Carnegie, California, San Joaquin County is a fascinating ghost town that once thrived during the coal mining boom. Hidden away in the vast landscapes of California, Carnegie offers a glimpse into the industrious past that has long since faded. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: San Joaquin County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 37.6104° N, 121.4397° W
Elevation: Approximately 413 feet (126 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: Early 20th century
Disestablished: 1911
Comments: Carnegie was established as a coal mining community, named after the famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie. It was part of the Western Pacific Railroad’s expansion, which sought to exploit the area’s coal resources. The town was bustling with activity during its peak, with numerous mining operations and a small population of workers and their families.
Remains: Carnegie’s remnants are sparse, with only a few foundations and scattered debris marking the location of the once-thriving town. The site is now part of the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area, where off-road enthusiasts explore the rugged terrain.
It was discovered that the San Francisco & San Joaquin Coal Company’s Tesla coal mines in Corral Hollow contained a rich deposit of clay. Fueled by California’s rapid population growth and the subsequent demand for building materials mine owners James and John Treadwell of the Treadwell gold mine formed the Carnegie Brick and Pottery Company in 1902. The Treadwells named the company after philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
In 1904 the plant to make brick and architectural terra cotta was built near the Alameda and San Joaquin Railroad line, four miles east of the coal mining town of Tesla. A town was in place with over 300 inhabitants (mainly Italian artisans) and the town’s brick factory was producing upwards of 100,000 bricks per day. In 1904, the Pottery sewer pipe plant was built between Carnegie and Tesla.
Current Status: Carnegie is classified as a ghost town, with no remaining residents. It is primarily visited by those interested in history and outdoor activities within the recreation area. Today only the foundation of the brickworks can be seen within the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area.
Materials from Carnegie Brick and Pottery were used to build the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Oakland Hotel, and the Carnegie libraries in Livermore and Lodi, California Ghost Townlifornia. The site of the former town is registered as a California Historical Landmark.
Remarks: Carnegie’s story is a tribute to the boom-and-bust cycle of mining towns in the American West. While the coal industry once promised prosperity, its decline led to Carnegie’s swift abandonment. Today, it serves as a reminder of the region’s rich industrial past and the enduring allure of exploration and freedom in the vast Californian landscapes.
In 1911, a flood destroyed bridges, roads, and buildings that the company could not afford to rebuild. The towns of Carnegie and Tesla were abandoned. In January 1916, the Western Pacific Railroad abandoned the rail line from Carbona. In 1916, the company was sold to Gladding, McBean of Lincoln, California Ghost Townlifornia.
The new owners, in an effort to reduce competition, sold off the factory’s equipment and destroyed what remained of the town’s buildings. On May 27, 1917, the tall smokestacks at the plant were dynamited.
