"Barbara Worth" is a fictional character from the novel "The Winning of Barbara Worth," written by Harold Bell Wright in 1911. The story is set in the early 20th century and revolves around the development of the Imperial Valley in California. Barbara is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who becomes a central figure in the lives of the male characters, particularly Jefferson Worth and Ned Murchison. The novel explores themes of love, ambition, and the challenges of transforming a desert landscape into a thriving agricultural area. It highlights the importance of water management and the impact of human endeavor on nature, making it a significant work in American literature related to the American West.