The original site of Ryan was a borax mine and nothing is left except tailings. Operations began in 1890 and continued until 1914. The Lila C. mine here was richer then all other Death Vally borax mines combined, producing over $8 million. It was later reopened until 1927. When the mine played out the Pacific Coast Borax company relocated to Devair and renamed it Ryan. They erected a company town and began shipping borax in 1915. The population of Ryan peaked at 250. The new mine produced over $30 million and closed down in 1930.