The Hoover House, located in Bodie, California, is a significant part of the town’s rich history. Bodie itself is a well-preserved ghost town that exemplifies the late 19th-century gold rush era in the United States. The town, named after Waterman S. Body (later spelled Bodie), experienced its peak during the late 1800s after gold was discovered in 1859.
The Hoover House was built during Bodie’s boom period in the late 19th century. The home served as a residence for the While specific records about the construction date of the Hoover House are scarce, it is believed to have been built around the 1880s, when Bodie was thriving with a population that peaked at around 10,000 people. The house is a representative example of the residential architecture of that time, featuring wood-frame construction and a design typical of the homes built for the town’s middle and upper-class citizens.
The Hoover Family
The Hoover House is named after the Hoover family, who were among the prominent residents of Bodie. Theodore Hoover, and his wife Mildred, lived in the house, while he served as the head of mining operations for the Standard Mill. It is said that Theodores brother, Herbert Hoover, visited the town during his tenure with the Standard Mill.
The house features a large veranda which overlooks the town and was one of the nicer structures in the town. However, this peace the site now must not compare with the sound of the stamp mills located just a few hundred feet from the front door. The stamps of the Standard mill of the operated 24 hours a day, six days a week and the sounds from the stamps could be heard four miles from the town.
The family was involved in various local businesses, contributing to the economic development of the town. Like many other families, the Hoovers moved to Bodie in search of prosperity brought about by the gold mining industry.
Life in Bodie
Life in Bodie during its peak was rough and often dangerous. The town was notorious for its lawlessness, with frequent gunfights and a high crime rate. Despite this, families like the Hoovers established homes and contributed to the community’s social fabric. The Hoover House would have been a comfortable residence compared to the more modest dwellings of the working-class miners.
The Hoover House Today
Today, the Hoover House stands as a testament to Bodie’s vibrant, albeit short-lived, history. Visitors to Bodie State Historic Park can view the house and get a sense of what life was like during the town’s heyday. The house, like many others in Bodie, offers a glimpse into the past, with its weathered wooden walls and remnants of a bygone era. The home is physically located near the Standard Mill.
The Hoover House, along with the rest of Bodie, serves as a historical treasure, providing valuable insights into the lives of those who lived during one of America’s most famous gold rushes.
Hoover House Summary
| Name | Hoover House |
| Location | Bodie, Mono County, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 38.2121, -119.0101 |
| Elevation | 8,425 ft |