In 1859 a man by the name of William S. Bodey discovered gold high in the hills overlooking Mono Lake. A mill was established by 1861 and with what started out with 20 miners quickly grew to a town of over 10,000 by 1880. In time the spelling was changed and it isn't clear if the town was named for that same early prospector who died in a blizzard soon after his gold discovery. He never saw the town that rose in his name.
The town was occupied by families, miners, store owners, gunfighters, robbers and prostitutes. At one time there were 65 saloons, numerous brothels, gambling halls and opium dens.
Something for everyone.
The wonderful thing about Bodie is that you are free to walk around and explore on your own most everywhere. Only the abandoned mining works and digs are off limits, for your own safety. Over the years nearly 34 million dollars of gold was mined in Bodie.
With the mixture of money, gold, alcohol and guns hardly a night went by without someone getting shot and most likely die. There is a story of a little girl living in San Francisco who upon learning her family was moving to Bodie wrote in her diary "Goodbye God, I am going to Bodie".
12 comments:
great shots and such an interesting place to explore the old mining town
You have some wonderful shots! That would be fun, just to explore on your own. Thanks for the history of the town also - very interesting!
So I take it there's no more gold in them thar mountains!
That was quite a town in its day, too bad it ended under such violent circustances.
From the looks of it you could still write the same thing in your diary. ;^) Very interesting and nice shots.
wow. must have been the den of sin back in its heyday. i'd like to wander around it now.
I remember an honest to goodness Boot Hill. Is it still there?
Thanks for showing us around.
I agree with TexWisGirl, the den of sin. i have been to Bodie a few times and all of it intreques me. Did you get to see the grave yard? I especially like photo one with the big metal pan in front, and #4 because it is black and white.
Ah! This looks like a wonderful place to roam with a camera!
Interesting post!
"At one time there were 65 saloons, numerous brothels, gambling halls and opium dens.
Something for everyone." This just made me laugh out loud, especially that you say "something for everyone"
What a great place is this. Must remind that for a future visit to California!
Very ominous reputation the place had! YiKeS! I wouldn't have wanted to live there, either... but it sure would be cool to visit, now! =)
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