Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Asa Merton Russell “Panamint Russ”
Asa Merton Russell “Panamint Russ” (1895–1970) was a California prospector, small-scale miner, desert homesteader, and occasional writer whose four-decade presence in the Butte Valley district of the Panamint Mountains made him one of the last classic solitary operators in Death Valley country. Universally known by his nickname “Panamint Russ,” he built the stone cabin now called the Geologist’s Cabin (or Russell Camp), developed a reliable spring, planted the only locust trees and Concord grapevines for scores of miles around, and doggedly drove a horizontal tunnel into the granite of Manly Peak—all while holding down a day job in Los Angeles until his 1960 retirement. Though his claims yielded little recorded production, Russell’s wry, faith-filled 1955 Desert Magazine article “Life on the Desert” remains one of the most vivid firsthand accounts of mid-20th-century desert mining life.
Early Life and Military Service
Born in 1895, Russell served as a sergeant (SGT) in the U.S. military, though specific details of his enlistment, branch, or conflict are not recorded in surviving sources. By the 1920s he had settled in southern California and found steady employment with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. He married and had at least one son. His wife occasionally tried to break what she called his “desert habit,” complaining that he stayed too long each year in the remote Panamints.
A 1925 prospecting trip into the Redlands Canyon area of the Panamints reportedly yielded a brief but tantalizing discovery of a rich gold vein that he later “lost”—a story that foreshadowed the persistence and frustration that would define his later career.
Arrival in Butte Valley and the 1930 Strike
Russell’s serious mining career began in 1930. While exploring high on the western slope of 7,200-foot Manly Peak, he located gold-bearing quartz and immediately filed the Lucky Strike Quartz Mining Claim (March 1931) along with several others between 1933 and 1947. The claims sat in the South Park Mining District on the east side of the Panamint Range, in what is today Death Valley National Park.
That same year he began construction of a modest stone cabin at the base of Manly Peak, on the site of the old Ten Spot Mill / Last Chance Claim. The one-room structure—later known as the Geologist’s Cabin or Russell Camp—became his seasonal headquarters. Roughly a quarter-mile south of the historic Mengel/Stella cabin and at an elevation of about 4,500 feet, the camp offered commanding views across Butte Valley.
In 1929–1930 he also improved a nearby spring, creating a gravity-fed water system that supported drinking water, a small orchard, and vines. He planted locust trees (the only ones known within 125 miles) and Concord grapevines, which he proudly tended for decades. By the late 1950s or early 1960s the system included a 500-gallon storage tank.
Mining Operations and Daily Life
Russell’s principal working was a long horizontal tunnel driven into the granite of Manly Peak, reached by a steep, winding burro trail about one mile above camp. For most of the 1930s and 1940s he performed the required annual assessment work during two-week vacations from his Los Angeles job, often laboring entirely alone. Helpers were scarce and unreliable; scorpions, rattlesnakes, cloudbursts, twisters, flat tires, and pack rats nesting in dynamite all conspired against him.
In his April 1955 Desert Magazine article “Life on the Desert,” written at age 60, Russell described these hardships with humor and quiet determination. He recounted a twister that nearly tore the roof off his shack, a cloudburst that stranded him for days, a double hernia suffered while prying boulders, the theft or shooting of his beloved burro “Jubilee,” and the endless search for trustworthy labor. Through it all he returned to the theme of “Good Faith”—the inner resolve required to keep returning to the desert year after year. He closed the piece with an unshakeable optimism:
“But out here, there’s always a blue sky, good pure water filtered by Nature through lime and granite rocks, smogless air, no 50-cent parking lots, fresh sage and pinyon pine… I have Faith, and it will pay off!”
Retirement and Final Years
Russell retired from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in May 1960. That fall he moved permanently to Russell Camp, living full-time amid the Panamints. In 1962 he transferred ownership of the nearby Carl Mengel cabin and associated claims to Clinton and Stella Anderson, further establishing himself as a quiet steward of the local mining landscape. He continued sporadic work on the Lucky Strike and other claims into the early 1970s.
Death and Legacy
Asa Merton Russell died in 1970 at age 75. He is buried in a marked grave (Find A Grave Memorial #3748983).
Though his mines produced no major bonanza and left no great fortune, Russell’s legacy is written in stone and living green. The Geologist’s Cabin, the spring-fed water system, the locust trees, and the grapevines he planted still stand as testaments to one man’s determination. His camp remains a landmark for backcountry travelers in Butte Valley within Death Valley National Park. More than half a century after its publication, “Life on the Desert” continues to be read and quoted, offering later generations an intimate portrait of the isolation, frustration, beauty, and quiet faith that defined the final chapter of small-scale Panamint mining.
In the tradition of contemporaries like Pete Aguereberry, Carl Mengel, and Seldom Seen Slim, Panamint Russ proved that a man could build a meaningful life in one of America’s harshest environments—not through spectacular wealth, but through stubborn persistence, self-reliance, and an unshakable belief that the next fifty feet of tunnel might finally pay off.
The concord grapes are doing well, too. Twenty-five years ago coming through Riverside, California, I stopped at a nursery and bought a half dozen bare-root size, wrapped them in a newspaper, laid them on the running board with a wet gunny sack and today they are 20 feet of beauty.
Life on the Desert – by Panamint Russ – Desert Magazine, April, 1955
References
Cherry Creek Nevada – Nevada State Historic Monument
The Cherry Creek area, located in northern White Pine County, Nevada, has a rich history tied to its mineral wealth and strategic location in the Steptoe Valley. Native Americans mined gold in nearby Egan Canyon as early as 1850, marking the region as one of Nevada’s oldest mining areas. In 1859, Major Howard Egan established a stage station in Egan Canyon for Woodward and Chorpenning’s California Mail Company. By 1860, the Pony Express used this station as a change point, and from 1861 to 1869, it served as an Overland Stage station. In 1863, soldiers from Fort Ruby discovered gold in Egan Canyon, leading to the formation of the Gold Canyon Mining District. By 1864, a five-stamp mill—the first in eastern Nevada—was built to process ore, and a small mining camp emerged.
Founding and First Boom (1872–1875)
Cherry Creek was officially founded on September 21, 1872, when prospectors Peter Corning and John Carpenter staked the Tea Cup claims, rich in gold and silver, at the mouth of Cherry Creek Canyon. The ore was assayed at over $6,000 per ton, sparking a rush of prospectors from the nearby White Pine district. By spring 1873, the town had a population of about 400, with a livery stable, blacksmith shop, a $2,000 hotel, boarding houses, restaurants, and over 20 saloons. Wells Fargo opened a station, and a post office began operating on June 11, 1873. The Thompson mill, with five stamps and a 25-ton capacity, was erected at the Tea Cup mine, and the Flagstaff mill soon followed. At its peak, the town may have had up to 6,000 residents, though estimates vary. However, by early 1874, the initial mineral claims began to play out, and by 1875, most mines and mills had closed, leading to a sharp decline in population and economic activity.
Second Boom and Peak Prosperity (1880–1883)
In 1880, new gold and silver discoveries revitalized Cherry Creek, triggering its most prosperous period. By the end of 1881, major mines like the Tea Cup and Star each employed over 200 workers, and Cherry Creek became the largest voting precinct in White Pine County. In 1882, the population reportedly reached 7,800, with 6,000 being transient mine workers. The town boasted 28 saloons, five mercantile stores, two clothing stores, a drug store, and a stagecoach route to Toano in Elko County. One mine alone produced over $1 million in gold bullion. Fraternal organizations, including the Odd Fellows (1880) and Masons (1882), established lodges, reflecting the town’s growth. However, the financial crash of 1883 halted operations, and a fire at the Star Mine in 1884, followed by another devastating fire in 1888 that destroyed much of the business district, deepened the decline. By 1890, only about 350 residents remained.
Revivals and Declines (1897–1940s)
Cherry Creek experienced several revivals. In 1897, renewed mining activity brought a modest boom that lasted into the early 1900s. In 1905, the Tea Cup (renamed Biscuit), Exchequer, and Star mines reopened, and the Nevada Northern Railway extended to Cherry Creek in 1906, boosting the population to around 450. However, this revival faded by 1910. Further activity occurred from 1917 to 1923, with a 100-ton flotation mill built in 1919, and from 1924 to 1940, when mines were intermittently active. Total production for the district from 1872 to the 1940s is estimated at $15–20 million, with significant output of gold, silver, and later tungsten. During World War II, mining slowed, and the town gradually declined.
Modern Era (Post-1940s)
Since the 1940s, Cherry Creek’s population has dwindled, with only 72 residents recorded in the 2010 census. The Barrel Saloon, the last operating business, closed in July 2010. Despite this, Cherry Creek remains a living community, not a true ghost town, with a small year-round population. Historic structures, including the 1872 schoolhouse (now a museum open by appointment), the post office building, and several cemeteries with wooden and marble tombstones, still stand alongside modern homes. A log cabin labeled “Jail” near the cemeteries adds to the town’s historic charm. The Cherry Creek Mining District continues to see occasional activity by leaseholders, and the town’s well-preserved remnants make it a prime destination for those exploring Nevada’s mining heritage. Visitors are urged to respect private property and avoid trespassing.
Nevada State History Marker 52
Cherry Creek
The town of Cherry Creek before you was part of a network of mining districts that operated in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including the Gold Canyon district in Egan Canyon, five miles to the south.
Peter Corning and John Carpenter helped start the town of Cherry Creek when they staked the Tea Cup gold claim in 1872, resulting in a boom and the development of a town. At the town’s peak in 1882, it boasted a population of over 1,800. While production fluctuated, Cherry Creek continued to produce gold and silver ore into the 1940s.
Egan Canyon to the south was part of the 1855 route established by Howard Egan and the Mormon Battalion, and surveyed for use in 1859 by the U.S. Army. By 1860, the Pony Express placed a change station at the west opening of the canyon. Between 1861 and 1869, Butterfield’s Overland Mail and Stage established a station here that grew into a small temporary town.
In 1863, soldiers from Fort Ruby discovered gold in the canyon, leading to the creation of the town of Egan and a mining district. By 1865 there were three stamp mills in Egan processing ore from the district. Like Cherry Creek, to the north, Egan boomed and busted into the 1920s before mining ceased.
STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 52
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
WHITE PINE PUBLIC MUSEUM INC.
Nevada State Historic Marker 52 Map
Summary
| Name | Cherry Creek |
| Location | White Pine County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.9008, -114.8851 |
| Nevada State Historic Marker | 52 |
Legacy
Cherry Creek exemplifies Nevada’s cyclical mining history, with its dramatic booms and busts driven by gold and silver discoveries. Its strategic location near Egan Canyon’s transportation routes and its enduring historic structures, such as the museum and cemeteries, preserve its legacy as one of White Pine County’s most significant mining towns. The town’s story is one of resilience, with periods of prosperity and decline shaping a community that remains a vital link to Nevada’s Old West past. For more information, visit the Cherry Creek Museum (775-289-3720) or http://www.greatbasinheritage.org/cherry-creek-nevada.
Table Mountain Campground
Table Mountain Campground is situated in the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. The campground is surrounded by a beautiful and serene forest environment, with stunning views of the mountain range. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a peaceful camping experience.
The campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The tent sites are situated on a grassy area, with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water nearby. The RV sites offer full hookups, including water, electricity, and sewage. The cabins are well-equipped with modern amenities, including kitchen facilities, bathrooms, and heating.
One of the best things about the campground is its location. It is situated near several hiking trails, offering visitors the chance to explore the mountain range and the surrounding forests. The trails range in difficulty, from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs through the campground, and the Table Mountain Trail, which offers stunning views of the valley below.
In addition to hiking, the campground offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. There is a playground for children, a volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. There is also a campfire area, where visitors can gather around the fire and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest.
The campground is well-maintained, with clean and modern facilities. There are restrooms and showers available, as well as a laundry facility. The staff are friendly and helpful, and are always on hand to answer any questions or provide assistance.
Table Mountain Campground is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing camping experience. Its beautiful surroundings, modern amenities, and variety of activities make it the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Whether you are looking to hike, explore, or simply relax in nature, this campground has something for everyone.
Campground Summary
| Name | Table Mountain Campground |
| Location | San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles County, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 34.3863, -117.6894 |
| Open | Spring – Fall |
| Elevation | 7,261 Feet |
| Number of Sites | 111 single site(s), 2 double site(s) |
| Ammenities | Vault Toilets, Potable Water |
Campground Map
References
Courtney Chauncey Julian
Courtney Chauncey Julian, C. C. Julian, was a businessman and shameless promoter who’s business dealings forced him to flee to California for China. He is noteworthy in his dealing in Death Valley National Park for his promotion of the town of Leadfield. After numerous court battles, he fled to Shanghai, China where he is poisoned or committed suicide.
C.C. Julian launched a newspaper blitz promoting his Julian Petroleum Corporation in 1923. The promotional blitz formed the basis for a ponzi scheme for investment into the JPC. The scandal became known as the “Julian Pete Scandal”. By 1927, it is estimated that Julian sold four million dollars in stock, which was stolen from his investors. Others estimate the value of the scheme at over eight million.
Drama followed the man, as he received death threats, however the nature of this threat is never resolved. It was reported by the United Press on Jan 4, 1924, that gun shots are fired threw the windows of his $100,000.00 house in Hollywood.
Perhaps one of his wierdest altercations came with famed film star Charles Chaplin. Just weeks after the shooting, Julian literally bumped into a table where Chaplin was eating at Club Petrouschka in Hollywood. A fight ensured and Chaplin got the better of Julian and knocked him out.
As one would expect from a thief, Julian had assets seized, by Collector of Internal Revenue, of $250,000.00 in cash and securities for failure to file is earnings from 1919-1923. He is able to maintain his house because it is deeded by his wife.
The end of Julian Petroleum Corporation stated in 1925. Julian sold his interest in the company to Sheridan C. (S.C.) Lewis and Jacob Berman for the sum on $500,000.00. The following year the company merged with California-Eastern Oil Company. An internal audit revealed the company had issued 4,200,000 unauthorized shares of stock. On May 5, 1927, the Los Angeles Stock Exchange halted trading in Julian Petroleum.
In 1931, Julian was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud in Oklahoma. He jumped bail and fled to country for Shanghai, China. Courtney Chauncey Julian is found dead of suicide in March, 1934.
This town was the brain child of C. C. Julian, who could have sold ice to an Eskimo. He wandered into Titus Canyon with money on his mind. He blasted some tunnels and liberally salted them with lead ore he had brought from Tonopah. Then he sat down and drew up some enticing, maps of the area. He moved the usually dry and never deep Amargosa River miles from its normal bed.
He drew pictures of ships steaming up the river hauling out the bountiful ore from his mines. Then he distributed handbills and lured Eastern promoters into investing money. Miners flocked in at the scent of a big strike and dug their hopeful holes. They built a few shacks. Julian was such a promoter he even conned the U. S. Government into building a post office here.
Desert Magazine – 1971 – Betty J. Tucker
References
William Brown – Virginia city saloon owner
William A.G. Brown was a notable African American entrepreneur and saloon owner in Virginia City, Nevada, during the height of the Comstock Lode silver mining boom.
Born free in Massachusetts (likely in the early 1830s, based on his reported age at death), Brown arrived in Virginia City around 1862 or 1863 amid the town’s explosive growth following the 1859 discovery of silver. Initially, he worked as a bootblack (a shoeshine operator) on the bustling streets of the mining camp.
By 1864, he had transitioned into business ownership, founding the Boston Saloon. This establishment primarily catered to the town’s African American community—numbering rarely more than about 100 people during the era—though it welcomed patrons of various backgrounds. Unlike many saloons of the time, the Boston Saloon stood out for its quality: archaeological excavations later revealed that Brown served finely prepared meals featuring premium cuts of meat, along with drinks, indicating a level of sophistication and success uncommon for Black-owned businesses in the 19th-century West.
The saloon operated for over a decade, with locations shifting several times (initially on B Street, later near D and Union Streets on the western, upslope side of town). Its final phase ran prominently from around 1866 to 1875. Brown sold the business shortly before the devastating Great Fire of 1875 ravaged Virginia City, destroying much of the town—including the Boston Saloon’s building.
After selling the saloon, Brown remained in the Comstock region. Records indicate he passed away in Virginia City in 1893 at the age of 63.
His legacy endured in obscurity for many years until the late 1990s and early 2000s, when archaeologists excavated the saloon’s site (now near the parking lot of the modern Bucket of Blood Saloon). The dig uncovered artifacts like fine dishware, gas lighting fixtures, and evidence of high-quality food service, shedding light on Black life and entrepreneurship in the Old West. In 2006, a rare 1880s photograph of Brown—discovered and acquired by a local bookstore owner—provided the only known image of him, depicting a sophisticated, well-dressed man.
William A.G. Brown exemplifies the resilience and economic ambition of free Black individuals in the frontier mining towns, contributing to Virginia City’s diverse historical tapestry alongside figures like Mark Twain, who also lived there briefly during the same era.