What is the history of Cerro Gordo?
Cerro Gordo got its start back in 1865 when a man named Pablo Flores started mining silver from the large hills that overlooked the Owens Valley in California (Cerro Gordo means “fat hill” in Spanish). But the quantity and quality of silver being harvested from these hills wasn’t kept secret for long.
Why did Cerro Gordo shut down?
In 1875, Cerro Gordo suffered a series of setbacks, forcing the shutdown of its furnaces. These problems resulted from a scarcity of ore in the mine, which had lasted for several months, and the temporary drying up of its water supply.
Can you spend the night in Cerro Gordo?
Stay a night in historic Cerro Gordo The historic ghost town of Cerro Gordo is now available by reservation. You and your group can now enjoy the 1868 townsite; including the 1871 American Hotel, the fully restored 1904 Bunkhouse (accommodating up to 12), and the 1868 Belshaw House (accommodating up to 4).
How much is Cerro Gordo worth?
This Old West ghost town in California just sold for $1.4 million—take a look around. A group of investors just bought a unique vignette of history for $1.4 million — a 22-building, Old West ghost town in California.
When was Cerro Gordo abandoned?
At its peak in 1872, Cerro Gordo generated roughly $150 million (adjusted for inflation) in silver and lead mining. But like all booms, things eventually went bust. By the 1930s, Cerro Gordo was all but abandoned.
Do people live in Cerro Gordo?
At its most populated, over 4,500 residents lived in Cerro Gordo, but only 22 original structures remain. Two historic homes — known as the Mortimer Belshaw and Louis D. Underwood has avoided are the cemetery and the bunk house, which he reports is haunted.
Who owns Cerro Gordo now?
Brent Underwood
Brent Underwood is an American entrepreneur and owner of Cerro Gordo Mines….
| Brent Underwood | |
|---|---|
| Notable works | “Putting My Foot Down” |
How much did they pay for Cerro Gordo?
He was running a highly rated hostel in Austin, Texas, when the opportunity arose to buy Cerro Gordo. Underwood and his business partner Jon Bier, founder of a boutique PR agency, bought the entire town for $1.4 million.
Can I visit Cerro Gordo ghost town?
Can You Visit Cerro Gordo? Although Cerro Gordo is privately owned, you can book guided or self-guided walking tours. All tour proceeds go to the Cerro Gordo Historical Association, which funds and preserves the town.
Can you drive through Cerro Gordo?
Swansea-Cerro Gordo OHV Route is a 34.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Lone Pine, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for ohv/off road driving. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Who owns a ghost town?
One man has been living the post-apocalyptic lifestyle in his own wasteland since early last year. Brent Underwood, a young entrepreneur, bought the abandoned California ghost town of Cerro Gordo in 2018 for $1.4 million.
How deep is the Cerro Gordo mine?
Cerro Gordo Mines
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Type | underground |
| Greatest depth | at least 1,100 feet (340 m) |
| History | |
| Discovered | 1865 |
Where was the mining town of Cerro Gordo located?
Robert Shea/Flickr Cerro Gordo was founded as a silver and lead mining town in 1865. Nestled in the Inyo Mountains of California, roughly 200 miles north of Los Angeles, lies the forgotten town of Cerro Gordo.
Who was the first person to work in Cerro Gordo?
Small scale mining persisted for many months and despite the clear abundance of rich ore, widespread attention escaped the remote district for some time. Successful merchant Victor Beaudry was the first person to recognize the potential of the Cerro Gordo mines. In 1866 Beaudry opened Cerro Gordo’s first store.
What was the price of silver at Cerro Gordo?
Known as the Yellow Grade Road, Belshaw charged tolls for its use and was able to control the shipments of silver from the mountain. By 1869, Americans had taken over the property and ultimately turned it into the largest producer of silver and lead in California, yielding ores that assayed at least as high as $300 per ton.
What did Victor Beaudry do at Cerro Gordo?
By 1867, tales of the silver at Cerro Gordo had spread, bringing in flocks of new prospectors. Businessman, Victor Beaudry of nearby Independence, California, was so impressed by the quality of silver being taken out of Cerro Gordo, he opened a store near the mine and soon acquired several mining claims to settle unpaid debts.