Keeler, California, is a near-ghost town with a rich history tied to mining and transportation in the Owens Valley. Below is the detailed information:
County: Inyo County
Zip Code: 93530
Latitude / Longitude: 36.4875° N, 117.8742° W
Elevation: 3,602 feet (1,098 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8; UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time)
Established: Early 1870s
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished; currently a near-ghost town
Comments: Originally named Hawley, Keeler was established as a freight terminal on the eastern shore of Owens Lake. The town served as a key point for transporting silver ore from the Cerro Gordo Mines across the lake. In 1883, the Carson and Colorado Railroad extended its line to Keeler, bolstering its role in regional mining operations.
Remains: Several structures still stand in Keeler, including the old train depot, remnants of the Sierra Talc Company mill, and various abandoned homes and buildings. The town also features the Keeler Cemetery and the remains of the Keeler swimming pool, a popular spot in the mid-1920s.
Current Status: Near-ghost town with a small population of around 50 residents as of recent estimates.
Remarks: Keeler’s decline began after the Los Angeles Aqueduct diverted water from the Owens River in 1913, leading to the desiccation of Owens Lake by 1926. This environmental change, coupled with the closure of nearby mines, significantly reduced the town’s economic viability. Despite its near-ghost town status, Keeler remains a point of interest for those exploring California’s mining history and the effects of early 20th-century water diversion projects.
For a visual exploration of Keeler’s history and current state, you might find the following video informative:
