Cerro Gordo, California, Inyo County is a fascinating ghost town with an intriguing history that captivates the imagination. Once a thriving silver mining town, it now stands as a tribute to the boom and bust cycles of the mining era. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Inyo County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 36.5375° N, 117.7947° W
Elevation: Approximately 8,500 feet (2,590 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: 1866
Disestablished: The town gradually declined in the late 19th century, with significant reduction in activity by the early 1900s.
Comments: Cerro Gordo, meaning “Fat Hill” in Spanish, was once one of the richest silver mines in California. At its peak, it provided significant wealth and resources, contributing to the development of Los Angeles. The town experienced rapid growth, attracting miners and entrepreneurs, and at its height, it boasted hotels, saloons, and a general store.
The Cerro Gordo Mines are a collection of abandoned mines located in the Inyo Mountains, in Inyo County, California. Mining operations were undertaken from 1866 until 1957, producing high-grade silver, lead, and zinc ore. Some ore was smelted on-site, but larger capacity smelters were eventually constructed along the shore of nearby Owens Lake.
These smelting operations were the beginnings of the towns of Swansea and Keeler. Most of the metal ingots produced here were transported to Los Angeles, but transportation difficulties hindered the success of the mines. Mining of silver and lead peaked in the early 1880s, with a second mining boom producing zinc in the 1910s.
Remains: Many of the original structures still remain, including the hotel, saloon, and several mining buildings. These remnants offer a glimpse into the town’s past and are a draw for history enthusiasts and ghost town explorers.
The Discovery of the silver ore is credited to Pablo Flores, who began mining and smelting operations near the summit of Buena Vista Peak in 1865. Due to hostile Indian activity, early mining efforts were rather limited. When hostile Indian activity subsided following the establishment of Fort Independence, mining efforts increased.
These early miners employed relatively primitive open pits and trenches techniques and used adobe ovens to smelt the ore. Businessman Victor Beaudry of nearby Independence, California Ghost Townlifornia, became impressed by the quality of silver being removed from Cerro Gordo and opened a store near the mine. He soon acquired several mining claims to settle unpaid debts and built two modern smelters.
Beaudry continued acquiring mining rights from debtors until he soon owned a majority of the richest and most productive mines in the area, including partial interest in the Union Mine.
Current Status: Cerro Gordo is privately owned and is undergoing preservation efforts. It is occasionally open to visitors, offering tours and events that highlight its rich history. Cerro Gordo is privately owned by Brent Underwood and currently a ghost town and tourist attraction. It still has several buildings including the general store and the American Hotel.
The American Hotel burned down in 2020, but plans to rebuild it are underway. Permission to visit must be obtained. For more information visit cerrogordomines.com.
Remarks: The town’s remote location and high elevation present unique preservation challenges but also contribute to its allure as a mysterious and historical site. Recent efforts to restore and maintain Cerro Gordo have sparked renewed interest, making it a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the frontier spirit. In 1868, Mortimer Belshaw arrived in Cerro Gordo, attracted by the rich deposits of galena ore.
After establishing a partnership with another stakeholder in the Union Mine, he brought the first wagon load of silver from Cerro Gordo to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, he was able to secure financing to build his own smelter that was superior to all other smelters at Cerro Gordo, as well as to build the first wagon road up the mountain.
This road became known as the Yellow Road from the color of the rock that it had been cut through. By operating the Yellow Road as a toll road, Belshaw was able to earn income and control the shipments of silver from the mountain.
