Mojave Desert HIstory: Randsburg...

Another old structure that is now an antique shop.

Mojave Desert History: More from Randsburg...

The old saloon dates back to Randsburg's wild days, during the late nineteenth century, when a rough element regularly made its presence known.

Today, the saloon caters to riders of a different sort:  those on motorcycles, ATV's, and the driver's of four wheel drive vehicles, who come into town after exploring the nearby hills.

Mojave Desert History: The hills around Randsburg...

...still bear the marks of mining activity, some of it ongoing to this day.

1/100th sec. @f.13.

Mojave Desert mining towns: Randsburg...

...Many of the old buildings still exist.  Many have been converted into shops, which are open infrequently.  Such is the case with the shop in the photograph on the right.

Mojave Desert Ruins: More from Randsburg, CA...

These three buildings were brothels, according to local lore.  Boarded up and privately owned, one wonders what stories those old wooden walls could tell, if they could speak.

Mojave Desert Ruins: Randsburg, CA...

...is still occupied by a few hardy souls who live here and cater to the tourist/off-road folks.  But, reminders of the towns mining history are everywhere.

The structure in the photograph on the right is located right off Butte St., on the outskirts of town.

Mojave Desert Ruins: Remains of an old...

...structure in the heart of the El Paso Mountains.
Not visible in the photograph, is the nearby mine tunnel.

Mojave Desert Ruins...Fort Piute:

One of several desert "redoubts" that were built along the Mojave Road to protect travelers from hostile Indians, Fort Piute was constructed in 1859.  Originally named Fort Beale, it was renamed Fort Piute in 1866.  The fort was abandoned for good in 1868, and today, only the stone walls remain.

Mojave Desert Ruins...Bonanza Gulch.

The hills surrounding Bonanza Gulch are pock-marked with old mines, some of which, according to local lore, contain the remains of Chinese miners.  These miners were trapped during the late nineteenth century, when white prospectors deliberately caused cave-ins in order to keep the Chinese from competing with them.  Supposedly, the remains of some Chinese were found, when a few of the old mines were excavated during the 1980's.

The building shown in the photograph is the old Bonanza Gulch post office, which served the area through the early 1930's.

Mojave Desert Ruins...Bonanza Gulch cabin...

I've never been able to discern the age of this cabin.  Many times, I've seen four wheel drive vehicles parked here, as travelers have availed themselves of the relative comfort provided by this little house.

For my part, I prefer a tent and a cozy sleeping bag.

Mojave Desert Ruins: Inside Sears Cabin...

Made from packing crates by a prospector during the 1950's, people still use this cabin for a respite from the desert winds.

El Paso Mountains.

Mojave Desert Ruins...Another cabin...

...in the El Paso Mountains.  The structure on the right is known as the "Edith E." cabin, and campers still sleep there on occasion.

Mojave Desert Ruins...Randsburg, CA.

The town of Randsburg was once a rough and wooly place, and many of the original buildings still stand.

These days, the town caters to tourists- most of whom are off-road drivers who come into town for food and drink.