct, there are several resources available, including media related to Lehman Orchard and Aqueduct at Wikimedia Commons and information on the Lehman Aqueduct and Lehman Orchard at Great Basin National Park. In conclusion, the Lehman Orchard and Aqueduct are must-see attractions when visiting Great Basin National Park. They offer a glimpse into the history of the park and the region, as well as a chance to appreciate the ingenuity of Absalom Lehman in establishing an orchard in such a remote location.

Location: White Pine County

Source: Wikimedia