Lee Vining in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

West Portal

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 3, 2008

1. West Portal Marker

Inscription. East of this site was located West Portal, the largest of 4 'camps' or company towns, built in 1934 by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for employees and their families who worked on the Mono Basin Project. At the height of construction, the town had over 200 residents and 26 buildings. And for its time, it had many 'modern' conveniences - telephones, electricity, gas, mail service, paved roads, water and sewer systems (a metropolis by Mono County standards). By 1941 the project was completed and within a few years the town was abandoned. Although its existence was brief, West Portal made a lasting contribution to the development of Mono County. Today, its remnants can be seen near the base of the Mono Craters.

Erected 1997 by the Bodie Chapter No. 64, E Clampus Vitus; the U.S. Forest Service, Mono Lake Ranger District; and the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. 37° 50.549′ N, 119° 4.065′ W. Marker is in Lee Vining, California, in Mono

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County. Marker is on Viewpoint Road, ¼ mile east of U.S. 395, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lee Vining CA 93541, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Legend of June Lake Slot Machines (approx. 3 miles away); Grave of the Unknown Prospector (approx. 3.3 miles away); June Lake Mining District (approx. 4.4 miles away); Carson’s Camp (approx. 4.4 miles away); Navy Beach (approx. 6.4 miles away); Mono Mills (approx. 6.7 miles away); a different marker also named Mono Mills (approx. 6.7 miles away); Mono Lake (approx. 7.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lee Vining.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 3, 2008

2. West Portal Marker

In the background, Mono Lake is to the left of the marker, and Mono Craters to the right.

View towards West Portal site and Mono Craters today from marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 3, 2008

3. View towards West Portal site and Mono Craters today from marker

West Portal circa 1935 image. Click for full size.

Photo provided courtesy of the Pomona Public Library, circa 1935

4. West Portal circa 1935

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,171 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 6, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.