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It's the spring of 1905 near Bishop, California.

The morning sun beams down on a stretch of the Owens River Valley as Fred Eaton pulls the reins on a stallion.

He kicks in his spurs and the animal picks up speed trotting through a vast dusty ranch.

As he moves across the dry grass, Eaton glances over his shoulder.

Behind him, riding a large horse is Thomas Ricky, a man whose skin is wrinkled from the sun, eyes sleepy and carefree.

Ricky owns this vast piece of land in central California, but Eaton is hoping to change that.

He's here aiming to buy the property, all part of an effort to bring a new source of water to the drought-plagged city of Los Angeles.

Eaton has an agreement with the city, allowing him to personally buy land with access to the Owens River.

Under the agreement, Eaton will then sell the properties to Los Angeles.

The city will gain invaluable rights to the Owens River, as well as land where they can build a 200 mile aqueduct,

bringing the water all the way to Los Angeles.

It's a staggeringly complex plan, and it requires Eaton to convince ranchers like Ricky to sell their property.

Eaton reaches the edge of a bluff and looks down below at the rushing waters of the Owens River.

Mr. Ricky, your property is beautiful, and look at that, you've even got access to the river.

Of course I have access, I thought you knew that.

Want no geographer?

Just a simple man trying to find a nice piece of land somewhere I can retire.

Simple man, is that right?

Ricky shoots Eaton in a skeptical look.

Mr. Eaton, you came to me with a very generous offer, but I don't understand it.

Who are you? Are you from the reclamation service?

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