Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Lost Burro Mine
The Lost Burro Mine is one of the best-preserved historic gold mining sites in Death Valley National Park, California. Located in a remote draw at the northern end of the mountain range separating Hidden Valley from Racetrack Valley (near Teakettle Junction in the Ubehebe Mining District), the mine sits in rugged terrain accessible only by high-clearance 4WD vehicles via a rough 1-mile dirt track off the Hidden Valley road. Its isolation has helped protect the site from vandalism, making it a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century prospecting life.
Discovery (1907)
The story of the Lost Burro Mine began on April 18, 1907, with a classic tale of serendipity. Prospector Bert Shively, while searching for his stray burros in a remote canyon, picked up a rock intending to throw it at the animals to get their attention. Instead of tossing it, he noticed the rock was laced with visible free gold. Surface assays from the outcroppings reportedly ran from $40 to $1,000 per ton — incredibly rich values for the era.
Shively quickly filed six claims and partnered with others, securing options worth around $45,000. The accidental discovery turned the site into one of the most promising gold properties in the Ubehebe District (an area otherwise known more for lead, silver, and copper).
Early Development and Peak Years (1907–1910s)
Despite the financial panic of 1907, work continued at the Lost Burro, regarded as one of the richest claims in the district. Ore samples averaged high gold values (some reports cite up to $80–$1,450 per ton in early assays), and the mine attracted multiple ownership changes and optimistic plans.
By the 1910s, development included short tunnels along the vein, with ore intersections averaging $25 per ton in later reports. Foundations were laid for a five-stamp mill and cyanide plant, intended to process ore on-site, with water piped in from Burro Spring (about 7.5 miles northeast on Tin Mountain) via a 2-inch pipeline. Remnants of this pipeline — along with rusted oil drums, tin cans, old chairs, and other debris — still litter the site.
The mine’s greatest production likely occurred between 1912 and 1917, though official records are sparse. It stands out as the only exclusively gold-bearing property in the Ubehebe District.
Later Operations and Decline (1920s–1970s)
The mine changed hands several times over the decades and was worked intermittently. In 1942, claims were relocated, and further amendments occurred in 1948 and 1970. A small amount of recorded production (about 255 ounces of gold between 1935 and 1942) exists, but unofficial estimates suggest the total lifetime output may have approached $100,000 in gold value.
Operations wound down by the 1970s, and the site was eventually incorporated into Death Valley National Park, where all mining claims became inactive.
Modern Legacy
Today, the Lost Burro Mine features a remarkably intact wooden cabin (in good condition, with stories of a “curse” leading some visitors to return removed artifacts), an outhouse, multiple adits (some used for storage), a one-chute ore bin, mill foundations stairstepping down the hillside, scattered machinery (including a small retort/smeltor and sluice box remnants), and tailings piles.
The site’s remoteness — requiring a challenging 4WD journey often combined with trips to the nearby Racetrack Playa — has kept it well-preserved and largely free of modern vandalism. Visitors are reminded to leave everything as found, as the area is protected wilderness.
The Lost Burro Mine remains a testament to the tenacity of Death Valley prospectors — turning a frustrated burro chase into a legendary gold story in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Always check current road conditions and permits with the National Park Service before visiting!
Lost Burro Mine Video
Lost Burro Mine Trail Map
Lippincott Mine
The Lippincott Mine (also known as the Lead King Mine) is a historic lead-silver mine located in the remote southwestern corner of Racetrack Valley within Death Valley National Park, California. Situated in the Ubehebe Mining District on the ridge separating Racetrack Valley from Saline Valley, the site represents one of the area’s more productive small-scale mining operations in the early-to-mid 20th century. Today, it features scattered ruins, adits (horizontal mine entrances), tailings piles, and remnants of mining infrastructure, though much has deteriorated over time. Visitors often access it via rough off-road routes, including the infamous Lippincott Mine Road.
Discovery and Early Development (1906–1910s)
The Lippincott Mine was discovered in 1906, with significant development work beginning around 1908. Located in a harsh, water-scarce desert environment, the mine targeted rich lead-silver deposits (primarily galena ore). Early ore samples showed impressive grades, often yielding around 42% lead and 8 ounces of silver per ton, making extraction economically viable despite the remote location.
The mine saw its most productive period during World War I, when demand for lead (used in ammunition and other wartime materials) surged. Miners reportedly used the flat, dry surface of the nearby Racetrack Playa as an improvised landing strip for small aircraft, aiding in supply transport and oversight.
World War II Era and Post-War Operations (1940s–1950s)
Operations ramped up again during World War II, with development of the Lead King Mine (under the Lippincott family) beginning in May 1942. A small crew of about eight miners extracted high-grade silver-lead ore, which was trucked out to Goldfield, Nevada, then railed to smelters in Utah. Only the richest ore was shipped due to challenging logistics — the silver was particularly valuable for wartime storage batteries.
Despite high ore quality (some reports cite up to 63% lead and 35 ounces of silver), federal restrictions shut down operations during the later war years as part of resource conservation efforts. The Lippincott family resumed work from 1946 to 1951, constructing additional infrastructure like a mine camp with wood and tarpaper cabins, an ore tipple, and possibly a tramway system.
Water scarcity remained a major challenge — supplies had to be trucked in over long distances — and this likely contributed to the eventual closure. Limited activity may have continued sporadically into the 1970s under later owners like George Lippincott Jr.’s Polaris Battery Company, which considered further exploration in 1974.
Legacy and Modern Significance
The Lippincott Mine is now part of Death Valley National Park, where all mining claims are inactive, and the site is protected as a historic resource. Ruins include adits (some gated for bat protection), scattered timbers, old vehicle parts, and tailings piles — visitors should avoid disturbing soil or inhaling dust due to potential residual lead contamination.
The mine’s access road — the steep, narrow, and extremely challenging Lippincott Mine Road (also called Lippincott Pass) — was originally built in 1906 to reach the site. This 7-mile route from Saline Valley to Racetrack Valley features sheer drop-offs, tight switchbacks, and rough terrain, making it one of Death Valley’s most notorious 4WD trails (high-clearance 4WD with experienced drivers only; uphill traffic has right-of-way).
The Lippincott Mine stands as a testament to the tenacity of early 20th-century prospectors in one of the harshest environments on Earth, contributing to the broader mining history of Death Valley that includes gold, silver, borax, and other metals. While not as famous as sites like Rhyolite or the Keane Wonder Mine, it remains a fascinating, off-the-beaten-path destination for adventurous visitors exploring Racetrack Valley’s moving rocks and remote wilderness. Always check current road conditions with the National Park Service before attempting access!
Jackrabbit Nevada – Lincoln County Ghost Town
Jackrabbit, Nevada, is a ghost town and former silver mining camp located in Lincoln County, on the eastern slopes of the Bristol Range. Originally named Royal City, the settlement was established in 1876 following the discovery of silver ore and became a modest but active mining community. Known for its colorful origin story and brief periods of prosperity, Jackrabbit’s history reflects the boom-and-bust cycle typical of Nevada’s 19th-century mining towns. This report explores the town’s origins, development, decline, and historical significance, drawing on primary sources, historical markers, and secondary accounts.
Origins and Early Development (1876–1878)
The Jackrabbit Mining District was founded in 1876 by prospector Isaac Newton Garrison. Local legend attributes the discovery of silver to Garrison picking up a rock to throw at a jackrabbit, only to find it contained high-grade silver ore. This tale, while possibly apocryphal, gave the district and its primary mine their name. The camp, initially called Royal City, quickly attracted miners and settlers due to the promise of rich silver deposits.
By late 1876, Royal City had developed into a small but functional settlement. The town included:
- A general store
- A saloon
- A boarding house
- A restaurant
- A blacksmith shop
Early mine production was significant, with the Jackrabbit Mine yielding approximately ten tons of ore per day. The ore, carrying native silver in flakes, averaged $40 per ton but could reach as high as $2,000 per ton in richer veins. Ore was transported to nearby Bristol and Pioche for milling, as Jackrabbit lacked its own processing facilities. A post office operated briefly from 1878 to 1879, reflecting the town’s early optimism and activity. Total production for the district during this period is estimated at $2,000,000 to $6,000,000 (roughly $60,000,000 to $180,000,000 in 2025 dollars).
Peak and Challenges (1879–1891)
Jackrabbit’s early years were marked by steady mining activity, but the town never grew into a major hub like nearby Pioche. By the early 1880s, mineral production began to decline as the richest veins were exhausted. The lack of local milling infrastructure and the high cost of transporting ore to Bristol or Pioche limited profitability. The town’s population remained small, likely numbering fewer than 100 residents at its peak, and its role as a minor stopover was cemented by its designation as the “last whiskey stop” for southbound stages to Pioche.
Despite these challenges, Jackrabbit maintained a modest community. The Day and Jackrabbit mines continued to produce ore, and the town’s businesses catered to miners and travelers. Newspaper clippings from the late 1870s and 1880s, such as those preserved by the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism, note ongoing prospecting in the area, with miners hoping to uncover new strikes similar to the Jackrabbit and nearby Mayflower mines. However, the town struggled to compete with larger, better-connected mining centers.
Revival and the Narrow-Gauge Railroad (1891–1893)
A brief revival occurred in 1891 with the construction of a 15-mile narrow-gauge railroad, known as the “Jackrabbit Road,” connecting the Jackrabbit Mine to Pioche. This railroad, built to reduce transportation costs, spurred a temporary increase in mining activity. The improved access allowed for more efficient ore shipment, and production rose as new workings were opened. During this period, the town was officially renamed Jackrabbit, reflecting the prominence of the mine and its origin story.
The revival was short-lived, however. By 1893, the mines again became unprofitable due to depleted high-grade ore and falling silver prices, exacerbated by the Panic of 1893. The railroad ceased operations, and the town’s population dwindled as miners left for more promising prospects.
Final Activity and Abandonment (1906–1914)
Jackrabbit saw two brief periods of renewed activity in the early 20th century. In 1906–1907, small-scale mining resumed, possibly driven by technological improvements or temporary spikes in silver demand. Another attempt in 1912–1914 included the construction of an aerial tramway connecting the Jackrabbit Mine to the Bristol Mine, but these efforts failed to sustain the town. By the mid-1910s, Jackrabbit was effectively abandoned, with only occasional prospecting in the surrounding district.
Archaeological and Historical Significance
Today, Jackrabbit is a ghost town with minimal physical remains. Located approximately 14 miles north of Pioche and one mile west of U.S. Highway 93, the site includes remnants such as mine headframes, building foundations, and scattered debris. Visitors are cautioned to avoid climbing on old structures or entering mining tunnels due to safety hazards. The Nevada State Historical Marker No. 204, erected by the Nevada State Park System and Nevada Historical Society, stands near the site, commemorating its history.
Archaeological evidence provides insight into Jackrabbit’s modest scale and industrial focus. The site’s remote location and lack of significant infrastructure distinguish it from larger boomtowns like Virginia City or Tonopah. Historical records, including Stanley W. Paher’s Nevada Ghost Towns & Mining Camps and James Gamett’s Nevada Post Offices: An Illustrated History, document the town’s brief existence and its role in Lincoln County’s mining history.
Legacy
Jackrabbit, Nevada, exemplifies the transient nature of small-scale mining camps in the American West. Its colorful origin story, modest prosperity, and eventual decline reflect the challenges of sustaining resource-dependent communities in remote regions. The town’s connection to the broader silver mining economy, particularly through its railroad link to Pioche, underscores its place in Nevada’s industrial history. While overshadowed by larger mining centers, Jackrabbit remains a point of interest for historians, ghost town enthusiasts, and those exploring Lincoln County’s high desert landscape.
Conclusion
From its founding in 1876 as Royal City to its abandonment by the early 20th century, Jackrabbit, Nevada, was a fleeting chapter in the state’s mining saga. Its silver mines, small community, and brief railroad era highlight the ambition and impermanence of Nevada’s frontier settlements. Though little remains of Jackrabbit today, its story endures through historical markers, archival records, and the rugged beauty of the Bristol Range.
Nevada State Historic Marker
Local legend attributes the discovery to the locator picking up a rock to throw at a jackrabbit and finding himself holding high grade silver. Located on the eastern slope of the Bristol Mountains, the Jack Rabbit District, named for the mine, was located in 1876 by Isaac Newton Garrison. Within months the camp, at one time named Royal City, had a store, saloon, boarding house and restaurant. Early mine production was about ten tons per day, carrying native silver in flakes, yielding about $40 per ton — sometimes as high as $2000 per ton. Total production of the District is estimated at about $2,000,000 to $6,000,000. Mine production declined during the 1880’s, but when a fifteen-mile narrow gauge railroad was opened in 1891 between the Jackrabbit mine and Pioche, mineral production soon increased. After 1893 the mines fell silent except for several short periods of activity in 1906-07 and 1912-14.
Nevada State Historic Marker
Town Summary
| Name | Jack Rabbit |
| Location | Lincoln County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 38.094009, -114.595399 |
| Nevada State Historic Marker | 204 |
| Elevation | 6330 |
| Population | |
| Post Office | October 15, 1878 – January 26, 1879 – (Royal City) |
Directions
The ghost town of Jackrabbit Nevada is about 14 miles north of Pioche and one mile west of the US 93.
Jackrabbit Trail Map
References
Ubehebe Lead Mine
The Ubehebe Lead Mine is located just west of theRacetrack Playa Road off of the Bonnie Claire Road. Discovered in 1906, the mine is located on the west side of the Racetrack valley just south of Teakettle junction. The site was started as a copper mine and during to coarse of its operation would produce lead, copper, gold and zinc.
Early Discovery and Initial Interest (1875–Early 1900s)
The deposit was first discovered by copper prospectors in 1875, with surface samples reportedly assaying as high as 67% copper. However, the extreme remoteness, lack of water, and poor transportation made development unfeasible at the time. The area saw little activity until the early 1900s, when rising copper demand (driven by widespread electrification) sparked renewed interest in Death Valley’s mineral prospects.
Boom Period and Jack Salsberry’s Involvement (1906–1908)
The modern era began in 1906, when the site gained attention amid the broader mining excitement in the region (including the short-lived Greenwater copper boom). Promoter Jack Salsberry (who later had Salsberry Pass named after him) acquired the property, built access roads from Ubehebe Crater, and promoted ambitious plans — including a proposed Bonnie Claire & Ubehebe Railroad to haul ore to Nevada rail lines. Some hype even linked it to legendary “Lost Spanish Mine” tales.
In February 1908, miners uncovered a thick vein of lead ore (described as up to eight feet wide), shifting focus from copper to lead and prompting the name change to Ubehebe Lead Mine. The first recorded production came that year, with shipments including 491 ounces of silver. Enthusiasm led to stockpiling 26,000 pounds of supplies for an eight-man crew, but assays and processing yielded far lower values than expected.
Intermittent Operations (1910s–1950s)
Production remained sporadic due to isolation, high transport costs, and inconsistent ore grades. Key highlights include:
- 1916: Peak year, with 254 tons of 15% lead ore shipped.
- 1930s: Successive lessees cleaned out old stopes; in 1937, operator Sol Camp attempted revival amid rising lead prices, contracting hauls to Death Valley Junction for shipment to Utah smelters.
- 1940s–1950s: Activity continued on a small scale, with shipments in 1951 (averaging 13.8% lead, 4.93% zinc, 3.47 oz silver/ton) and 1952 (12.4% lead, 12.4% zinc, plus silver, copper, and gold). Total historical output from the broader Ubehebe Peak area (1908–1951) included thousands of tons of ore yielding significant lead (over 2.6 million pounds), plus zinc, silver, copper, and minor gold.
The nearby area also saw World War II use for aerial gunnery practice.
Decline and Modern Status
Operations wound down by the mid-20th century, with some reports of activity into the late 1960s. The mine never became a major producer due to logistical challenges. It is now within Death Valley Wilderness on National Park Service land — closed to mining, with no plans for reopening. The site serves as a fascinating (but dangerous) historical remnant of Death Valley’s mining era.
The Ubehebe Lead Mine exemplifies the boom-and-bust pattern typical of Death Valley mining: high hopes fueled by rich surface showings, dashed by the desert’s unforgiving realities. Access requires high-clearance (often 4×4) vehicles via the rough Racetrack Road — check current conditions with the National Park Service before visiting!
Ubehebe Mine Trail Map
Death Valley Campgrounds
 Emigrant CampgroundEmigrant Campground is a tent only campground located next to CA Route 190 near the boundary of Death Valley National Park, California. The campgrounds is… |
Eureka Dunes Dry CampEureka Dunes Campground is near a small localize sand dunes formation with Death Valley National Monument. Eureka Dunes Dry Camp is located next to the… |
 Furnace Creek CampgroundFurnace Creek Campground is located at -200 below sea level in Death Valley National Park, California. The campground is the most popular in the Death… |
 Homestake Dry CampHomestake Dry Camp - A primative campsite at Racetrack Valley The Homestake Dry camp is a primitive campground located in Racetrack valley inside Death Valley… |
Mahogany Flat CampgroundMahogany Flat Campground lies at 8,200 feet in the Panamint Mountain Range in Death Valley National Parl. The campground provides access to hiking and backpacking,… |
 Mesquite Springs CampgroundMesquite Springs Campground located near Scotty's Castle in Death Valley Mesquite Springs is a campground in Death Valley National Park, Located just a few short… |
 Stovepipe WellsStovepipe Wells Campgound is located in Stovepipe wells just off the 190 highway in Death Valley National Park. Located about 25 miles away from Furnace… |
 Sunset CampgroundSunset Campground is another large, flat parking lot campground primary for RV camping located near Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park, California. The Campground… |
Texas Springs CampgroundTexas Springs Campground is another large campground, primarilyy for RV and trailer camping within Death Valley National Park. The campground a mile of the Furnace… |
Thorndike CampgroundThorndike campground is located at 7,400 feet in the Panamint Mountains in Death Valley National Park. The campground is accessible to high clearance vehicles only… |
Wildrose CampgroundWildrose Campground is located at 4100 feet above sea level in the Paramint Mountains within Death Valley National Park. This semi-primative campground is located off… |
Death Valley Points of Interest
 Artist DriveArtist Drive is perhaps one of the most popular and scenic drives through a colorful palette of geology, located in Death Valley National Park, California.… |
 Badwater BasinBadwater Basin, located in Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, California, is the lowest point in North America, sitting at 282 feet (86 meters) below… |
 Ballarat California – Inyo County Ghost TownBallarat, California Located in Inyo County, Ballarat California is a ghost town which supposedly has a few residents living their dream within the town. Ballarat… |
 Barker RanchThomason/Barker Ranch is a five-acre property within Death Valley National Park. This historic site is located off of Goler Wash in the southern Panamint Range… |
 Cerro Gordo California – Inyo County Ghost TownLocated in the Inyo Mountains on the eastern side of Owens Valley, Cerro Gordo California is a currently a ghost town after almost 100 years… |
 Chloride City California – Inyo County Ghost TownChloride City California is located within Death Valley National Park and Inyo County, California. The town arose out of silver discoveries in nearby Chloride Cliff… |
 Darwin FallsThe waterfalls of Darwin are located on the western edge of Death Valley National Park near the settlement of Panamint Springs, California. Although there exists… |
 Death Valley RailroadThe Death Valley Railroad (DVRR) was a historic 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge railroad that once operated in Death Valley. Built primarily to support mining… |
 Goldbelt SpringsA discovery by the famous prospector "Shorty Harris", led to the founding on the Goldbelt Springs mining district off Hunter Mountain Road in Death Valley… |
 Greenwater California – Inyo County Ghost TownIn the scorched embrace of the Funeral Mountains, where the Mojave Desert meets the unrelenting heat of Death Valley, lies the spectral outline of Greenwater—a… |
 Harrisburg California – Inyo County Ghost TownHarrisburg, California, a now-abandoned ghost town in Inyo County, was a fleeting but significant mining camp in Death Valley’s history. Established in 1905 following a… |
 Henry Wade Escape RouteThe Henry Wade Escape Route is an easy 4x4 trail suitable for almost any vehicle and connects highway 127 to Badwater Road. The route is… |
 Keane Wonder Mine – “King of the Desert”The Keane Wonder Mine is perhaps the most visited gold mining facility in Death Valley National Park in eastern California. Mining operations began in December… |
 Leadfield California – A Death Valley Ghost TownLeadfield California is a ghost town located in Inyo County and Death Valley National Park and found on the Titus Canyon Trail. The town boom… |
 Lost Burro MineThe Lost Burro Mine is one of the best-preserved historic gold mining sites in Death Valley National Park, California. Located in a remote draw at… |
 Myers RanchMyers Ranch is a privately owned ranch located in Goler Wash in the Panamint Mountains of Death Valley National Park, California. The forty acre ranch… |
 One Tree Hill, A trip to the U2 Joshua TreeA trip to the U2 Joshua Tree brought back a life time of memories. There was never a point in time that I was not… |
 Panamint City California – Inyo County Ghost TownPanamint City California - 1875 Panamint City California is a ghost town and silver mine site located in Inyo County. The town site was built… |
 Racetrack ValleyTeaKettle Junction lets you know you are starting to get close to the Racetrack. Racetrack valley is a rough graded road which departs the Ubehebe… |
 Rhyolite Nevada – Nye County Ghost TownRhyolite is a ghost town location just outside of the Eastern edge of Death Valley National monument in Nye country, Nevada. Founded in 1904 by… |
 Ryan California – Inyo County GhosttownPerched precariously on the steep eastern flanks of the Amargosa Range at an elevation of 3,045 feet (928 meters), Ryan, California—once a thriving borax mining… |
 Schwab CaliforniaSchwab is a gold mining camp and ghost town located in Echo-Lee Mining District of Death Valley National Park in California. The little townsite of… |
 Scottys Castle – The Death Valley RanchScottys Castle located in Grapevine Canyon in Death Valley. Named after Walter Scott AKA "Death Valley Scotty", Scottys Castle or the Death Valley Ranch is… |
 Skidoo California – Inyo County Ghost TownSkidoo, California, once a bustling gold mining town in the early 20th century, now stands as a ghost town within Death Valley National Park. Located… |
 Teakettle JunctionLocated at the intersection of Hunter Mountain Road and Race Track Valley Road, Teakettle Junction is a unique point of interest in Death Valley National… |
 The Amargosa Opera HouseRecently, on a whim, my wife and I loaded up the jeep and opt to just explore the desert West of our home town of… |
 Ubehebe CraterUbehebe Crater is a volcanic crater located near Grapevine Canyon in Death Valley National Park in California. The crater is approximately 600 deep and one… |
 Ubehebe Lead MineThe Ubehebe Lead Mine is located just west of theRacetrack Playa Road off of the Bonnie Claire Road. Discovered in 1906, the mine is located… |
 Warm Springs RoadA short side trip from the Saline Valley Road to the Saline Valley Warm Springs in Death Valley National Park, California. The road is used… |
 Zabriskie PointZabriskie Point is perhaps one of the best known and popular overlooks in the entire Death Valley National Park, California. The landmark is named for… |
Owens Lake Steamships
Today it is difficult to imagine, but at one time not so long ago, Owens Lake Steamships ferried supplies and silver ore across Owens Lake from the booming silver town of Cerro Gordo, California. Cerro Gordo was a booming silver town located at high elevations in the White Mountains above the tree line. Water and fuel are hauled up the mountain utilizing freight wagons to support the silver mines.
Owens Lake, nestled in the Owens Valley of California, was once a shimmering gem nestled beneath the towering Sierra Nevada mountains. Spanning over 100 square miles, it was a vital oasis for diverse wildlife and a haven for migratory birds. Its glassy surface reflected the surrounding peaks, creating a picturesque landscape beloved by locals and travelers alike. With its abundant water and fertile shores, it supported Native American communities for centuries. However, as Los Angeles began to grow in the late 19th century, demands for water led to the diversion of the Owens River, gradually desiccating Owens Lake and leaving behind a vast salt flat.
Cerro Gordo was a silver mining town located high in the White Mountains east of Owens Lake. The elevation of the town offered some unique challenges in terms of supplies, such as water and fuel. Infrastructure to support the mines and the community needed to be built by Mortimer Belshaw. These supplies are staged in Keeler, CA and hauled up to the town using teams of wagons and a tramway. It is a natural step to build a ferry system to facilitate the transfer of goods, services and more importantly silver bars produce at Cerro Gordo.
Owens Lake itself faced a significant transformation in the 20th century. The Los Angeles Aqueduct, completed in 1913, diverted water from the Owens River, which fed the lake, to Los Angeles. This diversion caused Owens Lake to dry up, transforming it into a largely dry lakebed with environmental and health issues due to dust storms.
Bessie Brady
The Bessie Brady made its maiden voyage on July 4, 1872. Measuring about 85 feet in length with a 19-foot beam, the vessel could carry up to 100 tons of cargo, significantly reducing the time and cost of transporting ore. The ship’s route ran from the town of Swansea, near the western shore of Owens Lake, to Cartago on the southern shore. From Cartago, the ore was transported to Los Angeles. The steamer was actually so efficient in hauling silver ore to Cartago Landing, near Olancha, Ca, that the bullion began to pile up. The teamsters who hauled the Silver Ore from Olancha to Los Angeles, simply could not keep up with the vessel.
The introduction of the Bessie Brady revolutionized transportation in the Owens Valley. It provided a more reliable and faster means of moving ore from the Cerro Gordo Mines to markets, boosting the local economy. The steamship also transported supplies and passengers, further integrating the remote mining community with the rest of California.
The success of the Bessie Brady was relatively short-lived. By the mid-1870s, the completion of the Carson and Colorado Railroad reduced the need for lake transport. The railroad provided an even more efficient means of moving goods and people, leading to a decline in the use of the steamship.
Despite its decline, the Bessie Brady continued to operate for several years, serving various purposes, including transporting salt from the lake’s evaporative salt works.
| Name | Bessie Brady |
| Other Names | “The Pioneer inland steamer of the Pacific Coast” |
| Years of Operation | June 27, 1872 – May 11, 1882 |
| Length | 85 feet |
| Beam | 16 feet |
| Propulsion | 20 HP Single Cylinder Oscillating Type Steam 10 inch cylinder bore and 10 inch stroke |
| Propeller | 54 inches |
Molly Stevens
The Molly Stevens was a steamboat built in the late in 1877 and launched on in May of that year by Colonel Sherman Vanderventer Stevens. It was named after Molly Stevens, in honor of his daughter Molly.. The vessel was is smaller than the Bessie Perl, but does boast of more powerful powerplant. A few days after its’ maiden voyage, the steamship is swamped in the heavy wind driven lake waters. She is raised again to the surface with the help of the Bessie Brady.
By 1878, the Molly Stevens is only making the occasional trip across the Lake and spends the majority of her time moored. In 1881, the vessels is hauling from $6,000 in bullion a week, which is produced by nearby mills. Due to lack of hauling efficiency, the Molly Stevens is again moored and eventually scrapped in the spring of 1882.
On May 11th, 1882, during a refitted of the more powerful steam plant from the Molly Stevens to the Bessie Brady a fire breaks. The fire is started spontaneously by a combination of the Oakum, oil, paint and tar. The inferno quickly takes hold and destroys the last of the steamships on Owens Lake.
The Molly Stevens and Bessie Brady played a crucial role in the economic development of the Owens Valley. By transporting ore efficiently across Owens Lake, these vessels helped boost the mining industry, which was the backbone of the local economy. The presence of the two steamships reduced the time and cost associated with overland transport, making mining operations more profitable.
Molly Stevens Characteristics
| Name | Molly Stevens |
| Years of operation | 1877 – 1882 |
The Lost Treasure of the Bessie Brady
One other incident, which is not documented, is the alleged existence of a lost treasure in Owens Lake. Allegedly, a wagon load of bullion hauled by the Bessie Brady is swept overboard during a high wind storm. The tale is told that the heavy bullion-filled wagon was not correctly chained to the deck and simply swept over the side.
The story could be from a combination of events, such as the swamping and sinking of the Molly Stevens.
Seemingly a rumor, the Lost Treasure of the Bessie Brady seems to always originate from a person who allegedly heard from someone who knew the captain.