Tag: San Bernardino

San Bernardino County, located in Southern California, is renowned for its vast expanses of diverse landscapes ranging from rugged mountains to expansive deserts. Home to both bustling urban centers like Apple Valley and Barstow as well as serene natural wonders such as Joshua Tree National Park and the San Bernardino National Forest, the county offers a blend of urban convenience and outdoor adventure. Its economy is diverse, encompassing industries like logistics, healthcare, and tourism, buoyed by its strategic location between Los Angeles and the rest of the Inland Empire. With a rich history dating back to the days of Spanish missions and a vibrant cultural tapestry woven from its diverse population.

Elias Jackson Baldwin “Lucky Baldwin”

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Elias Jackson Baldwin, known as “Lucky” Baldwin, was born on April 3, 1828, in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, the fourth of 14 children in a modest farming family. His parents, Isaac Baldwin and Melinda Jackson, relocated to a farm near New Paris, Indiana, in 1834, where Baldwin spent his childhood. With limited formal education, he developed a sharp, self-reliant character early on. At 18, he eloped with Sarah Ann Unruh, and the couple had a daughter, Clara, in 1847. By his early twenties, Baldwin demonstrated entrepreneurial flair, operating a general store in Valparaiso, Indiana, and later a hotel, which laid the foundation for his business acumen.

Elias Jackson Baldwin, known as "Lucky" Baldwin. April 3, 1828- April 3, 1828 – March 1, 1909
Elias Jackson Baldwin, known as “Lucky” Baldwin. April 3, 1828- April 3, 1828 – March 1, 1909

Journey to California and Early Ventures (1853–1860s)

In 1853, drawn by the California Gold Rush, Baldwin joined a wagon train from Indiana to San Francisco, a perilous six-month journey across the continent. Rather than prospecting for gold, he capitalized on the journey by trading goods like brandy, cigars, and tobacco, turning a profit before even reaching California. He narrowly escaped attacks by Native Americans, showcasing his resilience. Upon arriving in San Francisco, Baldwin avoided mining, instead investing in more stable ventures: a livery stable, a brick manufacturing business, and hotel properties. His foresight in focusing on infrastructure and services during the Gold Rush boom set him apart from speculative miners.

By the early 1860s, Baldwin’s investments expanded into the stock market, particularly shares in Nevada’s Comstock Lode, a major silver mining region. His nickname “Lucky” was cemented during this period due to a fortuitous incident. While traveling abroad, he instructed his broker to sell his Norcross mining stock if it fell below $800 per foot. Unable to access his safe due to a forgotten key, the sale was delayed, and the stock rebounded dramatically, earning Baldwin millions—equivalent to approximately $87 million in 2024. This windfall transformed him into one of San Francisco’s wealthiest figures.

Rise to Prominence in San Francisco (1860s–1875)

Using his mining wealth, Baldwin diversified his portfolio in San Francisco. He acquired the Montgomery Block, a prominent commercial building, and built the luxurious Baldwin Hotel and Theatre in 1876, which became a social hub until it burned down in 1898. His business ventures included real estate, shipping, and speculative investments, establishing him as a leading figure in California’s post-Gold Rush economy. Baldwin’s charisma and bold decision-making earned him both admiration and notoriety, as he navigated the city’s competitive business landscape.

Acquisition and Initial Development (1873–1874)

In 1873, Baldwin acquired a promising gold claim from brothers Barney and Charley Carter, who had discovered a gold-bearing quartz ledge on what they called “Carters’ Quartz Hill” (later Gold Mountain) near Baldwin Lake. Baldwin purchased the claim for $30,000 (approximately $750,000 in 2024), renaming it the Gold Mountain Mine. His investment sparked a second gold rush in the Big Bear area, fueled by exaggerated reports, such as one in The Guardian (September 12, 1874), which hailed the site as a “mineralogical miracle.” To support operations, Baldwin’s company built a road from Cactus Flats to Big Bear and began transporting heavy machinery.

Gold Mountain Mine and Bairdstown (1874–1875)

Baldwin invested $250,000 (about $6.5 million in 2024) to construct a 40-stamp mill at the base of Gold Mountain, designed to process 100 tons of ore daily. This steam-powered mill was a significant engineering feat for the remote region. By late 1874, a boomtown called Bairdstown emerged near Baldwin Lake to support the mine, boasting saloons, a blacksmith, boarding houses, and, by 1875, additional amenities like stores, hotels, a bakery, and a Chinese wash house.

The mill began operations on March 6, 1875, employing 180 workers. However, the ore proved low-grade, yielding insufficient gold to cover costs. After two months, Baldwin reduced operations to 20 stamps, and by October 1875, he shut down the mill entirely, just eight months after its launch. A fire destroyed the mill in August 1876, and Bairdstown was abandoned, becoming a ghost town.

Later Attempt with J.R. DeLaMar (1899–1900s)

In 1899, J.R. DeLaMar, a mining entrepreneur, proposed reviving the Gold Mountain Mine using the cyanide process to extract gold from low-grade ore. Baldwin, still owning the claim, agreed, and a new 40-stamp mill was built higher on Gold Mountain. Despite optimism, the operation again yielded poor results, and mining ceased after limited activity. The site saw sporadic efforts by other companies into the 1940s but never achieved significant production.

Geological and Historical Context

The Gold Mountain Mine, located in the Baldwin Lake District at approximately 7,251 feet elevation, featured gold-bearing quartz veins in quartzite and schist. San Bernardino County hosted over 3,000 mines, with gold as a primary commodity in 1,585. Baldwin’s venture was part of a shift from placer to corporate quartz mining, often employing diverse labor, including Chinese workers. The region’s challenges—limited water and low ore quality—hindered profitability.

Horse Racing and Santa Anita Park (1870s–1909)

Baldwin’s passion for thoroughbred horse racing defined much of his legacy. In the 1870s, he began breeding and racing horses, establishing the Santa Anita Stable. He developed the original Santa Anita Park racetrack on his rancho, which became a premier venue for horse racing in California. His horses, including stars like Volante, Emperor of Norfolk, and Los Angeles, won major races, including the American Derby in 1885, 1886, 1888, and 1894. Baldwin’s dedication to the sport earned him a posthumous induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2018 as a Pillar of the Turf.

His racing ventures were not without controversy. Baldwin’s competitive nature and willingness to bet heavily on his horses drew scrutiny, and he faced accusations of manipulating races. Nevertheless, his contributions elevated California’s status in national racing circles, and his legacy inspired the modern Santa Anita Park, reestablished by his daughter Anita in 1934.

Personal Life and Scandals

Baldwin’s personal life was as colorful as his business ventures. He married four times: Sarah Ann Unruh (1846–1865), Mary Cochran (1865–1876), Jane Virginia “Jennie” Dexter (1876–1881), and Lillie Bennett (1884–1909). His marriages were often tumultuous, and he faced multiple lawsuits from women alleging breach of promise or seduction. In 1876, 16-year-old Louise Perkins sued him for $75,000, claiming he reneged on a marriage promise; the case was settled out of court. In 1883, Baldwin survived a shooting at his Baldwin Hotel by Lillian Ashley, who accused him of misconduct. A decade later, her sister Vinnie Ashley shot at him again, seeking revenge, but Baldwin escaped unharmed.

Despite these controversies, Baldwin remained a charismatic figure, known for his charm, poker-playing prowess, and lavish lifestyle. He was a regular at San Francisco’s elite social clubs and maintained a reputation as a shrewd yet approachable magnate.

Later Years and Financial Decline (1890s–1909)

By the 1890s, Baldwin’s fortune began to wane due to economic downturns, poor investments, and the costs of maintaining his vast properties. The Panic of 1893 and the destruction of his Baldwin Hotel in 1898 further strained his finances. Nevertheless, he remained active in horse racing and continued to manage his rancho, often spending evenings playing poker with friends. His health declined in the early 1900s, and he contracted pneumonia in early 1909. Baldwin died on March 1, 1909, at his Santa Anita ranch, leaving an estate valued at approximately $25 million (about $750 million in 2024).

Legacy and Impact

Baldwin’s estate was divided primarily between his daughters, Clara Baldwin Stocker and Anita Baldwin McClaughry. Anita used her inheritance to reestablish Santa Anita Park in 1934, cementing the family’s racing legacy. Baldwin’s land subdivisions spurred the growth of Los Angeles County, and his agricultural innovations boosted California’s citrus and wine industries. Place names like Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Park, Baldwin Avenue, and the city of Arcadia reflect his enduring influence.

Baldwin’s life embodied the spirit of the American West: bold, opportunistic, and resilient. His ability to navigate the Gold Rush, mining booms, and California’s land development made him a transformative figure. Despite personal scandals and financial setbacks, his contributions to real estate, agriculture, and horse racing left a lasting mark on California’s history.

Key Achievements

  • Mining Wealth: Amassed millions through Comstock Lode investments, earning the “Lucky” nickname.
  • Land Development: Acquired and developed over 63,000 acres, founding Arcadia and Monrovia.
  • Horse Racing: Established the original Santa Anita Park and won multiple American Derbies, earning a 2018 Hall of Fame induction.
  • Agricultural Innovation: Developed Rancho Santa Anita into a model for citrus and wine production.

Sources

  • San Francisco Chronicle archives (1870s–1909)
  • National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame records
  • Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden historical documents
  • California State Historical Society records on Rancho Santa Anita
  • Biographical accounts from “Arcadia: City of the Santa Anita” by Robert F. Walsh

Goldome Mill

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The heavily vandalized Goldome Mill outside of Ivanpah, California. Photo by James L Rathbun
The heavily vandalized Goldome Mill outside of Ivanpah, California. Photo by James L Rathbun

The Goldome Mill is an abandoned modern mill site in the New York mountains of San Bernardino, California just off of the Ivanpah Road. The site was abandoned in the 1998 following the formation of the Mojave National Preserve by the California Desert Protection Act in 1994 and has slowly fallen into a state of decay. The mill site is currently classified as a Superfund Site by the Environmental Protection Agency which means that the site is known to contain hazardous waste which is improperly contained.

Photo by James L Rathbun
Photo by James L Rathbun

The mill was named Goldome, meaning “an abnormal growth of gold” out of an optimism as to the fortunes of those who invested in this venture. The construction of the site is very modern and industrial in appearance. All of the buildings are of metal construction and probably built during the late 1970s or early 1980s. All of the milling equipment, such as the trommel and sluice boxes appear to silently rest in state. This site was likely the mill site of choice for near by mines of its era, such as the Morning Start Mine

Establishment and Operations

The Goldome Mill was constructed in the late 1970s or early 1980s, during a period of renewed interest in gold mining driven by economic factors and technological advancements. The mill’s modern, industrial design featured metal buildings, a stark contrast to the wooden stamp mills of earlier eras, such as the Lost Horse Gold Mill in Twentynine Palms. The facility was equipped with advanced processing equipment, including an ore dump and grizzly, a long conveyor to a giant ball mill, froth flotation cells, filters, and large cyanidation tanks for gold extraction. A control panel with a mimic board in the mill office allowed operators to oversee the entire operation.

The milling process began with ore being fed into the grizzly, transported via conveyor to the ball mill for grinding, and then processed through froth flotation to separate gold-bearing minerals. The resulting slurry was treated in cyanidation tanks, where cyanide leached gold from the ore, a common method in modern gold mining despite its environmental risks. The mill’s capacity was significant, making it one of the largest and most advanced milling operations in the region, capable of processing large volumes of ore. However, specific production figures for the Goldome Mill are not well-documented, likely due to its short operational period.

The mill was operated by a company, likely a corporate entity such as those common in San Bernardino County’s mining landscape (e.g., Castle Mountain Venture or PAN American Minerals Inc.), though exact ownership details are scarce. The name “Goldome,” meaning “an abnormal growth of gold,” reflected the optimism of investors hoping to capitalize on the region’s mineral wealth. The mill processed ore from nearby gold claims in the New York Mountains, an area with a history of small-scale prospecting but limited large-scale success.

Environmental and Regulatory Challenges

The Goldome Mill’s operations were curtailed by environmental and regulatory factors. The establishment of the Mojave National Preserve in 1994 restricted mining activities, as new claims were prohibited, and existing operations faced increased scrutiny. By 1998, the mill was abandoned, likely due to a combination of declining ore quality, rising operational costs, and regulatory pressures. The site’s designation as a Superfund Site by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that it contains hazardous waste, likely from cyanide used in gold extraction, which was improperly contained. The presence of half-full cyanidation tanks and other hazardous materials has made the site a concern for environmental cleanup efforts.

The harsh Mojave Desert environment has also contributed to the site’s deterioration. While the metal structures remain intact, the mill has been heavily vandalized and looted, with graffiti and scattered debris marking the site. Explorers have noted hazards such as a large beehive in the main building, which has deterred some from fully investigating the interior. Despite these challenges, the mill’s open layout and intact equipment make it a compelling site for historians and urban explorers.

Decline and Abandonment

The Goldome Mill ceased operations by 1998, a mere two decades after its construction, reflecting the transient nature of modern mining ventures in the region. Several factors contributed to its closure. First, the quality of gold ore in the New York Mountains may have been insufficient to sustain large-scale milling, as many San Bernardino County mines struggled with low-grade deposits. Second, the economic viability of the operation was likely undermined by fluctuating gold prices and high maintenance costs for the sophisticated equipment. Finally, the creation of the Mojave National Preserve imposed strict regulations, limiting access to new claims and increasing environmental compliance costs.

After abandonment, the mill fell into disrepair, with its tunnels sealed but the milling operation left accessible. The site’s isolation and lack of fencing have made it vulnerable to vandalism, yet its robust construction has preserved much of the infrastructure, including the ball mill, flotation cells, and cyanidation tanks. The absence of gates or fences along the access road has allowed explorers to visit, though the EPA’s Superfund designation underscores the need for caution due to hazardous materials.

Graffitti on a wash plant at the Goldome Mill. Photo by James L Rathbun
Graffitti on a wash plant at the Goldome Mill. Photo by James L Rathbun

In 2017, political vandals posing as “street artists” decided on their own to deface the site as part of their environmental message and forever changed the face of this site. The mill at Goldmine is heavily vandalized and at the time of our visit during the riots following the murder of George Floyd gave the site an uneasy felling. It is not too far a reach to understand that they vandals who defaced this site could be burning our cities down.

At the Goldome Mill, the work of vandals is undone by the harsh Mojave Desert. Photo by James L Rathbun
At the Goldome Mill, the work of vandals is undone by the harsh Mojave Desert. Photo by James L Rathbun

During our visit to the site, a large swam of bees built a hive in the main building. This prevented me from entering and exploring further, however, I will return to do so, at some point.

Goldome Mill Map

Recently, I discovered that a youtube channel called Jessie’s Drone Adventures referenced our site in the video 10 ABANDONED Places in California….You should NEVER Explore! in Jessie video, Golddoom is referenced as number four on this list.

Additional Reading

Panamint News

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Panamint City, California, was a fleeting silver mining boomtown in the rugged Panamint Valley, established in 1873 following the discovery of silver in Surprise Canyon. At its peak in 1874–1875, the town housed approximately 2,000 residents and boasted saloons, stores, a post office, and a newspaper, the Panamint News. This report examines the history, purpose, and significance of the Panamint News within the context of Panamint City’s brief existence, relying on limited historical records and secondary sources.

Historical Context

Panamint City emerged during a wave of mining excitement in the American West, spurred by silver discoveries in the Panamint Mountains. Founded by prospectors, including Richard C. Jacobs and William L. Kennedy, the town grew rapidly after the formation of the Panamint Mining District in 1873. By 1874, the town featured a mile-long main street, a Wells Fargo office, and several mills to process silver ore. The boom was driven by speculative investment, notably from Nevada senators John P. Jones and William M. Stewart, who promoted the region’s potential.

However, Panamint City’s prosperity was short-lived. The remote location, coupled with declining ore quality and a devastating flash flood in 1876, led to the town’s rapid decline. By 1877, most residents had abandoned Panamint City, leaving it a ghost town. In this transient environment, the Panamint News served as a critical tool for communication and community cohesion.

The Panamint News

Origins and Operations

The Panamint News was established in November 1874, during Panamint City’s peak. Published by T.S. Harris and edited by E.M. Boyle, the newspaper operated as a weekly or semi-weekly publication, though exact publication frequency is unclear due to scarce records. Its office was located in Panamint City’s bustling commercial district, likely near the main street where businesses like the Oriental Saloon thrived.

As a frontier newspaper, the Panamint News was likely printed on a small, hand-operated press, a common setup for mining town publications. The newspaper’s staff probably consisted of a small team, with Harris and Boyle handling writing, editing, and printing. No complete surviving copies of the Panamint News are known to exist in major archives, such as the California Digital Newspaper Collection or Chronicling America, but references to the paper appear in historical accounts of Panamint City and contemporary newspapers like the Inyo Independent.

Content and Purpose

Drawing on the conventions of 19th-century mining town newspapers, the Panamint News likely included:

  • Mining Updates: Reports on the Panamint Mining District, including production figures, new claims, and developments at major mines like the Wyoming and Hemlock.
  • Local News: Announcements of town events, such as meetings of the miners’ union, openings of new businesses, or activities at the local school.
  • Advertisements: Promotions for saloons, general stores, stagecoach services, and mining-related businesses, such as assay offices or equipment suppliers.
  • Editorials: Commentary on local issues, such as infrastructure needs, law enforcement (Panamint City had a reputation for lawlessness), or the town’s economic prospects.
  • Regional News: Reprinted stories from larger newspapers in San Francisco or Los Angeles, providing context on national events or mining trends.

The Panamint News aimed to foster a sense of community among Panamint City’s diverse population, which included miners, merchants, and speculators. It also served as a promotional tool, boosting the town’s image to attract investment and settlers. Editorials may have reflected the optimistic tone of the boom years, downplaying challenges like the town’s isolation or the volatility of silver mining.

Challenges and Decline

Operating a newspaper in a remote desert town posed significant challenges. The Panamint News faced high costs for printing supplies, which had to be transported over rugged terrain from coastal cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Distribution was limited to Panamint City and nearby mining camps, constraining subscription and advertising revenue. The town’s transient population further complicated efforts to maintain a stable readership.

The Panamint News ceased publication by late 1875 or early 1876, as Panamint City’s economy collapsed. The flash flood of July 1876, which destroyed much of the town’s infrastructure, likely marked the final blow. The newspaper’s short lifespan reflects the broader instability of boomtowns, where media outlets depended on the fleeting prosperity of mining.

Significance

The Panamint News played a vital role in Panamint City’s brief history. It documented the town’s aspirations, promoted economic activity, and provided a platform for local discourse. In a lawless and isolated community, the newspaper likely helped establish a sense of order and identity, even if only temporarily. Its existence underscores the ambition of Panamint City’s residents to build a lasting settlement, despite the harsh realities of the desert environment.

The Panamint News also reflects the broader role of newspapers in the American West, where print media served as both a record of frontier life and a tool for speculative boosterism. While the newspaper’s content is largely lost, its presence in historical accounts highlights its importance to Panamint City’s social fabric.

Sources and Limitations

This report relies on secondary sources, including historical accounts of Panamint City from websites like DesertUSA and the Death Valley National Park archives, as well as books like Mines of the Mojave by Ronald Dean Miller. References to the Panamint News appear in passing in regional histories and contemporary newspapers, such as the Inyo Independent, which noted the paper’s launch in 1874. No primary sources, such as original issues of the Panamint News, were located in digital archives or regional collections.

The lack of surviving copies poses significant limitations. Details about the newspaper’s content, circulation, and staff are speculative, based on patterns observed in similar mining town publications. Future research could involve exploring archives at the Inyo County Historical Society or the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley for potential fragments or references to the Panamint News. Physical surveys of Panamint City’s ruins, though unlikely to yield intact newspapers, might uncover related artifacts.

Conclusion

The Panamint News was a short-lived but significant institution in Panamint City, California, operating during the town’s silver mining boom of 1874–1875. As a source of news, promotion, and community identity, it reflected the optimism and challenges of a frontier boomtown. Its disappearance, likely by 1876, mirrors the rapid decline of Panamint City itself, a casualty of economic and environmental hardships. While the Panamint News remains an obscure chapter in California’s media history, its story illuminates the fleeting vitality of the American West’s mining frontier. Further archival research is needed to uncover additional details about this elusive publication.

The Shaft Newspaper

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Vanderbilt, California, was a fleeting gold mining town in the Mojave Desert, established in 1891 following the discovery of gold in the New York Mountains. At its height in 1893–1894, the town boasted a population of several hundred, with amenities including saloons, a post office, a school, and various businesses. Among these was The Shaft, a local newspaper that served the community during its brief existence.

Historical Context

Vanderbilt emerged during a period of intense mining activity in Southern California, spurred by gold discoveries in the 1890s. The town was named after Cornelius Vanderbilt, reflecting the era’s fascination with industrial magnates. Key mines, such as the Boomerang and Gold Bronze, drove the local economy, attracting prospectors, merchants, and families. By 1893, Vanderbilt had a post office, a Wells Fargo station, and a chamber of commerce, indicating a structured community despite its remote location. However, the town’s prosperity was short-lived; declining ore quality and economic shifts led to its abandonment by the early 1900s.

Newspapers in mining towns like Vanderbilt were critical for disseminating local news, mining updates, and advertisements, while also fostering community identity. The Shaft, as Vanderbilt’s primary newspaper, likely played a similar role, though specific details about its operations are scarce due to the town’s rapid decline and the loss of archival records.

The Shaft Newspaper

Origins and Operations

The Shaft is believed to have been established around 1892 or 1893, coinciding with Vanderbilt’s peak. While no surviving copies of the newspaper have been identified in major archives, such as the California Digital Newspaper Collection or Chronicling America, references to The Shaft appear in secondary sources discussing Vanderbilt’s history. The newspaper’s name, a playful nod to mining terminology, suggests it catered to the town’s mining-centric culture.

As a typical small-town newspaper of the era, The Shaft likely operated on a weekly or biweekly schedule, produced using a modest printing press. It would have included local news, mining reports, advertisements for businesses (e.g., saloons, general stores, and assay offices), and possibly regional or national news reprinted from larger publications. The editor and staff were likely local residents, possibly including figures prominent in Vanderbilt’s civic life, such as merchants or mine owners.

Content and Purpose

Based on the conventions of 19th-century mining town newspapers, The Shaft probably covered:

  • Mining Developments: Updates on the Boomerang, Gold Bronze, and other local mines, including production figures, new claims, or labor disputes.
  • Community Events: Notices of town meetings, social gatherings, or activities at the school or churches (Vanderbilt had at least one church by 1894).
  • Advertisements: Promotions for local businesses, such as the Vanderbilt Hotel, saloons, or transportation services like stagecoaches.
  • Editorials: Opinions on local issues, such as water shortages or disputes over mining claims, reflecting the editor’s perspective on the town’s future.

The newspaper would have served as a unifying force, connecting Vanderbilt’s diverse residents—miners, families, and entrepreneurs—while promoting economic activity. It may also have reported on challenges, such as the town’s isolation or the fluctuating profitability of the mines.

Challenges and Decline

Operating a newspaper in a remote mining town presented significant challenges. The cost of printing equipment, paper, and ink, combined with the logistical difficulties of distribution in the Mojave Desert, would have strained The Shaft’s finances. The newspaper likely relied on subscriptions and advertising revenue, but Vanderbilt’s small population limited its market. As the town’s economy faltered in the late 1890s due to declining gold yields, The Shaft would have faced dwindling readership and revenue.

By 1900, Vanderbilt was nearly deserted, with most residents moving to nearby towns like Searchlight, Nevada, or Barnwell, California. The Shaft ceased publication around this time, leaving no known surviving issues. The lack of preserved copies may be attributed to the town’s rapid abandonment, the perishable nature of newsprint, and the absence of local institutions to archive records.

Significance

Despite its brief existence, The Shaft was a vital part of Vanderbilt’s community. It provided a platform for local discourse, documented the town’s aspirations, and reflected the optimism of the gold rush era. The newspaper’s role in fostering civic engagement and economic activity underscores the importance of print media in 19th-century frontier towns.

The absence of surviving issues limits our understanding of The Shaft’s content and impact. However, its existence highlights the ambition of Vanderbilt’s residents to establish a lasting community, even in the face of environmental and economic challenges. The newspaper’s story parallels that of Vanderbilt itself: a brief moment of vitality followed by obscurity.

Sources and Limitations

This report draws on secondary sources, including historical accounts of Vanderbilt available through websites like Destination4x4 and MojaveDesert.net, which mention The Shaft in passing. No primary sources, such as original copies of the newspaper, were located in digital archives like Chronicling America or the California Newspaper Project. The Bureau of Land Management’s records on Southern California mining provide context but do not reference The Shaft specifically.

The scarcity of primary sources poses significant limitations. Future research could involve exploring regional archives, such as those at the San Bernardino County Historical Society or the University of California, Riverside, for potential microfilm or references to The Shaft. Oral histories from descendants of Vanderbilt residents, if available, might also yield insights.

Conclusion

The Shaft newspaper was a short-lived but significant institution in Vanderbilt, California, reflecting the town’s brief prominence as a gold mining hub in the 1890s. While details about its operations and content are limited, it likely served as a vital source of news and community cohesion. Its disappearance mirrors the fate of Vanderbilt itself, a ghost town lost to the shifting fortunes of the mining frontier. Further archival research is needed to uncover additional details about The Shaft and its role in this forgotten chapter of California’s history.

Borate and Daggett Railroad

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More details Borate & Daggett Rail Road in Mule Canyon on way to Borate – Courtesy National Park Service, Death Valley National Park
More details Borate & Daggett Rail Road in Mule Canyon on way to Borate – Courtesy National Park Service, Death Valley National Park

The Borate and Daggett Railroad, a 3-foot narrow-gauge railway operational from 1898 to 1907 in California’s Mojave Desert, was a critical infrastructure project for the borax industry. Stretching 11 miles from Daggett to the Borate mining camp, it replaced inefficient mule teams, significantly reducing transportation costs for colemanite borax. Built by the Pacific Coast Borax Company under Francis Marion Smith, the railroad featured innovative engineering, including Heisler locomotives and a roasting mill for on-site ore processing. Despite its success, declining ore quality and the discovery of richer deposits elsewhere led to its abandonment in 1907.

Background

Francis Marion "Borax" Smith
Francis Marion “Borax” Smith

The borax industry gained prominence in the late 19th century due to the mineral’s applications in detergents, glass, and metallurgy. In 1883, colemanite deposits were discovered in the Calico Mountains, acquired by William Tell Coleman, who relied on twenty-mule teams to transport borax to railheads. After Coleman’s bankruptcy in 1890, Francis Marion Smith, the “Borax King,” took over, forming the Pacific Coast Borax Company. By 1899, the renamed Borate mine was the world’s largest, producing 22,000 short tons annually. The high cost and slow pace of mule teams necessitated a more efficient transport solution, leading to the railroad’s construction.

Construction and Design

Completed in 1898, the Borate and Daggett Railroad was a 3-foot narrow-gauge line designed to navigate the Calico Mountains’ 7% grades. The 11-mile route connected the Borate mine to Daggett, a Santa Fe mainline hub. Two Heisler steam locomotives, “Marion” and “Francis,” powered the line, leveraging geared drive systems for steep terrain. A roasting mill at the midpoint, named Marion, processed ore into burlap bags, and a third rail facilitated transfers to standard-gauge boxcars. The narrow gauge design and Heisler technology minimized costs while ensuring reliability in the harsh desert environment.

Operations and Economic Contributions

Borate & Daggett Heisler locomotive #2 "Francis" (s/n 1026), at Daggett, California in 1910. The locomotive helped to construct the Death Valley Railroad in 1913, before being sold to the Nevada Short Line Railway in 1916 where it retained its number #2.[4] It ended its days working for the Terry Lumber Company (later Red River) at Round Mountain, California until about 1925.
Borate & Daggett Heisler locomotive #2 “Francis” (s/n 1026), at Daggett, California in 1910. The locomotive helped to construct the Death Valley Railroad in 1913, before being sold to the Nevada Short Line Railway in 1916 where it retained its number #2. It ended its days working for the Terry Lumber Company (later Red River) at Round Mountain, California until about 1925.

From 1898 to 1904, the railroad was integral to the Pacific Coast Borax Company’s operations, transporting large colemanite volumes at lower costs than mule teams. The Marion mill enhanced efficiency by processing ore on-site. The railroad bolstered
Daggett’s role as a regional hub, supporting jobs and infrastructure. However, narrow gauge limitations, such as small train capacities, occasionally constrained output. At its peak, the railroad underpinned Borate’s status as the world’s leading borax mine, driving economic growth in the Mojave Desert.

Decline and Abandonment

More details Borate & Daggett Heisler locomotive #1 "Marion" (s/n 1018), at Daggett, California in 1910. It went on to work for the Forest Lumber Company in Oregon until the lumber mill at Pine Ridge burned to the ground in 1939.
More details Borate & Daggett Heisler locomotive #1 “Marion” (s/n 1018), at Daggett, California in 1910. It went on to work for the Forest Lumber Company in Oregon until the lumber mill at Pine Ridge burned to the ground in 1939.

By 1904, Borate’s colemanite quality declined, prompting Smith to focus on richer deposits at the Lila C. Mine in Death Valley. The Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, completed in 1907, served the new mine, rendering the Borate and Daggett Railroad
obsolete. Mining at Borate ceased in 1907, and the railroad was abandoned. Rails were scrapped, and equipment was left in Daggett or repurposed for the Death Valley Railroad. The Heisler locomotives were later sold to the Forest Lumber Company in Oregon until they closed in 1939.

Legacy

The Borate and Daggett Railroad demonstrated the efficacy of narrow-gauge systems for mineral transport, influencing projects like the Death Valley Railroad. Its equipment reuse and documented history, including photographs and railbeds, preserve its legacy . The railroad exemplifies the interplay of technology and economics in the borax industry, highlighting the transient nature of resource-driven infrastructure in the American West.

Borate and Daggett Railroad Summary

NameBorate and Daggett Railroad
LocationMojave Desert, San Bernardino, California
Length11 miles
GageNarrow Gauge – 3 feet (914 mm)
Operational

Borate and Daggett Railroad Map