Bodie in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bodie
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
1. Bodie State Historical Marker
Gold was discovered here in 1859 by W.S. Bodey after whom the town was named. Once the most thriving metropolis of the Mono Country, Bodies mines produced gold valued at more than 100 million dollars. Tough as nails, the Bad Man from Bodie still carries his guns and his Bowie knife down through the pages of Western history.
Erected 1964 by California State Park Commission, the Mono County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Mono County Historical Society. (Marker Number 341.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 38° 12.818′ N, 119° 0.885′ W. Marker is in Bodie, California, in Mono County. It is on Bypass Road Ό mile California Route 270, 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.
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 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Return to Bodie (here, next to this marker); The Red Cloud Mine (a few steps from this marker); Life in Bodie (a few
this page online
More about this marker. Monument is located directly next to the visitor's parking lot.
Also see . . .
1. Bodie State Historical Park. California State Parks website entry (Submitted on June 20, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.)
2. Bodie... A town frozen in time. The Friends of Bodie website. (Submitted on June 22, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
2. Bodie Monument
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
3. Return to Bodie Marker
Below the state historical marker.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
4. National Historic Landmark
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
5. Bodie Monument
Monument and former mining equipment.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
6. Town of Bodie from a distance
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
7. Bodie Methodist Church, constructed in 1882
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
8. Standard Mill Building
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
9. Dechambeau Hotel and Post Office, IOOF Hall
The Dechambeau Hotel and Post Office was constructed in 1879, erected postmaster George Putnam. Later it was Grandma Johnson's rooming house, and then subsequently the Dechambeau Hotel.
The Oddfellows Lodge, No. 279, was constructed in 1880. In addition to its use as an IOOF lodge, the building also served as a morgue.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
10. The Wheaton and Hollis Hotel
Constructed 1886, this structure was originally the US Land Office, then served as the power company office, and finally as a boarding house.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
11. Old mining equipment
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
12. Bodie State Historical Park - Entrance Sign
Merle Porter. Distributed by Royal Pictures, Colton,Ca.
13. Vintage Postcard of the Standard Mill
Description on postcard: The original wooden mill burned in the late 1890's. When the owners cleaned up the dirt and ashes they recovered enough gold to build the new 20 stamp mill. Theodore ("Ted") Hoover, brother of Herbert, lived in the house to the right of the mill and he was Superintendent of the plant. Ore from the Standard mine, discovered in 1887, was processed here until recent years when operation became sporadic. Today the mines are idle. Bodie is part of the California Park System...M.P.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,105 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on June 20, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 13. submitted on September 11, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
