Swansea
Smelter on the Dead Sea
State: California
County: Inyo County
Founded: 1869
Abandoned: 1874
Peak Population: 700
Swansea was a smelter town that processed ore from Cerro Gordo mine. The town sits on the shore of Owens Lake, which LA drained for water - leaving the ruins in surreal salt flats. Adobe and stone walls remain near the ghostly lakebed.
Smelting Era
Swansea smelted silver-lead ore from Cerro Gordo. Barges carried bullion across Owens Lake to waiting wagons.
The Dead Lake
Los Angeles diverted the Owens River in 1913. The lake dried up, leaving Swansea surrounded by toxic dust and salt.
Timeline
- 1869 - Founded Smelter built
- 1874 - Closed Smelting moved
- 1913 - Lake Drained LA Aqueduct diverted water
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Winter or spring
Difficulty: Easy with high-clearance vehicle
Time Needed: 1 hour
Quick Facts
- Ruins surrounded by dry alkali lake
- LA water diversions killed Owens Lake
- Cerro Gordo ore was smelted here
Location
Address: Owens Lake, Inyo County, California
Coordinates: 36.5181, -117.9008