Cerro Gordo
Cerro Gordo was California's largest silver and lead producer, whose bullion shipments helped build
State: California
County: Inyo County
Founded: 1865
Abandoned: 1950s
Peak Population: 1,500-4,700
Cerro Gordo was California's largest silver and lead producer, whose bullion shipments helped build early Los Angeles. Discovered by Mexican miners in 1865, it was compared to Nevada's Comstock Lode. Later became the largest U.S. zinc producer. Purchased in 2018 for tourism development; a 2020 fire destroyed the historic American Hotel.
Timeline
- 1865 - Discovery Mexican prospector Pablo Flores discovered rich silver ore.
- 1866-1868 - Development Victor Beaudry and Mortimer Belshaw invested in smelters and infrastructure.
- 1869-1873 - Peak Years Called 'comparable to the Comstock Lode,' Cerro Gordo became California's largest silver/lead producer. Population reached 1,500-4,700.
- 1877 - Fire and Decline A devastating fire destroyed mining infrastructure. Falling prices accelerated exodus.
- 1912 - Zinc Revival Became largest U.S. producer of zinc carbonates.
- 2018 - New Ownership Purchased with plans for tourist development.
- June 2020 - Hotel Fire Fire destroyed the historic American Hotel, though rebuilding efforts continue.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Moderate - remote mountain location
Time Needed: Half day
Tips
- Check current access status before visiting
- High elevation (8,500 ft)
- Dramatic views of Owens Valley
Quick Facts
- Silver bullion from Cerro Gordo helped build early Los Angeles
- 85-pound silver ingots were hauled down mountain trails by mule
- Became largest U.S. zinc producer by 1912
- The 2020 fire that destroyed the American Hotel was live-streamed by the new owner
Location
Address: Inyo Mountains, above Owens Valley
Coordinates: 36.5278, -117.7947