Story of Bodie began in 1859, after the major Gold Rush period. Four men struck gold in a small valley southeast of Lake Tahoe. This region was known as the Mother Lode region. These men came to this region in search for gold.
You can walk the streets of the Bodie gold mining ghost town near Bridgeport, CA. Bodie was a bustling town from 1877-1882 and produced more than $35 million in gold and silver. The population at one time during the gold rush reached nearly 10,000 residents. Residents flocked to Bodie when they heard about the gold being mined here.
Now, Bodie is just a distant place with abandoned wooden buildings slowly decaying away. Bodie was designated a National Historic Site and Historic Park in 1962. Visitors can walk the streets of the town and see the remaining buildings and relics left behind. If you are a history buff and especially regarding the gold rush, then Bodie is a must see place for you.
History
Waterman S. Bodey
W.S. Bodey was a tin manufacturer businessman in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He left his home and family after hearing news of gold discovered in California. He discovered gold just north of Mono Lake which sparked a gold rush. Mr. Bodey died in a blizzard in November 1859 on a supply trip. He froze to death and his body was found the following spring.
The district Mr. Bodey found with his friends was named in his him. The spelling of the town name was changed in 1862 when a painter wrote a sign reading “Bodie Stables.” The residents loved the misspelling that the district permanently changed it to “Bodie.”
Gold and Silver
A mill was built in 1861 which started with only a handful of miners. As the news got out, the population of Bodie blossomed to about 10,000 by 1880. Bodie had become a bustling town with families, jobs, stores, gunfights, prostitutes and saloons. Yep, Bodie was the western movies style town you saw in the old John Wayne movies.
In the town’s prime a large number of wealthy companies invested in Bodie with mines and mills. Gold was pulled out of the mines on a daily basis and investors were being rewarded. By the looks at the time it appeared the town would be bustling for a long time. By 1868, the investors left the mines and mills abandoned. It appeared the gold had already been drained from the mines.
A small group of miners remained in the town as small amounts of gold was still being mined over the next few years. More mines, tunnels and shafts were dug in hopes of finding more deposits.
In 1875, the Bunker Hill mine collapsed giving way to a large deposit of gold. The news drove a wave of prospectors to Bodie to get a piece.
A small group of men formed a company in Bodie and bought the entire gold claim. The company was Standard Company and they benefited quite well from this purchase. The company produced $784,523 in gold and silver in 1877. Today, that would be worth over $17.5 million.
The Bustling City
Bodie saw another influx of residents flood in with the great news. More wealthy companies invested in the booming town again. Many people were optimistic Bodie was going to be one of the most prosperous towns in the region. High profile investors from San Francisco and New York City were dropping large amounts of money into Bodie. The money being invested in Bodie was used to dig deeper mines in hopes of finding more gold.
Settlers came from all over to Bodie to get part of the wealth. The population grew over the next year to about 8,000 residents. Due to the quick population boom in search for gold, Bodie became a violent Wild West town.
The Downfall
Just a couple years after the quick town growth, the downfall began. The machinery used in the mines and mills needed more expensive upkeep and supplies. Gold was rarely discovered anymore.
By 1881, many people were already leaving the town in search of the next profitable town. The mines that had so much promise a year prior were now abandoned and investors were losing money. By the end of 1881, the town’s population dropped to about 800. The near 800 residents remained in hopes of another gold discovery.
The town would remain open while the 800 people kept doing what they could to support. Bodie generated just enough gold to support the town for the next 30 years. Companies tried cutting down expenses but more residents left due to very little money.
Standard Company which was the first company in Bodie closed their doors in 1913, deeming Bodie worthless. A handful of companies remained open as they struggled to stay afloat.
Years following Standard’s closing, new companies attempted to rebuilt Bodie’s economy with new technology. Bodie would become abandoned again when World War II and its hardships set in. A short time after, Bodie’s population dropped to zero.
Ghost Town
Residents packed what they could carry when they left, they left many items behind. Many general stores shelves and bars were still stocked and residents left furniture behind
In 1962, Bodie was officially names a National Historic Site and a State Historic Park. It was declared to be in “arrested decay”, which orders the preservation of ruins.
Now, visitors can visit Bodie, walk the streets and explore the preserved ghostly ruins. You may even hear a spooky ghost story or two. Bodie is now one of California’s most preserved ghost towns.
Bodie State Historic Park
Do you want to visit Bodie State Historic Park and experience it for yourself? If so, then be sure to check out their website for most up-to-date information.
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509
Phone Number: (760) 616-5040
Park Hours: Summer Hours – March 14th-November 6th
9am-6pm
Directions to Bodie State Historic Park
Quick time lapse dashcam video driving Bodie Road from Highway 395 to Bodie State Historic Park.
Bodie Road is located 7 miles south of Bridgeport on the 395. The road ends at the Bodie State Historic Park about 13 east. The road is narrow, windy and well paved the first 10 miles. Last three miles is grated gravel and a bit rough in spots making speeds much slower.
Photo & Video Equipment
Conclusion
This was not on my list of places to visit on this particular day as I didn’t know it was on my drive. As I was returning back to June Lake from Bridgeport I noticed the turnoff sign. Well, I figured since I was already in the area I might as well make a visit. I had my drone with me and hoping to capture some aerial video and photos but not drones are allowed.
I’m glad I made the turn to visit this historic ghost town, it was well worth the visit. The town is a good size and covers a lot of ground so be prepared for a lot of walking. Much of the town is already destroyed from the natural environment above 8000ft elevation.
Be prepared weather wise as this is a high elevation location in the Sierras. Weather can change quickly, one minute warm and perfect, the next will be high winds and nasty. Be prepared for all weather when you visit.
I highly recommend checking this site out for yourself so you can gather your own perspective. It is fascinating to understand how this place began and ended. Be sure to check out the Bodie State Historic Park website for the latest information before going.
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