Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Bodie 601 Vigilante Group
Bodie, California, a gold rush boomtown in the late 19th century, was notorious for its lawlessness and violence. Amid this chaotic environment, the Bodie 601 vigilante group emerged as a response to the perceived failures of formal law enforcement. The group’s name, “601,” is commonly interpreted as “6 feet under, 0 trials, 1 rope,” reflecting their commitment to swift, extrajudicial justice. This report examines the origins, actions, and legacy of the Bodie 601 vigilante group, focusing on their most infamous act—the lynching of Joseph DeRoche in January 1881.
Historical Context
Bodie’s rapid growth followed the discovery of gold in 1859 by William S. Bodey, with a significant boom between 1877 and 1880 when the Standard Company unearthed substantial gold deposits. By 1879, Bodie’s population swelled to approximately 2,712, supporting over 2,000 buildings, including 65 saloons, gambling halls, and brothels. The town’s violent reputation was fueled by a high murder rate—31 killings between 1877 and 1882—earning it the moniker of a “shooter’s town” by the Sacramento Union. With an ineffective legal system, where only one of 40 murder charges resulted in a conviction, citizens turned to vigilante justice to restore order.
Vigilante groups were not unique to Bodie. During the Gold Rush era, similar committees formed across the American West, notably in San Francisco in the 1850s, where the term “601” first appeared, symbolizing rapid retribution. These groups arose when communities believed law enforcement was inadequate or corrupt, a sentiment echoed in Bodie’s lawless streets.
The Formation of the Bodie 601
The Bodie 601 vigilante group consisted of business owners, miners, and other residents frustrated by rampant crime and the failure of the legal system to deliver justice. Operating in secrecy to avoid scrutiny from newspaper reporters, the group’s membership reportedly included both masked and unmasked individuals, suggesting a mix of anonymity and open defiance. Their actions were driven by a desire to curb the violence that plagued Bodie, particularly in response to high-profile crimes that inflamed public sentiment.
The group’s name, while popularly understood as “6 feet under, 0 trials, 1 rope,” lacks definitive contemporary evidence for this interpretation. A note pinned to Joseph DeRoche’s body after his lynching read, “All others take warning. Let no one cut him down. Bodie 601,” but no newspaper from the time explicitly decoded the numerals. The meaning likely evolved as part of Bodie’s mythos, reinforced by similar vigilante groups in San Francisco and Virginia City, Nevada.
The Lynching of Joseph DeRoche
The most documented act of the Bodie 601 was the lynching of Joseph DeRoche on January 24, 1881, following his murder of Thomas Treloar. On January 15, 1881, at a ball in the Miners’ Union Hall, DeRoche danced with Treloar’s wife, despite Treloar’s objections. Later that night, as Treloar and his wife walked down Main Street, DeRoche ambushed them at the corner of Main and Lowe Streets, shooting Treloar in the head with a British Bulldog pocket revolver. DeRoche was arrested but handed over to a drunken Deputy Farnsworth, allowing him to escape briefly down Goat Ranch Road. He was recaptured eight miles away and returned to Bodie’s jail.
Public outrage over the murder simmered through the weekend. On the night of January 23, 200–300 men, including members of the 601, organized a secretive committee. Between 1:30 and 2:00 a.m. on January 24, they marched to the jail on Bonanza Avenue, armed with shotguns and revolvers. Jailer Kirgan, confronted by cries of “Bring him out” and “Open the door,” complied, and DeRoche was removed from his cell. The vigilantes marched him to the corner of Main and Lowe Streets, where the murder occurred, and used a gallows frame from Webber’s blacksmith shop for the hanging. DeRoche, described as displaying “dogged and defiant submission,” was asked if he had any final words. He reportedly said, “I have nothing to say only O God,” before being hanged. A note bearing the 601 inscription was pinned to his body, serving as a warning to others.
The Bodie Free Press described the event as “awful and impressive,” noting the deliberate planning and the community’s resolve to punish DeRoche without a trial. The swift execution underscored the group’s commitment to immediate justice, bypassing a legal system that often failed to convict due to claims of self-defense.
Legacy and Impact
The lynching of DeRoche cemented the Bodie 601’s place in the town’s lore, contributing to its reputation as a lawless frontier settlement. The event was widely reported, amplifying Bodie’s image as a “terribly wicked place,” despite efforts by some residents to counter this narrative. The 601’s actions reflected the broader vigilante tradition in the American West, where communities took justice into their own hands when formal systems faltered. However, the lack of trials raised ethical questions, with some historians suggesting that vigilante groups occasionally targeted innocent individuals, as seen in controversies like the Montana vigilantes and Henry Plummer.
Bodie’s violent era waned as gold reserves depleted, and by the early 20th century, it transitioned into a ghost town. Today, preserved in a state of “arrested decay” by California State Parks, Bodie attracts visitors eager to explore its Wild West legacy. The story of the 601 vigilante group remains a central part of this narrative, symbolizing the harsh realities of frontier justice.
Conclusion
The Bodie 601 vigilante group was a product of its time, born from the lawlessness of a gold rush boomtown and the community’s desperation for order. Their most notable act, the lynching of Joseph DeRoche, highlights the brutal efficiency of vigilante justice and its lasting impact on Bodie’s historical identity. While the group’s actions addressed immediate concerns, they also contributed to the mythologized image of Bodie as a violent outpost of the Wild West. The 601’s legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities of frontier justice, where necessity and morality often clashed.
Sources
- Bodie, California. (n.d.). The 601 vigilante group and Joseph DeRoche. Retrieved from www.bodie.com
- True West Magazine. (2019, July 2). Vigilante Committees. Retrieved from truewestmagazine.com
- Piatt, M. H. (2010, August). Correcting Recent Bodie Myths. Retrieved from www.bodiehistory.com
- Pacific Adventure Club. (n.d.). The Infamous Bad Man of Bodie and the California Ghost Town. Retrieved from www.pacificadventureclub.com
- When In Your State. (n.d.). How the gold rush created the most lawless town in the American West. Retrieved from wheninyourstate.com
- Legends of America. (n.d.). Old West Vigilantes. Retrieved from www.legendsofamerica.com
Nevadaville, Colorado – Gilpin County Ghosttown
Nevadaville, Colorado, is a historic gold-mining town in Gilpin County, located in the Rocky Mountains just west of Central City at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet. Now largely a ghost town with only a handful of residents (around 6 as of recent records), it represents a classic example of Colorado’s boom-and-bust mining history during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush era.
Founding and Early Growth (1859–1860s)
Nevadaville traces its origins to 1859, shortly after John H. Gregory discovered the first significant lode gold deposits in the area (known as Gregory Gulch or Gregory Digging). At the time, the region was part of western Kansas Territory. The settlement initially formed as a camp for miners working nearby claims, particularly the Burroughs lode and Kansas lode. It was first known simply as Nevada or Nevada City (and sometimes associated with Bald Mountain), with the post office later operating as Bald Mountain to avoid confusion with other “Nevada” towns.
The town quickly attracted hundreds of prospectors, many of them Irish immigrants, who lived and worked in the crowded Gregory Gulch area alongside neighboring settlements like Central City (the social and economic hub) and Black Hawk (the smelting and industrial center). Nevadaville served primarily as a working-class residential community for miners. By 1860–1861, it had grown rapidly, boasting quartz mills (around 20–40 in the vicinity), stores, hotels, private dwellings, and a population that reportedly reached about 2,705—slightly larger than Denver’s at the time (around 2,603). Some accounts suggest it approached or exceeded 4,000 residents in its broader peak period.
Early institutions included a Masonic lodge organized in 1859 (initially Nevada Number 36 under the Kansas Grand Lodge, later becoming Nevada Lodge Number 4 under the new Colorado jurisdiction). A large fire in 1861 destroyed over 50 buildings, including a boardinghouse run by naturalist Martha Maxwell, but the town was quickly rebuilt.
Peak Prosperity (1870s–1890s)
The name changed to Nevadaville around 1870. The town continued to thrive as gold mining expanded, supported by stamp mills and other infrastructure. It featured saloons, a general store/trading post, city hall (which also served as a fire department and jail), churches, a school, and other businesses typical of frontier mining communities. The population hovered around 900–1,100 in the 1870–1890 census periods, with a predominantly working-class character compared to its flashier neighbors.
Colorado achieved statehood in 1876, and Nevadaville benefited from the broader mining economy in Gilpin County, one of the state’s earliest and richest gold districts. However, it faced challenges, including another major fire in 1887 that damaged much of the commercial district. Structures were often rebuilt using more durable stone foundations and brick. A second fire or economic pressures in the late 19th century further tested resilience, but the town persisted into the 1890s.
Decline and Transition to Ghost Town (1900s–1930s)
The primary cause of Nevadaville’s decline was the exhaustion of easily accessible gold (and later silver) ores around 1900. As mines played out, miners and families moved away in search of new opportunities. Economic factors like the Panic of 1893 accelerated the downturn. Census data shows a sharp drop: 823 in 1900, 367 in 1910, 51 in 1920, and just 2 by 1930. By the 1920s–1930s, most buildings were abandoned, demolished, or left to decay; two-thirds had vanished by the mid-1950s.
The town never fully recovered, unlike Central City and Black Hawk, which later benefited from gambling legalization in the 1990s. Nevadaville remained isolated and largely deserted, with scattered mine ruins, foundations, and a few grave sites dotting the hillsides.
Modern Era and Preservation
Today, Nevadaville is a semi-ghost town. A small number of private residents (estimates vary from 2 to 6) still live there, and visitors can drive or walk along the public Main Street to view remaining historic structures from the road. Key surviving buildings include:
- The Nevadaville Masonic Lodge #4 (built in the 1870s), Colorado’s only active “ghost town lodge,” which still holds meetings thanks to ongoing efforts by Freemasons to preserve it.
- The Kramer Saloon (or Joseph Kramer’s Saloon), City Hall (with basement jail cells), Bon-Ton Saloon, and Bald Mountain Trading Post/General Store.
All buildings and land are privately owned, so exploration beyond public roads is restricted and discouraged due to safety hazards from unstable structures and old mine shafts. The site is part of the broader Central City–Black Hawk–Nevadaville National Historic Landmark District.
The Nevadaville Heritage Foundation works to preserve the site’s history, restore remaining elements, and educate visitors about its frontier legacy. Some accounts describe it as potentially haunted, adding to its allure for paranormal enthusiasts, though its primary draw remains its tangible connection to Colorado’s Gold Rush past.
Significance
Nevadaville exemplifies the rapid rise and fall of Rocky Mountain mining towns. Born from the 1859 gold discovery that helped spark Colorado’s development, it grew into a vibrant community rivaling Denver before fading as resources depleted. Its story highlights themes of immigration (especially Irish miners), frontier resilience amid fires and economic panics, and the transient nature of boomtowns. While much has been lost to time, the surviving Masonic Lodge and scattered ruins serve as quiet reminders of a once-thriving “working man’s” town in Gregory Gulch.
For further reading, sources like Gulch of Gold by Caroline Bancroft or local historical archives provide deeper details on daily life, specific mines, and families who lived there. Visitors to the Central City area can easily stop by for a scenic drive-through, ideally before dusk, while respecting private property.
Gunfight Involving William F. Keys
Incident Overview
On May 11, 1943, a fatal Gunfight Involving William F. Keys, occurred in what is now Joshua Tree National Park, near the county line between San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, California. The incident involved William (Bill) F. Keys, a cattle rancher and miner, and Worth Bagley, a former deputy sheriff and neighboring rancher. The conflict resulted in Bagley’s death, with Keys claiming he acted in self-defense.
Background
William F. Keys and Worth Bagley were neighbors engaged in a long-standing feud over a property line dispute and Keys’ use of a road on the contested land. The disagreement had escalated over time, creating significant tension between the two men. Bagley, leveraging his past experience as a deputy sheriff in Los Angeles County, was known to be assertive, while Keys, aged 63 at the time, was a well-established rancher in the region.
Details of the Gunfight
- Date and Location: May 11, 1943, on or near Bagley’s property in the Joshua Tree area.
- Events Leading Up to the Incident: The exact circumstances immediately preceding the shooting are not fully detailed in available records, but the ongoing property dispute was the primary catalyst. The confrontation likely occurred when Keys and Bagley encountered each other, possibly during a heated exchange over the disputed road or land boundaries.
- The Shooting: According to Keys, Bagley posed an immediate threat, prompting Keys to shoot him in self-defense. The precise sequence of events, including who initiated the confrontation or whether Bagley was armed, remains unclear from available sources. Bagley was fatally wounded and died at the scene.
- Aftermath: Hours after the shooting, Keys turned himself in to law enforcement in Twentynine Palms, California, asserting that he acted to protect himself. The legal outcome of the case is not specified in the provided records, but Keys’ decision to surrender suggests he sought to justify his actions through the legal system.
Investigation and Legal Context
- Law Enforcement Response: Local authorities in Twentynine Palms processed Keys’ surrender and likely conducted an investigation into the shooting. Given the self-defense claim, the investigation would have focused on corroborating evidence, such as witness statements, the presence of weapons, and the physical scene.
- Historical Context: The incident occurred in a remote, rugged area during a time when disputes over land and resources were common in rural regions. Self-defense claims in such conflicts were often evaluated based on limited evidence and the credibility of the individuals involved.
Analysis
The gunfight reflects the challenges of resolving property disputes in sparsely populated areas with limited law enforcement presence. The feud between Keys and Bagley underscores how personal animosities, combined with competing economic interests, could escalate to violence. Keys’ claim of self-defense suggests he perceived a credible threat, but without detailed records of the investigation or trial (if one occurred), it is difficult to assess the validity of his account.
The incident also highlights the cultural and legal norms of the era, where individuals often relied on personal means to settle disputes, sometimes with deadly outcomes. The lack of clarity in the historical record about the legal consequences for Keys indicates either a resolution in his favor or minimal public documentation of the case.
Conclusion
The gunfight between William F. Keys and Worth Bagley on May 11, 1943, was a tragic outcome of a prolonged property dispute in the Joshua Tree region. Keys’ self-defense claim and subsequent surrender to authorities suggest he sought to justify his actions, but the absence of comprehensive records limits a full understanding of the event. This incident serves as a case study of how personal and economic conflicts in rural settings could lead to fatal confrontations, shaped by the social and legal dynamics of the time.
Source
Information for this report is drawn from the National Registry of Exonerations, detailing the incident involving William F. Keys and Worth Bagley.
Ragtown Nevada
Ragtown Nevada is ghost town and Nevada State Historical Marker number nineteen. The town and Nevada State Historic Marker are located in the Churchill County, Nevada. The town was located about eight miles west of Fallon Nevada. Originally, the town was located near Leeteville, but later is relocated to its historic location. Today, nothing remains of the old settlement.
The site which will become Ragtown started in 1854 as a station along the Humboldt Overland Trail. The station is located on a small ranch and the site is the first watering hole for travelers west of the dry alkali Forty Mile desert. The Forty Mile desert is one of the most notorious sections of the transit and the site of many tragedies. Travelers would rest and recoup from the journey along the northern bank of the Carson River before starting for the Sierra Nevada. The name Ragtown comes from the clothing hung to dry from the women doing their laundry.
During the late 1850’s, small structures are built from willow poles and canvas as temporary shelters for travelers. A summer seasonal population is comprised of traders, gamblers and those of less notable reputation. Samuel Clemmons visited Ragtown in 1861 on his way out west.
A flood in 1862 destroyed all of the structures and disinterred some 200 graves. The site is temporarily abandoned until the Reese River Excitement in 1863 started a renewal. By the late 1860s a post office is established and the small population of farmers worked the area. The location is bypassed with the establishment of the Central Pacific rail service.
Today, nothing remains of Ragtown beyond a historic maker.
Nevada State Historic Marker Text
Ragtown was never a town. Instead, it was the name of a most welcome oasis and gathering point. This mecca on the banks of nearby Carson River received its name from the appearance of pioneer laundry spread on every handy bush around.
The Forty Mile Desert, immediately to the north, was the most dreaded portion of the California Emigrant Trail. Ragtown was the first water stop after the desert. To the thirst- crazed emigrants and their animals, no sight was more welcome than the trees lining the Carson River.
Accounts tell of the moment when the animals first picked up the scent of water—the lifted head, the quickened pace, and finally the mad, frenzied dash to the water’s edge. Then, emigrants rested for the arduous crossing of the Sierra Nevada that lay ahead.
In 1854, Asa Kenyon located a trading post near Ragtown, offering goods and supplies to travelers during the 1850s and 1860s. Ragtown was one of the most important sites on the Carson branch of the California trail.
HISTORICAL MARKER No. 19
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICEC
HURCHILL COUNTY MUSEUM COMMITTEE
Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost of damaged.
Historic Photos
Pony Express
Townley identifies Ragtown as a station between Old River and Desert Wells. Like other stations on the “Stillwater Dogleg,” Ragtown probably functioned briefly as a Pony Express station in the summer and fall of 1861 and as an Overland Mail Company stage stop from 1861 to 1868. L. Kenyon and his family managed station operations at the site for nearly fifty years. The station’s name supposedly came from the common site of freshly washed travelers’ clothing spread out to dry on surrounding bushes.
Ragtown Summary
| Name | Ragtown, Nevada |
| Location | Churchill County, Nevada |
| GNIS | |
| Population | Transitory, Seasonal, 50 |
| Post Office | 186X – |
| Elevation | 4,029 feet |
| Nevada State Historic Marker | 19 |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.5057,-118.9215 |
| NPS Pony Express Station | 160 |
| Next Westbound Station | Desert Wells Station |
| Next Eastbound Station | Nevada Station |
Nevada State Historic Marker Map
References
Dinner Station Nevada – Elko County Stage Stop
Dinner Station is a ghost town and stage station located in Elko County, Nevada. The station started with a wood building in the 1860s or 1870s. The station served as a station and meal stop for passengers on the Tuscarora and Mountain City Stages Lines. This building was destroyed by a fire in 1884 and was replaced by a two story stone building and corral. Stage service picked up travelers from Elko destined for Tuscarora and stop for dinner, which was happily provided for fifty cents. The station was one of the more popular inns of the era.
By 1900 the station had a population of 40 inhabitants. The budding automobile industry caused the station to loose some of its importance and necessity. This fact spelled the end of Dinner as city and it became just a private residence.
A fire in 1991 destroyed the sole building, however the structure is rebuilt in 1996.
Dinner Station Trail Map
Site Summary
| Name | Dinner Station |
| Also Known As | Weiland Station, Oldham’s Station |
| Location | Elko County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 41.0999142, -115.8661870 |
| GNIS | 845151 |
| Elevation | 1817 meters / 5962 feet |