Midland, California, Riverside County is a ghost town that once thrived as a bustling community during the heyday of the mining industry. Situated in the vast expanses of the Californian desert, Midland is a tribute to the boom-and-bust cycle typical of many such towns. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Riverside County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 33.8433° N, 114.9600° W
Elevation: Approximately 1,250 feet (381 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: 1925
Disestablished: 1966
Comments: Midland was primarily established due to the nearby gypsum mines operated by the U.S. Gypsum Company. It served as a company town, providing residences and amenities for the workers and their families. The town had a school, post office, and various recreational facilities, reflecting a vibrant community life during its peak.
Remains: Midland is largely abandoned today, with few remnants of its past. Some foundations of buildings and scattered debris can still be seen, offering a glimpse into the town’s former existence.
The surrounding desert has reclaimed much of the area, making it an interesting location for historians and adventurers alike.
From 1925 to the 1960s, Midland was a company town owned by the U.S. Gypsum Co. The company had mined vast amounts of gypsum found in the area. Midland was also the site of a large plant that produced wallboard and plasterboard.
For some time, there was a three-part railroad between the quarry and the crusher, the last part being a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge line running few miles. The town’s water was shipped from Blythe by rail. At its peak, the town had a population of approximately 1,000.
Current Status: Midland is currently a ghost town. It has no permanent residents and is primarily visited by those interested in exploring abandoned places.
Remarks: Midland, California’s story, poignantly reminds us of the fleeting nature of mining towns. While the gypsum mines were once a source of prosperity, their closure led to the town’s decline.
Many winter scenes in Hollywood films during the 20th century utilized faux snow that originated from Midland. In the 1960s, an abandoned gypsum mine 3 mi (4.8 km) west of the plant was converted into a fallout shelter.
As the character of the gypsum found in the area was considered too heavy as the years went on, company activity in Midland subsided and then ended in 1966.
The desert’s isolation and harsh climate have preserved Midland’s remains, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the history of the American West.
