Near Mammoth Lakes in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Legend of Deadman

Photographed by Karen Key, October 7, 2006

1. Legend of Deadman Marker

Inscription. In 1861 the burned and headless body of Robert Hume, a prospector, was found in a shallow grave not far from this site. Later, the head was located in a nearby stream (now known as Deadman Creek). Hume was last seen alive with his partner, Farnsworth, searching for the fabled Lost Cement Mine. When next seen, Farnsworth was asked about his partner, to which he told a story of a surprise Indian attack and barely escaping with his life. A subsequent investigation proved this to be untrue. Unfortunately, before an arrest warrant could be issued, Farnsworth disappeared.

However, the legend did not end there. A few years later, the remains of two nameless prospectors were found near the bottom of what is now Deadmans Pass. Then, in December 1879, William Haines a postal worker, was reported missing during a severe winter storm while transporting mail between Mammoth City and Kings Ranch. His body and mailbags were later recovered near the bottom of what is now –Deadman Summit. Thus, ensuring this section of Mono County would forever be linked with “Deadman”.

Erected 2004 by Bodie Chapter No. 64, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included

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in the Believe It or Not, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 1872.

Location. 37° 44.992′ N, 118° 59.013′ W. Marker is near Mammoth Lakes, California, in Mono County. It is on U.S. 395 north of Deadmans Creek Exit, on the right when traveling south. It is 2 miles north of the safety rest area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mammoth Lakes CA 93546, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lost Cement Mine (approx. 1½ miles away); Bald Mountain Lookout (approx. 5.1 miles away); Legend of June Lake Slot Machines (approx. 5.6 miles away); Carson’s Camp (approx. 5.9 miles away); June Lake Mining District (approx. 6.1 miles away).

Photographed by Karen Key, October 7, 2006

2. Legend of Deadman Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 6,757 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 14, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.