Lila C, California, Inyo County was once a thriving mining town, nestled within the rugged terrain of Inyo County. It captured the imaginations of prospectors and adventurers alike, seeking fortune in the heart of California’s desert landscapes. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Inyo County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 36.5633° N, 117.3717° W
Elevation: Approximately 3,500 feet
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: 1906
Disestablished: 1915
Comments: Lila C was established during the early 20th century mining boom, as prospectors flocked to the area in search of valuable minerals. The town was named after a local mining claim and quickly grew to accommodate the influx of miners and their families.
However, like many mining towns of its era, the settlement faced challenges due to the harsh desert environment and fluctuating ore prices.
Remains: Lila C’s remnants are sparse, with only a few foundations and scattered mining equipment visible today. Time and the elements have taken their toll, leaving behind a ghostly reminder of the town’s brief existence.
The settlement was connected by rail to the Lila C Mine, which produced Colemanite for the Pacific Coast Borax Company, from which it got its name. The property was named by its owner William Tell Coleman, for his daughter, Lila C. Coleman. Francis Marion Smith subsequently obtained the property and started the first borax operations there in 1907.
Production began several months before the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad had reached the mine, and mule teams were used to cover the remaining distance until the railroad arrived. The name was also changed to Ryan at that time, in honor of John Ryan, “Borax” Smith’s trusted supervisor.
Current Status: Lila C is considered a ghost town with no permanent residents. It is occasionally visited by historians and ghost town enthusiasts who explore Inyo County’s rich mining history.
Remarks: Despite its short life span, Lila C is a tribute to the boom-and-bust cycles typical of mining towns in the American West. Its remains are a silent witness to the dreams and ambitions of those who once called it home, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of exploration and adventure.
