Desert Wanderings
Sep. 13th, 2005 07:15 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jjmaccrimmonWith several bits of real world mayhem interviening, I thought it was about time to conclude the grand tour of the mining district with a stop in Randsburg, CA.
Randsburg, CA
10 Oct 04
Randsburg was the last stop on our wandering for the day. It was founded in 1895 when gold was discovered in the hills around the present day town. In fact there are numerous places around town that were actually marked off limits with signs indicating unstable or open mine shafts. In the 30’s, the easier to mine gold (and silver) veins began to play out. World War 2 mining and industrial restrictions completely shut the mines.
Ghost town enthusiasts classify Randsburg as semi-dead. Much of the town is abandoned or decayed, though the rest clings stubbornly to life. In some places its just plain hard to tell if their condition is due to abandonment or lack of funds for upkeep. Some areas are very much in use, but there’s a strong sense that this town is out of place in time. That though may be changing.
The Falling House
The Garage
Used or not?
Downtown rush hour
The White Rose Tavern (Saloon)
Very recently, two of Randsburg’s mines reopened and a slow but steady trickle of high grade gold is coming out of the hills around the town. This is bringing life back into the town. There are a number of stores, small shops and some buildings have even been restored to past glory, including a (1920’s era) gasoline station, a barber shop, and a mercantile.
Storefront
Full service
Shave and Hair Cut – 2 bits!
After a nice late lunch in the General Store, we headed home tired, dirty but very satisfied.
Randsburg, CA
10 Oct 04
Randsburg was the last stop on our wandering for the day. It was founded in 1895 when gold was discovered in the hills around the present day town. In fact there are numerous places around town that were actually marked off limits with signs indicating unstable or open mine shafts. In the 30’s, the easier to mine gold (and silver) veins began to play out. World War 2 mining and industrial restrictions completely shut the mines.
Ghost town enthusiasts classify Randsburg as semi-dead. Much of the town is abandoned or decayed, though the rest clings stubbornly to life. In some places its just plain hard to tell if their condition is due to abandonment or lack of funds for upkeep. Some areas are very much in use, but there’s a strong sense that this town is out of place in time. That though may be changing.
The Falling House
The Garage
Used or not?
Downtown rush hour
The White Rose Tavern (Saloon)
Very recently, two of Randsburg’s mines reopened and a slow but steady trickle of high grade gold is coming out of the hills around the town. This is bringing life back into the town. There are a number of stores, small shops and some buildings have even been restored to past glory, including a (1920’s era) gasoline station, a barber shop, and a mercantile.
Storefront
Full service
Shave and Hair Cut – 2 bits!
After a nice late lunch in the General Store, we headed home tired, dirty but very satisfied.
