Category: Points of Interest

A point of interest is a specific location that attracts visitors due to its cultural, historical, natural, or recreational significance. Typically marked by unique features, it offers an engaging experience, such as scenic views, educational value, or leisure activities. Examples include museums showcasing local heritage, natural landmarks like arches or waterfalls, or historic sites tied to significant events. Often accessible by trails or roads, POIs may provide amenities like visitor centers, guided tours, or interpretive signage, making them ideal for tourists, hikers, or locals seeking exploration and enrichment.

Hot Creek Geologic Site

Posted on by

Hot Creek Geologic Site is located near Mammoth, Lake just off the 395 Highway in Mono County, California. The stream originates from Twin Lakes in Mammoth and continues on to Lake Crowley. The site is located near and a beautiful cold water stream which is located over a geothermal vent. Warm water is heated from a magma chamber located about three miles below the earths surface and bubbles up into the steam warming the water.

Hot Creek located off the 395 highway near Mammoth in Mono County, California
Hot Creek located off the 395 highway near Mammoth in Mono County, California

The Hot Creek does offer excellent fishing opportunities and popular among fly fisherman. Fishing used to be limited to barbless hooks.

No Swimming

The stream is now closed to swimming becuase “Earthquakes can cause sudden geyser eruptions and overnight appearances of new hot springs at Hot Creek.  Water temperatures can change rapidly, and so entering the water is prohibited. ” Reports of hot water geysers up to 6 feet tall in 2006 and rapidly fluctuating temperatures apparently caused the closure of the stream to swimming.

My grandfather used to point out that some hot water vents where not in the same locations as when he was a child. Perhaps, within my life the hot springs area has become too dangerous to swim.

J Rathbun

As a child and young adult, the stream was open to swimming and my family did this routinely on almost every trip. I recall active conversations about the possibility of an geyser eruption which would kill us and we understood the risk of swimming. However, we also understood the possibility of an such an event was very remote when one considers the geologic time tables. My grandfather used to point out that some hot water vents where not in the same locations as when he was a child. Perhaps, within my life, the area has become too dangerous to swim.

Continue Reading →

Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery

Posted on by
Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery
Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery

Located just outside of Independence, Inyo County, California the Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery has played an important role in the preservation of the Golden Trout.  Beyond the hatchery’s primary purpose, the site makes an excellent location to pull off the highway, relax in the shade and enjoy a picnic lunch.  This is how I was introduced to the hatchery 30 years ago, and it is still much anticipated stop each time I travel the 395 highway.

The fish hatchery began life in 1915, when the town of Independence raised money for and subsequently purchased a 40 acre parcel of ideal land in Oak Creek.  Using foresight not seen in our time, Fish and Game Commissioner M. J. Connell directed he direct the design team “to design a building that would match the mountains, would last forever, and would be a showplace for all time.”  Charles Dean of the State Department of Engineering and the design time team decided upon a “Tudor Revival” architectural style.

Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery Display Pond
Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery Display Pond

Utilizing a budget of $60,000 the hatchery project was started in March 1916 and complete one year later.  The building was built using 3200 tones of  local granite quarried nearby, boasts walls up to three feet thick and features a Spanish Tile roof.  When the facility was brought online in 1917, the hatchery could produce two million fry per year.  

The hatchery’s design, led by Charles Dean of the State Department of Engineering, prioritizes durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape. The grounds, landscaped by a gardener from Golden Gate Park, feature lush vegetation and a large fish-rearing pond framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, evoking the feel of an old European estate. The main building includes a visitor center with a gift shop, a fireplace, and interpretive exhibits, while the interior showcases troughs for fingerling fish and historical displays. Additional structures on the 40-acre site include nine small residences and six commercial buildings, contributing to its community-oriented function.

The fish hatchery operated until 2008, when on July 12th a flood and mudslide tore down the Oak Creek watershed which in 2007 was burnt in a wild fire.  The resulting mudslide buried the fish rearing ponds, destroyed four buildings and killed the entire population of Rainbow Trout.

The pond offers some beautiful flowers in the spring.

Currently a restoration project is in process, however the fate of the hatchery operation remains unknown.

Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery Map

References

Masonic California – Mono County Ghost Town

Posted on by

Originally known as Lorena, Masonic California is a ghost town located in the mountains north east of Bridgeport, California.  Masonic was founded in 1860 by masons and therefor the name of the town.  The Masonic District was a natural follower to the excitement is neighboring Aurora and Bodie.  This area was small in scale comparatively and a stamp mill wasn’t onsite until 1907.  The population maxes out at about 1000 people, and about four years later the excitement began to wane.

Mill site from the middle section of Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun
Mill site from the middle section of Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Early Beginnings (1860–1900)

The ghost town of Masonic, located approximately 10 miles northeast of Bridgeport in Mono County, California, emerged in the 1860s when a group of Freemasons discovered gold in the region. Named for the fraternal order, the settlement was initially called Lorena and developed into three distinct sections: Upper Town (originally Lorena), Middle Town, and Lower Town (formerly Caliveda). Situated in a canyon near the Nevada border in the Bodie Hills, Masonic’s early gold claims were overshadowed by larger strikes in nearby Bodie and Aurora, leaving the area largely undeveloped for decades.

In 1900, a 16-year-old prospector from Bodie named Joe Green rediscovered gold, establishing the Jump Up Joe Mine. Unable to finance its development, Green sold the claim, which sparked renewed interest in the Masonic Mining District. This district, spanning roughly 6 by 12 miles, encompassed over 40 claims at its peak and set the stage for Masonic’s brief boom.

Masonic Mill Site, Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun
Masonic Mill Site, Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Boom Years (1902–1911)

The discovery that transformed Masonic occurred on July 4, 1902, when partners John Stuart Phillips, Caleb Dorsey, and John M. Bryan struck a rich quartz ledge, founding the Pittsburg-Liberty Mine—named for Phillips’ hometown of Pittsburgh and the Independence Day holiday. Ore from the mine assayed at values between $35 and $800 per ton, with a reported nugget in 1904 valued at $4,000 per ton. This strike triggered a mining boom, and by 1906, Masonic’s population reached approximately 1,000 residents.

Infrastructure developed rapidly to support the growing community. By 1904, new roads linked Masonic to Bridgeport and Bodie, facilitating freight and passenger traffic. Lumber was transported nearly 50 miles from Mono Mills via the Bodie & Benton Railroad and six-horse wagons over Geiger Grade. Stagecoach lines connected Masonic to Wellington, Nevada, and Conway Ranch in the Mono Basin by 1906–1907. Telephone service arrived in 1905, and Middle Town saw the construction of a solid aspen-log cabin for Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Carpenter, notable for its rare glass-paneled door.

Middle Town became the commercial center, hosting a post office (established as Lorena in 1905, renamed Masonic in 1906), a general store, a livery stable, a butcher shop, and a hotel/boarding house. Lower Town featured the Jeffry Hotel, two saloons, and the Pittsburg-Liberty Mill, while Upper Town housed mine offices. The Masonic Pioneer newspaper, published by George Montrose of the Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, began in November 1905 but ceased after 2–3 years. Despite its growth, Masonic lacked a formal Masonic lodge, churches, or brothels, and maintained a relatively orderly reputation compared to Bodie, with no recorded shootings. Social life flourished, with dances featuring the Bodie Orchestra attracting large crowds.

In 1907, the Pittsburg-Liberty Mine opened a 10-stamp mill, allowing on-site ore processing. By 1910, the mine had produced approximately $700,000 in gold (equivalent to millions today). However, the ore veins were inconsistent, and production began to decline by 1911.

A wonderful view of Bodie is available to the travels en route to Masonic. Photography by James L Rathbun
A wonderful view of Bodie is available to the travels en route to Masonic. Photography by James L Rathbun

Decline and Abandonment (1911–1930s)

Masonic’s prosperity was fleeting due to shallow and uneven ore deposits. By 1911, mining activity had significantly decreased. A tramway constructed in 1913 to transport ore to the mill provided only temporary relief. The post office closed in 1912, briefly reopened in 1913, and shut permanently in 1927, with services transferred to Bridgeport. By 1920, the population had dwindled to just 12 residents, and mining activity nearly ceased by the 1930s. World War II’s ban on non-essential gold mining delivered the final blow, leaving Masonic abandoned.

Masonic Today

Today, Masonic is a true ghost town with minimal remnants, primarily in Middle Town, including stone cabin ruins, the timbered frame of the Pittsburg-Liberty Mill, and parts of the aerial tram system. Accessible via a 12-mile 2WD road from Bridgeport or an 8-mile 4WD route from Sweetwater Road, the site offers stunning views of the Sweetwater Mountains and Bridgeport Valley. Local lore suggests the ghost of John Phillips haunts the nearby Chemung Mine on Saturday nights, adding to the town’s eerie allure. Unlike the preserved Bodie State Historic Park, Masonic remains a “wild” ghost town, attracting adventurers and historians seeking an unpolished glimpse into California’s gold rush era.

Masonic’s ruins stand as a testament to its brief but vibrant history, reflecting the transient nature of mining towns in the American West. Its remote location and sparse remains preserve its rugged authenticity, making it a compelling destination for those exploring Mono County’s past.

Masonic Trail Map

Llano del Rio

Posted on by

Llano Del Rio, located in the Antelope Valley of Los Angeles County, California, was a socialist utopian commune founded in 1914 by Job Harriman. Established as a cooperative experiment to demonstrate the viability of socialist principles, it is recognized as one of the most significant non-religious utopian communities in Western American history. Despite its ambitious vision, the colony faced numerous challenges, leading to its eventual abandonment in 1918. This report explores the origins, development, daily life, challenges, and legacy of Llano Del Rio, drawing on historical sources to provide a comprehensive overview.

Origins and Founding

Llano Del Rio was the brainchild of Job Harriman, a charismatic lawyer, ordained minister, and prominent socialist who ran as the Socialist Party’s candidate for vice president in 1900 alongside Eugene Debs and for mayor of Los Angeles in 1911, narrowly losing with 44% of the vote. Disillusioned by political setbacks, particularly after his mayoral defeat, Harriman shifted his focus from electoral politics to creating a practical demonstration of socialism through cooperative living. He believed that a functioning socialist community could inspire broader societal change by showcasing the benefits of collective ownership and shared labor.

In 1913, Harriman and his associates acquired approximately 9,000 acres of land in the Antelope Valley, 45 miles north of Los Angeles, previously partially developed by a temperance colony. The site, located along Highway 138 near Big Rock Creek, benefited from water rights purchased from the Mescal Water and Land Company. The Llano Del Rio Company was incorporated in 1914, with a nine-member board of directors and a stock-selling campaign to finance the venture. The colony officially launched on May 1, 1914, with an initial group of five settlers, primarily members of the Young People’s Socialist League.

Development and Community Life

Colonists outside a crude machine shop at the Llano del Rio colony, 1914.
Colonists outside a crude machine shop at the Llano del Rio colony, 1914.

Llano Del Rio grew rapidly, reaching a peak population of around 1,100 by 1917. The colony aimed to be self-sustaining, with a local economy that included agriculture, orchards, a poultry yard, a rabbitry, a print shop, a paint shop, a sawmill, a lime kiln, and a fish hatchery. Using water from Big Rock Creek, colonists transformed the arid desert into fertile farmland, producing 90% of their food by 1916, including alfalfa, corn, grain, and fruit. The warm Southern California climate supported robust agricultural output, though the colony’s distance from a train depot limited exports, with only minor goods like rag rugs and underwear sold externally.

The colony’s infrastructure, built with local granite boulders and lumber, included a hotel, meeting house, water storage tank, and a small aqueduct. Housing initially consisted of tents due to the desert’s mild climate, with permanent structures added later. Llano boasted one of California’s first Montessori schools, blending Montessori and industrial education principles, and a “kid colony” where children managed their own affairs to foster responsibility. Social life was vibrant, with cultural activities such as a champion baseball team, a mandolin orchestra, ragtime bands, drama societies, and weekly dances that attracted visitors from nearby communities.

Feminist architect Alice Constance Austin contributed designs for a circular city plan with innovative features like kitchenless houses, communal daycare, and built-in furniture to reduce domestic labor for women, aligning with the colony’s socialist ideals. However, these designs were never fully implemented due to financial and resource constraints.

Challenges and Decline

Despite its early success, Llano Del Rio faced significant challenges. Internal dissent, exemplified by the “brush gang” faction that sought to oust Harriman, created tensions. Critics, including the Los Angeles Times, portrayed Harriman as autocratic, and a 1915 report by Deputy Commissioner H.W. Bowman criticized the colony for poor hygiene, inadequate food variety, and unequal control, alleging Harriman’s dominance undermined the cooperative ethos. The colony’s racial policy, which restricted membership to white individuals, was a significant flaw, justified at the time as a pragmatic decision but later criticized as exclusionary and contrary to egalitarian ideals.

The most critical blow came in July 1916 when the California Commissioner of Corporations denied the colony’s application to secure water rights and build a dam, citing insufficient experience and funds. This decision, compounded by an unreliable water supply possibly affected by an earthquake fault, crippled agricultural sustainability. By late 1917, financial difficulties and legal pressures, including lawsuits from local ranchers over water rights, pushed the Llano Del Rio Company into bankruptcy. In 1918, the colony was abandoned, with approximately 200 members relocating to Vernon Parish, Louisiana, to establish New Llano, which operated until 1937 and is considered America’s most successful socialist utopia.

Legacy and Modern Significance

Today, the ruins of Llano Del Rio, including stone chimneys, foundations, and a grain silo, stand along Highway 138 as California Historical Landmark No. 933. Despite its designation, the site lacks protection, and a bronze plaque installed in the 1980s was stolen. Efforts to preserve the site, such as a proposed county park in 1989, have been unsuccessful, and the land is split between private owners and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. The ruins, visible from the highway, serve as a poignant reminder of Harriman’s ambitious vision and its ultimate failure.

Llano Del Rio’s legacy endures in cultural and historical discourse. It inspired works like Aldous Huxley’s essay “Ozymandias: the Utopia that Failed,” referencing the Shelley poem to highlight the colony’s grand but fleeting aspirations. The Llano Del Rio Collective, an artist group, continues to explore its history through publications and events, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary discussions on social justice and cooperative living. The colony’s innovations, such as minimum wage, social security, and universal healthcare, predated national adoption, underscoring its forward-thinking ethos despite its shortcomings, particularly its racial exclusivity.

In Summary

Llano Del Rio was a bold experiment in socialist utopianism, reflecting Job Harriman’s vision of a cooperative society that could challenge capitalism’s dominance. Its flourishing community, self-sustaining economy, and vibrant cultural life demonstrated the potential of collective living, yet internal conflicts, external opposition, and environmental challenges led to its demise. While its physical remnants are minimal, Llano Del Rio’s story continues to resonate as a symbol of idealistic ambition and a cautionary tale about the complexities of utopian endeavors. Its history invites reflection on the possibilities and pitfalls of building alternative societies within a broader capitalist framework.

References

  • California Historical Landmark No. 933, Llano Del Rio Cooperative Colony
  • Huxley, Aldous. “Ozymandias: the Utopia that Failed.” Fortnight, April 27, 1953.
  • Mike Davis, City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles (1990)
  • The Western Comrade, November 1914, courtesy of the City of Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery
  • Llano Del Rio Colony Records, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California

Gold Hill Nevada

Posted on by

Gold Hill, Nevada, is a historic mining town in Storey County, located in the heart of the Comstock Lode, one of the most significant silver and gold discoveries in American history. Established in the early 1860s, Gold Hill played a pivotal role in Nevada’s economic and cultural development during the 19th-century mining boom.

Gold Hill, Nevada Circa 1867, 1868 Photographer Timothy H. O'Sullivan
Gold Hill, Nevada Circa 1867, 1868 Photographer Timothy H. O’Sullivan

Founding and Early Development

Gold Hill was founded in 1859 following the discovery of the Comstock Lode, a massive silver and gold deposit that triggered a mining rush in the Nevada Territory. Located just south of Virginia City, the town was named for its ore-rich hillside, home to prolific mines like the Yellow Jacket, Crown Point, and Kentuck. By the early 1860s, Gold Hill had grown into a bustling community, with a population reaching approximately 8,000 at its peak.

The town’s rapid development was fueled by the Comstock’s wealth, attracting miners, merchants, and speculators. Infrastructure, including boarding houses, saloons, and stores, sprang up to support the growing population. The Gold Hill News, launched on November 14, 1863, became the town’s primary newspaper, chronicling its growth and serving as a vital communication tool.

Economic and Industrial Importance

Gold Hill’s economy was anchored by the Comstock Lode’s mining industry, which produced millions of dollars in silver and gold. Major mines like the Yellow Jacket and Crown Point drove prosperity, with ore extraction and processing dominating the town’s landscape. The introduction of innovative technologies, such as Philipp Deidesheimer’s square-set timbering, enabled deeper and safer mining, cementing Gold Hill’s reputation as an industrial hub.

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad, completed in 1869, connected Gold Hill to Virginia City and Carson City, streamlining the transport of ore and supplies. Mills and smelters dotted the town, processing raw materials and supporting the region’s economic output. The wealth generated by Gold Hill’s mines played a critical role in Nevada’s economic growth and its path to statehood in 1864.

Gold Hill, Nevada, View from above the Yellow Jacket. Date of photo: Late 1870s Photographer: Carleton Watkins
Gold Hill, Nevada, View from above the Yellow Jacket. Date of photo: Late 1870s Photographer: Carleton Watkins

Social and Cultural Dynamics

Gold Hill’s population was diverse, including American-born miners, European immigrants, Chinese laborers, and others drawn to the Comstock’s opportunities. The town’s social scene was lively but rough, with saloons, gambling halls, and theaters catering to residents. The Gold Hill Hotel, established in the 1860s, remains a historic landmark and one of Nevada’s oldest operating hotels.

The Gold Hill News documented the town’s social and cultural life, covering events, disputes, and community issues. For instance, a May 31, 1864, issue addressed a boundary dispute between Gold Hill and American Flat, reflecting the town’s role in local governance. The newspaper also reported on labor conditions and mining accidents, highlighting the challenges of frontier life.

Fires were a persistent threat, with a major blaze in 1875 destroying much of Gold Hill. The town was rebuilt, but such disasters, combined with disease and dangerous working conditions, underscored the hardships faced by residents.

Political Influence and Statehood

Gold Hill contributed significantly to Nevada’s political landscape. The wealth from its mines bolstered the Union’s finances during the Civil War, supporting Nevada’s expedited statehood in 1864. The town’s residents engaged in debates over mining regulations, taxation, and local governance, with the Gold Hill News serving as a forum for political discourse.

As part of the Comstock region, Gold Hill helped shape Nevada’s early political identity. Local leaders addressed issues like property disputes and infrastructure, while the town’s economic clout gave it influence in territorial and state politics.

Decline and Transition

The late 1870s marked the beginning of Gold Hill’s decline as the Comstock Lode’s richest veins were depleted. By the 1880s, many mines had closed, and the population plummeted to a few hundred. The Gold Hill News ceased publication in 1882, signaling the town’s economic downturn. By the early 20th century, Gold Hill had become a shadow of its former self, with many residents leaving for new opportunities.

Legacy and Modern Gold Hill

Gold Hill’s legacy endures through its historical significance and preserved landmarks. The town is part of the Comstock Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sites like the Gold Hill Hotel and remnants of mining infrastructure attract tourists and historians. Digitized issues of the Gold Hill News, available through platforms like the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America, provide valuable insights into the town’s past.

Today, Gold Hill is a small community with a population under 200, serving as a tourist destination within the Comstock region. Historical tours, reenactments, and the restored Virginia & Truckee Railroad draw visitors eager to explore Nevada’s mining heritage.

Gold Hill Nevada Trail Map

Gold Hill Nevada Summary

NameGold Hill, Nevada
LocationStorey County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.2931, -119.6566
Elevation5,980 Feet
GNIS
Population8,000 Max
95 Current
NewspapersGold Hill Daily News Oct 12, 1863 – Apr 1882
Daily Morning Message June 16, 1864
People’s Tribune (The) Jan – June 1870
Post OfficeJul. 13, 1862 – Feb. 27, 1943