Darwin
Named after explorer Dr. Darwin French, this Inyo County town became California's leading lead produ
State: California
County: Inyo County
Founded: 1874
Peak Population: 3,500
Named after explorer Dr. Darwin French, this Inyo County town became California's leading lead producer. At peak it was the county's largest town with 3,500 residents. Unlike most ghost towns, Darwin saw multiple revivals—silver in the 1870s, copper in the 1900s, and became California's top lead source by 1945 under Anaconda Copper.
Timeline
- 1860 - Exploration Dr. Darwin French led an expedition seeking the legendary 'Gunsight Lode,' giving his name to the area.
- 1874 - Lead/Silver Discovery Significant lead and silver deposits were found. The New Coso Mining District formed with Darwin as its hub.
- 1877 - Peak Population Darwin reached 3,500 residents—the largest town in Inyo County. Water was piped 8 miles from the Coso Mountains.
- Late 1870s - First Decline High-grade ore diminished; miners left for Bodie and Mammoth City. Even the newspaper relocated.
- Early 1900s - Copper Revival Copper mining brought renewed activity.
- 1945 - Anaconda Era Anaconda Copper Mining acquired the mines. Darwin became California's leading lead source, producing 2/3 of state total.
- 1970s - Mining Ends Operations ceased. Total production: 10.5M oz silver, 840,000 tons lead, 57,900 tons zinc.
- Present - Planned Revival Investment firms are developing Darwin's critical mineral reserves including silver, lead, zinc, tungsten, and copper.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Moderate - remote location
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Tips
- Old homes and commercial buildings remain
- Company town structures visible
- Remote but accessible by paved road
Quick Facts
- Named after Dr. Darwin French, who never found the Gunsight Lode he sought
- The town newspaper literally moved to Bodie during the decline
- By 1945, Darwin produced two-thirds of California's lead
- Water was piped 8 miles from the Coso Mountains to support the town
Location
Address: Darwin, Inyo County, California
Coordinates: 36.2694, -117.5944