Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Mark Lawrence Requa
Mark Lawrence Requa was born on December 25, 1866, in Virginia City, Nevada, to Isaac Lawrence Requa and Sarah J. (Mower) Requa. His father, a prominent mine owner, provided Mark with a foundation in the mining industry that shaped his career. Educated at private schools and spending three years at Yale University, Requa developed a keen understanding of engineering and business. By his early twenties, he was immersed in Nevada’s mining landscape, leveraging his father’s legacy and his own ambition to make a mark in the industry.
Entry into White Pine County (1902–1904)
Requa’s significant involvement in White Pine County began in 1902, when he recognized the potential of large porphyry copper deposits near Ely, Nevada. As president of the Eureka & Palisade Railroad, a narrow-gauge line in central Nevada, Requa was well-positioned to expand his influence. He purchased two of the region’s largest copper mines, including the Robinson Mine in the Robinson Mining District, seven miles west of Ely. To develop these properties, he organized the White Pine Copper Company in 1903, consolidating 19 claims across 304 acres, including the pivotal Ruth claim named after D.C. McDonald’s daughter. His vision was to transform White Pine County into a major copper-producing hub, but the region’s isolation necessitated robust transportation infrastructure.
Founding the Nevada Northern Railway (1904–1906)
Recognizing that rail access was critical to exploiting White Pine County’s copper reserves, Requa spearheaded the creation of the Nevada Northern Railway. Initially, he considered extending the Eureka & Palisade Railroad, but surveys determined that a standard-gauge line from Ely to the Southern Pacific Railroad at Cobre, 140 miles north, was more cost-effective. In 1904, Requa merged his Ely-area copper properties into the Nevada Consolidated Copper Company, further solidifying his control. On June 1, 1905, he incorporated the Nevada Northern Railway to connect the mines and a planned smelter to the national rail network.
Construction, managed by the Utah Construction Company, began on September 11, 1905, from Cobre southward to Ely. Requa’s leadership ensured the project’s rapid completion, and on September 29, 1906, he drove a symbolic copper spike in Ely, marking the railway’s completion during a two-day celebration dubbed Railroad Day. A grand ball was held in the unfinished Northern building, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm. The railway’s “Ore Line,” constructed in 1907–1908, extended west to the Ruth mines and east to a new smelter at McGill, becoming the busiest segment, handling dozens of daily ore trains.
Economic and Regional Impact (1906–1910s)
Requa’s efforts catalyzed White Pine County’s economic boom, transforming Ely into a regional hub. The Nevada Northern Railway enabled the efficient transport of copper, with the Nevada Consolidated Copper Company managing an estimated 26 million tons of copper reserves. Requa’s strategic foresight attracted Eastern capital, ensuring the financial backing needed for the railway and smelter at McGill. His work elevated White Pine County to Nevada’s most productive mining and smelting region for nearly half a century, with open-pit mines at Ruth and Kimberly and the McGill smelter driving economic growth. Requa’s influence extended beyond infrastructure; he shaped the region’s industrial landscape, fostering jobs and community development.
Later Career and National Roles (1910s–1937)
While Requa’s primary impact in White Pine County was through the Nevada Northern Railway and Nevada Consolidated, his career extended nationally. From 1917 to 1920, he served as vice president of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. During World War I, he assisted Herbert C. Hoover as a food administrator (June 1917–January 1918) and led the oil division of the U.S. Fuel Administration (January 1918–June 1919), chairing a commission on petroleum standardization. Requa also engaged in California’s oil industry, chairing the valuation committee of the Independent Oil Producers Agency in 1915. Politically active, he led California’s delegation to the Republican National Convention in 1928 and served on the Republican National Committee from 1931. He authored works such as Relation of Government to Industry and the novel Grubstake, reflecting his intellectual contributions to industry and policy.
Legacy in White Pine County
Mark Requa’s legacy in White Pine County is indelible. The Nevada Northern Railway, a cornerstone of his vision, facilitated the region’s copper industry, connecting Ely, Ruth, and McGill to national markets. After Kennecott Copper Corporation acquired Nevada Consolidated in 1933, the railway operated until 1983, when declining copper prices halted operations. In 1986, the railway’s Ore Line and East Ely facilities were donated to the White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation, becoming the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. The East Ely shops, designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006, preserve Requa’s contributions, offering excursion trains that highlight the region’s mining heritage. Requa is also recognized among White Pine County’s historic figures, with his name tied to 22 National Register of Historic Places listings, including the railway’s infrastructure.
Personal Life and Death
Requa, described as a man of “large stature, vision, and energy,” was a driving force in Nevada’s mining industry. He died on March 6, 1937, leaving a legacy of innovation and economic development. His contributions are commemorated in White Pine County’s historical narrative, particularly through the preserved Nevada Northern Railway.
Conclusion
Mark Requa’s transformative impact on White Pine County lies in his strategic development of the Nevada Northern Railway and the Nevada Consolidated Copper Company. By linking the region’s copper resources to national markets, he turned Ely into a mining powerhouse, shaping the county’s economy for decades. His broader career in mining, oil, and public service underscores his multifaceted influence, but his role as White Pine County’s “hero” in its copper-driven “melodrama” remains his most enduring achievement.
Sources
- Nevada Northern & Railroads of White Pine County, Keith Albrandt, http://history.nevadanorthernrailway.net.
- Romancing Nevada’s Past: Ghost Towns and Historic Sites of Eureka, Lander, and White Pine Counties by Shawn Hall (University of Nevada Press, 1994).
- Ely: A Play in Three Acts by Sunny Martin, Great Basin Heritage Area, www.greatbasinheritage.org.
- Nevada State Historical Markers, White Pine County.
- National Register of Historic Places, White Pine County, www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com.
- Mark Lawrence Requa, Prabook World Biographical Encyclopedia, www.prabook.com.
- Nevada Northern Railway, Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org.
- Kennecott Nevada Mines Division, utahrails.net.
- White Pine County, Online Nevada Encyclopedia, www.onlinenevada.org.
Kennedy Meadows Campground – Inyo National Forest
Kennedy Meadows Campground is a scenic, remote campground in the Inyo National Forest, situated in the Kern Plateau region of the southern Sierra Nevada in California. Located near Pearsonville, it serves as a popular gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hikers.
Location and Access
The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 6,100 feet (1,859 m) along the banks of the South Fork of the Kern River. It is reached by exiting US Highway 395 near Pearsonville (north of Ridgecrest) and driving west approximately 25 miles on the paved Nine Mile Canyon Road. The drive transitions from high desert into the forested hills of the Kern Plateau.
Campground Features
- 37 campsites scattered among juniper and pinyon pine trees, with several sites (typically 28–37) located directly along the river.
- Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to about 30 feet.
- Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring/grate, and access to vault toilets.
- It operates on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations) and is generally open year-round, though snow can limit access from November through March.
- A small general store and pack station (Kennedy Meadows Resort) are nearby, making it a key resupply point for long-distance hikers.
The campground offers a high-desert to montane feel, with hot summers (often reaching the 90s°F) and cooler evenings. It is especially popular in late spring through fall. Activities include fishing the South Fork Kern River (home to native California Golden Trout), hiking, horseback riding, and exploring nearby wilderness areas.
Surrounding Wilderness
Kennedy Meadows is surrounded by three wilderness areas:
- South Sierra Wilderness
- Golden Trout Wilderness
- Domeland Wilderness
This makes it an excellent base for backpacking, day hikes, and stock (horse/pack animal) trips.
NOTE: The campground is physically in the Inyo National Forest, but is administered by the Sequoia National Forest. It is also known as Kennedy Meadows campground.
Kennedy Meadors
Kennedy Meadows is a scenic high-elevation mountain community and popular recreational destination in the Sierra Nevada of California. There are actually two notable places with this name, but the most well-known is the Kennedy Meadows Resort area in Tuolumne County along Highway 108 (Sonora Pass).
Location and Setting
Kennedy Meadows sits nestled at approximately 6,200–6,500 feet elevation in the Stanislaus National Forest, about 58–60 miles east of Sonora. It lies along the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River, surrounded by lush meadows, dense pine forests, granite outcrops, and dramatic mountain peaks. The area is accessible via scenic Highway 108, though the road typically closes in winter due to heavy snow.
History
The area was first settled in the late 1800s by Thomas Kennedy (and his brother), who used it as a rest stop and grazing land for travelers crossing the Sierra. A historic cabin from that era still stands. The resort itself dates back over a century, with the original lodge built in 1917. It has long served as a hub for ranching, packing, and mountain recreation.
The Kern Plateau
The Kern Plateau is a distinctive landscape at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada, characterized by vast, gently rolling forest-covered hills and mountains interspersed with lush green meadows. Unlike the sharply glaciated, rugged high Sierra to the north, the Kern Plateau features smoother terrain because it largely escaped glaciation.
This high-elevation plateau (generally 6,000–10,000+ feet) offers open, accessible country ideal for stock users, hikers, and anglers. It is renowned for:
- Abundant meadows and water sources.
- Home to California’s state fish, the California Golden Trout, which thrive in Golden Trout Creek and the South Fork Kern River.
- Expansive views from peaks like Kern Peak (11,443 ft).
- A mix of pinyon-juniper woodlands at lower elevations transitioning to pine forests higher up.
The plateau provides a peaceful contrast to busier Sierra destinations, with excellent opportunities for fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and solitude in the surrounding wilderness areas.
Overall, Kennedy Meadows Campground is a favorite for those seeking a remote, beautiful high-country experience with easy access to trails, riverfront camping, and the unique ecology of the Kern Plateau. Always check current conditions with Inyo National Forest for road status, fire restrictions, and availability.
Pumice Flat Campground – Inyo National Forest
Pumice Flat Campground is a scenic, first-come, first-served campground in the Reds Meadow Valley area of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at an elevation of about 7,700 feet in a lodgepole pine forest, surrounded by high mountain peaks and adjacent to two creeks and the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.
The campground offers a peaceful, nature-immersed base for exploring the eastern Sierra Nevada, with easy access to Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, the Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. It is popular with fishermen, families, hikers, and those seeking geologic wonders and stunning landscapes. The area is known for its dramatic volcanic features, meadows, wildflowers in season, and proximity to trailheads (about 20–40 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes, depending on the exact point).
Access is via a narrow, single-lane road (Red’s Meadow Road off Highway 203) that is only open in summer, typically mid-June through early September, though conditions can vary due to snow. A forest service access/amenity fee often applies for driving into the valley.
Amenities
- Campsites: 17 individual sites (plus separate group sites nearby that accommodate 20–50 people each). Sites are generally private and well-spaced, with picnic tables and fire rings.
- Bear Safety: Bear-proof food lockers at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles (highly recommended/required due to active bear activity). All food, trash, and scented items must be stored properly.
- Restrooms: Flush toilets.
- Water: Potable drinking water available.
- Other: No hookups (dry camping); some firewood may be available. Generator hours typically limited (e.g., 6am–10pm in some descriptions). Pets allowed but must be leashed. Quiet hours 10pm–6am.
- Group Sites: Separate group camping area with large fire rings, tables, and parking for multiple vehicles.
Note: The campground may be affected by road reconstruction or seasonal closures—check current conditions.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the San Joaquin River, nearby creeks, and lakes. Popular with anglers.
- Hiking & Backpacking: Direct access to numerous trails, including those leading to Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls (via a scenic loop), Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. A shuttle often serves trailheads.
- Horseback Riding: Nearby Reds Meadow Pack Station offers rides and access to wilderness areas.
- Photography & Sightseeing: Stunning geologic features, volcanic landscapes, meadows, waterfalls, and mountain vistas (ideal for capturing dramatic Sierra scenery).
- Wildlife Viewing & Nature Study: Abundant opportunities in the surrounding forest and meadows.
- Other: Picnicking, stargazing (high elevation, dark skies), and exploring nearby attractions like Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls.
Mosquitoes can be plentiful in early to mid-summer, so come prepared. High elevation means potential for cooler nights and altitude awareness.
Wildlife in the Area
The eastern Sierra Nevada around Pumice Flat supports diverse wildlife typical of high-elevation pine forests and meadows:
- Mammals: Black bears (very active—proper food storage is essential), mule deer, mountain lions, pine martens, and pikas.
- Birds: Various songbirds and raptors common to the Sierra.
- Fish: Trout species in the rivers and lakes.
- Other: Occasional smaller mammals and insects; the area is rich in biodiversity due to its mix of forest, water, and alpine environments.
Always practice wildlife safety: maintain distance, never feed animals, and store food securely.
This campground provides a classic Sierra experience with convenient access to world-class natural attractions while maintaining a quieter, more intimate feel than some larger sites. For the latest details, reservations (where applicable for groups), fees, or conditions, check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website.
Reds Meadow
Reds Meadow (also known as Reds Meadow Valley or Red’s Meadow) is a stunning high-country destination in Inyo National Forest, located on the western side of Mammoth Mountain near Mammoth Lakes, California. Situated at approximately 7,500–7,700 feet elevation in the San Joaquin River Valley, it offers a mix of dramatic geological features, lush meadows, towering pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and access to world-class wilderness.
It is best known as the gateway to Devils Postpile National Monument (with its iconic 60-foot columnar basalt formations) and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls, along with trails into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and John Muir Trail (JMT). The area provides a peaceful, immersive Sierra Nevada experience with opportunities for day trips or extended stays, about 30–45 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes via a scenic (and sometimes winding) road.
Access is primarily via the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle bus during peak summer months (typically late June to mid-September), as private vehicle restrictions often apply to reduce congestion and protect the area. Overnight campers, resort guests, and certain exceptions can drive in (an amenity fee usually applies). Note that road conditions and construction projects may affect access—check current updates before visiting.
Myrtle Botts
Myrtle Botts (likely born in the late 19th or early 20th century; died 1974) was a longtime librarian, local historian, and community figure in Julian, California, best remembered today for her role in popularizing the legend of the “Lost Ship of the Desert” (often associated with the Mojave or Colorado Desert regions).
Early Life and Background
Details about Botts’ early life are sparse in public records. She married Louis Botts, and the couple settled in Julian, a small mountain town in San Diego County known for its Gold Rush history. Julian provided a tight-knit community where Myrtle became deeply involved in local affairs. By the 1930s, she worked as the town librarian, a position she held for decades (her daughter Jeri later took over the role around 1935, and Myrtle continued until retiring in 1968).
She was known for her intelligence, wide reading, and enthusiasm for history and nature, despite having only a high school education. Contemporaries described her as talented and brilliant. She played an active role in community events, such as chairing the annual Julian Wildflower Show in the 1940s.
Contributions as Historian and Librarian
Botts dedicated much of her life to preserving Julian’s history. She authored History of Julian, a key local publication (with editions or printings around 1959 and 1969) that chronicled the town’s founding during the 1869–1870 gold rush, its pioneers, mining operations, and development into a enduring community.
Her work is cited in later historical accounts of Julian, including studies of its African American pioneers and overall resilience beyond the boom-and-bust mining era. She was involved with the Julian Historical Society and the Julian Pioneer Museum, where artifacts related to her stories (including materials tied to the lost ship legend) are preserved.
Botts also interacted with notable local figures, including poet and author Marshal South (and his family), who lived reclusively on nearby Ghost Mountain in the Anza-Borrego Desert. South reportedly developed a deep (possibly romantic) affection for her, exchanging letters and poetry. The Botts family remained close to the Souths; Myrtle and Louis helped with arrangements after Marshal South’s death in 1948.
Involvement in the Search for the Lost Ship of the Mojave/Colorado Desert
Botts’ most famous contribution to regional lore came in 1933, during a camping and wildflower-viewing trip with her husband Louis near Agua Caliente Springs in what is now Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (part of the broader Colorado Desert, often linked to Mojave Desert legends).
According to accounts she later shared:
- The couple met an old prospector who claimed to have seen the remains of an ancient ship—specifically described as a Viking longship—protruding from the side of a canyon or arroyo (often identified as Canebrake Canyon or nearby Tierra Blanco Canyon). He noted distinctive features like round shields along its sides and a serpentine figure on the prow.
- The prospector provided written directions, which are reportedly preserved at the Julian Pioneer Museum.
- Following the directions, Myrtle reportedly caught a glimpse of the ship from a distance. She returned to fetch her husband for a closer look and better-equipped expedition the next day.
However, they were unable to relocate it. Botts attributed this to a 6.4-magnitude earthquake centered off Huntington Beach, California, which she believed caused rocks and debris to bury the wreck. No photographs were taken, and subsequent searches (including her own returns) failed to rediscover it.
Her story added a 20th-century chapter to the long-standing “Lost Ship of the Desert” legend, which dates back to Spanish-era tales of a galleon (possibly from the 16th–18th centuries) stranded inland due to shifting seas, floods, or ancient waterways connected to the Salton Sea or Colorado River. Variants include Spanish treasure ships, Viking vessels, or other craft. Botts’ account helped sustain interest in the mystery, inspiring later expeditions (e.g., by UCLA students in 1949 or explorer John Grasson). Skeptics view it as folklore or misidentification, but it remains a colorful part of desert mythology.
Botts recorded claims from others who said they had seen ship remnants with Scandinavian features, further embedding the Viking narrative in local lore.
Later Life and Legacy
Myrtle Botts continued her library work, historical writing, and community involvement into her later years. She passed away in 1974. Her husband Louis survived her for some time.
She is remembered as a dedicated preserver of Julian’s heritage and a key figure in one of California’s most enduring desert mysteries. Her History of Julian and the ship story documented at the Pioneer Museum ensure her place in the region’s cultural history. While the lost ship has never been conclusively found (and many consider it legendary), Botts’ earnest accounts added intrigue and encouraged exploration of the Anza-Borrego badlands.
Her life exemplifies the role of small-town librarians and amateur historians in keeping local legends and histories alive amid the rugged landscapes of Southern California.
George Robert Johnston – The Ballarat Bandit
George Robert Johnston, known as the Ballarat Bandit, was a petty criminal who lead police on a chase access the Mojave desert. He was born around 1954 in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Little is known about his early years, but he grew up to become a drywaller by trade. He married a woman named Tommi and together they had four daughters. Johnston was described by those who knew him as a devoted family man, but his life took a tragic turn when his wife was diagnosed with leukemia. To help cover medical costs and support his family, Johnston turned to illegal activities, specifically growing and selling marijuana. This decision marked the beginning of his downward spiral into crime.
In 1997, Johnston was arrested for his marijuana operation and sentenced to eight years in prison. He served only about a year and a half before being paroled. However, his time in incarceration was profoundly damaging; he suffered a severe mental breakdown, possibly exacerbated by medication or the stress of imprisonment. This left him emotionally unstable and unable to resume normal life or provide for his family effectively. By 2000, overwhelmed and desperate, Johnston left his family, telling them he was heading to the United States to seek help from a faith healer. His family would not hear from him again for years.
Descent into Crime
After disappearing into the United States, Johnston’s whereabouts were unknown until 2003, when he resurfaced in the remote desert regions of California, particularly around Ballarat—a historic ghost town in Death Valley National Park. Ballarat, once a bustling mining supply center founded in 1897 and named after its Australian counterpart, had long since faded into obscurity, making it an ideal hideout for someone seeking isolation. Here, Johnston began a series of burglaries to sustain himself. He targeted remote cabins, campsites, and small settlements in the area, stealing an eclectic mix of items including food, tools, clothing, and notably, weapons. These thefts were not for profit but for survival, as Johnston lived off the grid in makeshift camps scattered throughout the harsh desert terrain of Death Valley.
His methods were resourceful and indicative of his deteriorating mental state. Johnston’s camps were cleverly hidden, and he used the stolen weapons for protection or hunting. Authorities later speculated that his elusive behavior might stem from military training, though no evidence supported this. Some even suspected him of being a terrorist, particularly after reports of him observing the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada—a restricted military area—leading to initial mislabeling as a potential security threat. In reality, his actions were driven by paranoia and a desire to avoid returning to prison, fueled by his earlier breakdown and family struggles.
The Manhunt: A Legendary Chase
Johnston’s burglaries soon attracted the attention of local law enforcement, sparking one of the most remarkable manhunts in modern U.S. history. Dubbed the “Ballarat Bandit” due to his association with the town, Johnston evaded capture for approximately 11 months, covering an estimated 1,500 miles through some of the most unforgiving terrain in the American Southwest, including the deserts of California, Nevada, and possibly Arizona.
The pursuit involved a massive multi-agency effort, including the National Park Service, Homeland Security, California Highway Patrol, and sheriff’s departments from multiple counties across three states. Resources deployed were extensive: helicopters (including Black Hawk models with SWAT teams), planes, K-9 units, trackers, ATVs, horseback patrols, and foot pursuits. Despite this, Johnston’s wilderness survival skills and physical endurance allowed him to repeatedly escape.
Key events in the manhunt highlight his remarkable evasion tactics:
- In one notable incident, a 30-man posse raided his camp near the base of a 9,000-foot mountain at dawn. Johnston fled on foot, sprinting five miles up and over the peak and across a valley without stopping, outpacing pursuers who came within 50 feet of him. An officer later marveled at his stamina, noting that at age 50, Johnston “never stopped once” or rested.
- Two months later, he trekked 60 miles through snow-covered hills in Nevada to evade another search party.
- Reports from the time, covered in outlets like the Pahrump Valley Times, described him using night vision gear and setting up early warning systems with mousetraps and fishing line around his camps.
The manhunt gained media attention, with Johnston’s story inspiring comparisons to old Western outlaws. His ability to survive in extreme conditions—enduring scorching heat, freezing nights, and minimal resources—cemented his legend as one of the West’s most mysterious fugitives.
Death and Identification
Cornered in Death Valley National Park near Ballarat in early 2004, with capture imminent, Johnston chose to end his life rather than face imprisonment again. He died by suicide via gunshot wound at the age of 49 or 50. His body was discovered in the desert, but due to decomposition and lack of immediate identification, he was initially classified as John Doe #39-04 by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.
For 18 months, his identity remained a mystery, despite distinctive features like a tattoo. In 2006, fingerprints were sent to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who matched them to Johnston. The news devastated his wife and daughters, who had held out hope for his return. His remains were buried in an unmarked grave in a potter’s field in San Bernardino, California.
Legacy and Media Portrayals
Johnston’s true motives—whether driven by mental illness, desperation from his wife’s illness, or a deeper psychological break—remain unclear, as they died with him. Posthumous revelations painted him not as a hardened criminal but as a tragic figure: a family man pushed to extremes by personal hardships.
His story has been featured in various media:
- A 2007 Men’s Journal article by Jason Kersten, “The Bandit of Ballarat,” detailed the manhunt and became a seminal account.
- In 2008, it was profiled on the TruTV series The Investigators in the episode “Lone Fugitive.”
- Podcasts like Dark Poutine (2019) recounted his tale, emphasizing his Canadian roots.
- YouTube documentaries and blog posts, such as those on Reddit’s r/area51, have kept the legend alive, often linking it to nearby military mysteries like Area 51.
- Ballarat itself was used as a filming location to recreate his story, and presentations like Emmett C. Harder’s 2015 talk at the Mohahve Historical Society highlighted its “heartbreaking irony.”
The Ballarat Bandit’s saga endures as a modern tale of survival, tragedy, and the human limits of endurance in one of America’s harshest landscapes.