Ballarat
Ballarat was a supply center for Panamint Mountains gold mines, named by an Australian immigrant aft
State: California
County: Inyo County
Founded: 1897
Abandoned: 1917
Peak Population: 400-500
Ballarat was a supply center for Panamint Mountains gold mines, named by an Australian immigrant after his homeland's gold region. At peak it had 7 saloons but no churches. Home to legendary 'Seldom Seen Slim' and connected to Charles Manson—his family lived at nearby Barker Ranch. Featured in 'Easy Rider.'
Timeline
- 1897 - Founding Established as supply center for Panamint Range gold mines. Named by Australian George Riggins after Ballarat, Victoria.
- 1897-1905 - Peak Years Population reached 400-500. Town featured 7 saloons, 3 hotels, Wells Fargo station, school, jail, morgue—but no churches.
- 1898-1903 - Ratcliff Mine The Ratcliff Mine in Pleasant Canyon produced over 15,000 tons of gold ore.
- 1905 - Decline Begins Ratcliff Mine suspended operations; other mines played out. Population rapidly declined.
- 1917 - Post Office Closes Most residents departed. A few 'die-hard prospectors and desert rats' remained.
- 1960s - Manson Connection Charles Manson and his 'family' resided at nearby Barker Ranch.
- 1969 - Easy Rider Town featured in the iconic film 'Easy Rider.'
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: October-April (extreme heat otherwise)
Difficulty: Moderate - remote desert location
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Tips
- A general store is run by a single full-time resident
- Starting point for 4WD expeditions into Panamints
- Adobe buildings and derelict structures remain
- Near Death Valley National Park
Quick Facts
- Had 7 saloons but no churches—reflecting its mining character
- Named after the famous Australian goldfields by an immigrant miner
- Home to legendary Death Valley figure 'Seldom Seen Slim' (Charles Ferge)
- Featured in the 1969 counterculture film 'Easy Rider'
- Charles Manson's family lived at nearby Barker Ranch in the 1960s
Location
Address: Panamint Valley, west of Death Valley
Coordinates: 36.0417, -117.225