Near Bridgeport in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Masonic
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 27, 2008
1. Masonic Marker
Although gold was discovered here in 1860, it was not until about 1900 that Joseph Green staked the rich Jump Up Joe Mine. On the Fourth of July, 1902, J. S. Bryan and Caleb Dorsey made an exciting find and called it the Pittsburg-Liberty to honor a birthplace and a date. Fraternal background determined the name to be attached to this camp which eventually evolved into three sections known as Lower, Middle and Upper Town. In 1908, Masonic promised to be one of the major mining camps of the West, but the yellow metal followed no pattern. Rich pockets were found and exhausted, then Phillips' broken body was found at the bottom of a shaft. Was it a slip, or was treachery afoot that night? The ghosts of Masonic have many secrets.
Erected 1970 by Bodie Chaper E Clampus Vitus, and Mono County Board of Supervisors.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 38° 21.983′ N, 119° 7.108′ W. Marker is near Bridgeport, California, in Mono County. It is on Masonic Road 0.3 miles west of Bodie Masonic Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bridgeport CA 93517, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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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 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: East Walker Toll House (approx. 5.2 miles away); First Bridgeport Courthouse (approx. 9½ miles away); Old County Jail (approx. 9.6 miles away); "Bridgeport Inn" (approx. 9.7 miles away); Mono County Memorial Hall (approx. 9.7 miles away); Bridgeport Chronicle-Union (approx. 9.7 miles away); Frontier Justice (approx. 9.7 miles away); Bridgeport Elementary School (approx. 9.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.
More about this marker. 13 miles north of Bridgeport on Highway 182, turn right onto Masonic Road (dirt) and drive 9 miles, staying to the left when you get to the junction of Masonic Road and the Bodie Masonic Road. The marker is located to the left of the Rock Cabin in Lower Masonic.
Regarding Masonic. Masonic is a turn of the century gold mine town that is slowly decaying. There are still recognizable log cabins in the area, but most have fallen down.
Also see . . . Masonic. Ghost Towns entry. (Submitted on September 16, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional keywords. Mining
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 27, 2008
2. Masonic Marker
View of marker in its current state showing bullet holes.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 27, 2008
3. Rock Cabin
Rock cabin sits to the right of the marker. The rock walls are still in good condition, but the roof timbers have caved in.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 27, 2008
4. Rock cabin timbers
view from inside the Rock Cabin
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 27, 2008
5. Another Upper Masonic cabin
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 27, 2008
6. Masonic Mine and stamp mill ruins
The ruins of the Masonic stamp mill and other structures
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 27, 2008
7. Masonic
Close up of the upper structure
Photographed by Lester J Letson
8. Masonic tram line
Picture shows the tram line structure on the hill across the valley. Ore was once run across the small valley by cables to the stamp mill structure.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 27, 2008
9. Upper Masonic cabin
cabin from Upper Masonic
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 1,340 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on November 7, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wive view photo of the marker showing its location in context. • Can you help?
