Tower of Utopia

The desert holds many mysteries. One of these mysteries is Llano Del Rio. This grain silo is part of the 100 year old ruins of Llano del Rio Colony, a socialist utopian community, established in SE Antelope Valley in 1914. The colony's local economy was almost totally self-sustaining. Their economy included agriculture, orchards, a paint shop, a print shop, and a fish hatchery. Despite the desert climate, their farms succeeded, their farmers using purchased water to create fertile farmland, and growing alfalfa, corn, and grain, stored here in this grain silo. By 1916, Llano Del Rio grew ninety percent of the food they ate. A world class rabbitry provided the colonists with their main source of meat; and a large stable complex just outside the colony could house up to 100 horses. I illuminated the scene with a handheld LED flashlight and speedlight with gel while the camera shutter was open.

Llano Del RioAntelope ValleyutopiansocietyHarrimandesertCaliforniaNikonnightlong exposureKen Lee