Bishop in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Fortune Seekers
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 3, 2025
1. Fortune Seekers Marker
Some of the first European settlers into the eastern Sierra were the tireless miners. These rugged individuals created towns that sprang up almost overnight. Bodie, Monoville, Kearsarge, and Cerro Gordo became synonymous with wealth and fortune. While some of these mines proved to be worth their investments in time, money, and toil, others simply did not pan out.
It was this early surge of miners into the area, followed by ranchers and farmers, that led to the larger settlements of Europeans to Inyo and Mono Counties. While, most of the these mines lay dormant today, their artifacts, weathered buildings, and rusted equipment testify to the determination of these early pioneers.
These small mining carts were used to haul ore and waste rock out of the mines. They were typically pulled out by a small engine, a winch, cable strap, mules or occasionally the miner themselves.
Erected by The USDA Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 37° 22.151′ N, 118° 23.701′ W. Marker is in Bishop, California, in Inyo County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Yaney Street, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Atlas Copco Mucker" (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Slim Princess (approx. 0.3 miles away); Whiskey Creek History (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Kittie Lee Inn (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Mule (approx. 0.3 miles away); James D. Birchim (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Ernest Kinney Teamster Family Mural (approx. 0.4 miles away); First United Methodist Church of Bishop (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bishop.
More about this marker. This visitor center is closed in winter.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 3, 2025
2. Fortune Seekers Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 3, 2025
3. Mining Cart
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 3, 2025
4. Visitor Center Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 7, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
