Independence

Though smaller than Lone Pine and Bishop, the town of Independence is the Inyo County Seat, and the regional administrative and maintenance center for the Los Angeles DWP. Local attractions include the Eastern California Museum, founded in 1928 and offering an overview of Owens Valley history as well as the home of early twentieth century author Mary Austin (whose famous Land of Little Rain recounted life in the Valley), and the Winnedumah Hotel. There is a large, old, hand-drawn map of the Owens Valley and its various tourist destinations in the Chevron Station.