Mining was carried out by the Pacific Coast Borax Company formed by Francis Marion Smith. Before the formation of the company, Smith first used 20-mule sleds to transport borax across the Mojave Desert. Later, these sleds were replaced by a new railroad.
The sleds were given the name 20 Mule Team Borax and were promoted by Pacific Coast Borax to increase sales. The name 20 Mule Team Borax was added to the sketch on the mule sled already on the package. The 20 mule symbol was first used in 11891, registered in 1894, and is still used today by Dial Corporation, the current owner.
