Architectural detail; shutters. Scotty's Castle, two-story Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style Villa in the Grapevine Mountains of northern Death Valley. Also known as Death Valley Ranch. Construction began in 1922, and cost between $1.5 and $2.5 million. Walter Scott born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, also known as “Death Valley Scotty”, convinced Chicago millionaire Albert Johnson to invest in his gold mine in the Death Valley area. Johnson built ranch for winter retreats with his wife. Scott is buried on hill above ranch alongside his beloved dog. Death Valley National Monument Est. February 11, 1933. Est. as Death Valley National Park in 1994; 5,270 square miles (13,649 km2). Inyo County, CA.