Frank “Shorty” Harris – Single Blanket Jackass Prospector
Frank "Shorty" Harris, a name synonymous with the rugged individualism and unwavering spirit of the American West, remains an iconic figure in the annals of Death Valley history. Born on July 21, 1857, in Rhode Island, his early life was marked by hardship, orphaned at the tender age of seven. This early adversity, however, seemed to forge a resilient character that would later define his legendary prospecting career. In the late 1870s, driven by the allure of fortune and the promise of the West, he embarked on a journey riding the rails westward, a path that would ultimately lead him to the arid landscapes and hidden riches of Death Valley.
Harris’s journey took him through a tapestry of mining camps, each a crucible of opportunity and challenge. He spent time in bustling locales like Leadville, Colorado, a silver boomtown that attracted prospectors from far and wide. He then ventured to Tombstone, Arizona, a town etched in history with tales of gunfights and legendary lawmen. The mines of Idaho also beckoned, each location adding to his experience and shaping his understanding of the geological secrets that lay beneath the earth’s surface. These experiences were formative, equipping him with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the unforgiving terrain and unpredictable nature of prospecting.
Standing at a mere five feet, four inches tall, Frank quickly earned the endearing nickname "Shorty," a moniker that would stick with him throughout his life. More than just a name, it became a symbol of his persona, a reminder of his humble stature in contrast to the larger-than-life reputation he would cultivate. He quickly gained a reputation for having an uncanny ability to "smell gold," a testament to his sharp intuition and keen observational skills. This reputation, combined with his affable personality, made him a well-known and respected figure throughout the region.
Frank “Shorty” Harris was known throughout the region for his knack for discovering promising claims. However, his true passion seemed to lie not in the arduous labor of developing these mines, but rather in the camaraderie and storytelling found within the walls of local saloons. He was a gifted raconteur, known for his wild exaggerations and colorful tales, often casting himself as the hero of his own adventures. Despite the embellishments, his stories were captivating, and he was generally well-liked, his charm and charisma overshadowing any skepticism towards his exaggerated claims.
The summer of 1904 marked a turning point in the life of Frank “Shorty” Harris. He partnered with Ernest "Ed" Cross, and on August 9th, they made a discovery that would forever etch their names in mining history: the Bullfrog Mining District. The story of their discovery is steeped in legend, a testament to the serendipitous nature of prospecting. As Ed prepared breakfast, one of Shorty’s mules wandered off. In pursuit of the errant animal, Shorty reportedly stubbed his toe on a rock and fell. Upon rising, his eyes fell upon a remarkable sight, prompting him to exclaim, "There it is, the strike of the century! Forget the breakfast Eddie, let’s get ta Goldfield and get this assayed!"
The ore samples, incredibly, returned an assay value of $3,000 per ton, a staggering figure that ignited a frenzy of excitement. Frank “Shorty” Harris, true to his character, immediately headed to the saloon to celebrate, indulging in a week-long spree of revelry. While Shorty was lost in celebration, Ed Cross, ever the pragmatist, focused on securing a sale for the mining rights. This divergence in priorities would ultimately lead to Shorty’s financial undoing.
While Frank “Shorty” Harris was "celebrating," he gambled away his share of the claim for a mere $1,000 and a mule to a man named J.W. McGaliard. His partner, Cross, joined forces with McGaliard, forming the Original Bullfrog Mine. Cross later sold his share for a substantial $25,000, using the proceeds to purchase a large ranch in Escondido, California, a testament to the life-changing potential of a single, fortunate discovery. This episode highlights the contrast between Shorty’s adventurous spirit and Cross’s business acumen, a difference that ultimately determined their respective fates.
Despite this setback, Frank “Shorty” Harris continued his relentless pursuit of the elusive glittering gold. In the fall of 1904, he secured another grubstake from Leonard McGarry, the Bullfrog postmaster, and partnered with George Pegot. In December, they ventured into the rugged Panamint Mountains, where they stumbled upon pockets of free gold on the north side of Hunter Mountain. Shorty wasted no time rushing the sacks of gold to Goldfield for assaying. The find, valued at $250 a ton, sparked the rush to the Gold Belt Spring Mining District. However, Shorty’s penchant for drink once again overshadowed his potential for profit, as he indulged in revelry throughout much of the rush, failing to capitalize on his discovery.
The following year, Frank “Shorty” Harris partnered with Jean Pierre "Pete" Aguereberry, who had recently been swindled out of Echo Canyon. Together, they headed towards Ballarat, California, traversing the valley floor and ascending Blackwater Canyon to Wildrose Spring. Along their journey, Aguereberry spotted flecks of gold in a rock, prompting them to stake out several claims. Pete claimed the north half, naming it Eureka, while Shorty claimed the south half, calling it Providence. This discovery led to the founding of the town of Harrisburg.
Shorty’s grubstakers, recognizing the potential of the find, whisked him away to San Francisco to secure backers for the Cashier Gold Mining Company. This time, Shorty managed to resist the allure of gambling, retaining 50,000 shares of stock and $10,000 in cash. This represented a significant moment of financial stability for Shorty, a departure from his previous pattern of squandering his wealth.
Despite these occasional successes, Shorty never managed to establish a mine that he could truly call his own. He spent the remainder of his life prospecting, driven by an unwavering belief that the next big strike was just around the corner. At the age of 78, after a period of illness, he passed away in 1934 at his cabin in Big Pine, California. His final request was to be buried in Death Valley, beside his old friend James Dayton. He also requested a simple epitaph for his headstone: "Here lies Shorty Harris, a single blanket jackass prospector – 1856-1934 [sic]." The marker mistakenly placed his birth a year earlier, as he was actually born in 1857.
In 1930, Shorty recounted his story to the Magazine of the American Automobile Association of Southern California, offering a firsthand account of his adventures and the vibrant era of mining in the West. His words paint a vivid picture of the challenges, the camaraderie, and the intoxicating allure of striking it rich.
His legacy lives on, not just as a prospector, but as a symbol of the unwavering spirit of the American West.