Lost Cement Gold Mine of Mammoth Mountain, California – Legends of America
The allure of hidden riches has always captivated the human spirit, and the American West is particularly rich in tales of lost mines and forgotten treasures. Among these legends, the story of the Lost Cement Gold Mine near Mammoth Mountain, California, stands out due to its intriguing name and the enduring mystery surrounding its location. This elusive vein of gold, reportedly found in a unique “cemented” form, has tantalized prospectors and treasure hunters for over a century.
The Initial Discovery
The story begins in 1857, amidst the great westward expansion when wagon trains were a common sight across the American landscape. Two German men, part of a larger group heading to California, decided to venture off on their own. Their journey led them to the rugged, desolate region around Mono Lake in central California, an area one of the men later described as "the burnt country."
As they traversed the Sierra Nevada near the headwaters of the Owens River, they paused to rest by a stream. It was here that they stumbled upon a remarkable geological formation: a ledge of red lava rock embedded with what appeared to be chunks of pure gold, seemingly “cemented” together. This unusual formation gave rise to the name "Cement Mine."
The gold ore was so abundant that one of the men doubted its authenticity, scoffing at his companion who, convinced of its value, painstakingly chipped off about ten pounds of the ore to take with him. Before continuing their journey, the believer carefully drew a map of the location, hoping to return one day and claim his fortune.
Tragedy and the Doctor’s Secret
Fate, however, had other plans. Along their journey, the disbelieving partner succumbed to illness and died. The surviving German, burdened by his heavy load, discarded most of the gold samples. After finally crossing the mountains, he followed the San Joaquin River to the mining camp of Millerton, California.
Weakened by his arduous journey, the German sought medical attention in San Francisco. There, he was diagnosed with consumption (tuberculosis) by Dr. Randall, who informed him that his condition was terminal. Unable to pay for his treatment and too ill to return to the gold mine, the German offered Dr. Randall the remaining gold ore, the map he had drawn, and a detailed description of the mine’s location in exchange for his care.
The Rush to Pumice Flat
Dr. Randall, recognizing the potential value of this information, shared it with a few trusted friends. In the spring of 1861, they set out for the Mono Lake region, arriving at the old mining town of Monoville. They hired additional men to help them prospect on a quarter-section of land known as Pumice Flat, believed to be about eight miles north of Mammoth Canyon, near a site that later became known as Whiteman’s Camp.
Word of the "cement" gold spread quickly, igniting a frenzy among prospectors. Soon, the area was teeming with miners eager to find the gold-laden red "cement." One account claims that two members of Dr. Randall’s party actually located the "Cement Mine" and extracted several thousand dollars worth of gold from the ledge.
The Owens Valley Indian War
Tragically, the burgeoning gold rush coincided with the outbreak of the Owens Valley Indian War in 1861. The Paiute Indians, who had previously maintained peaceful relations with the settlers, grew wary and hostile due to the influx of prospectors encroaching upon their ancestral lands.
The two miners who had supposedly found the Lost Cement Mine met a grim fate. They were reportedly killed by the Paiute before they could reveal the mine’s exact location, leaving the secret of the "cement" outcropping lost once again.
Legacy of the Lost Mine
Despite the fact that the legendary "cement" outcropping was never rediscovered, the influx of prospectors into the eastern Sierra region led to the discovery of other gold deposits, resulting in the establishment of several mining camps, including Dogtown, Mammoth City, Lundy Canyon, and the infamous Bodie.
The Lost Cement Gold Mine of Mammoth Mountain remains a captivating legend, a symbol of the enduring allure of hidden riches and the challenges faced by those who seek them. The elusive lode is said to lie somewhere in the dense woods near the Sierra Mountains headwaters of the San Joaquin River’s middle fork, waiting to be rediscovered.
A Personal Account
Adding to the mystique of the Lost Cement Mine is a personal account shared by a reader in October 2023. David Cooper recounted a childhood memory of his father’s search for the mine in the late 1950s. According to Cooper, his father had heard the story of the lost mine and the two ill-fated miners. Driven by the allure of gold, Cooper’s father, along with a friend, embarked on a prospecting trip to the Mono Lake area.
Cooper recalled hiking for hours before his father excitedly claimed to have found the location. They discovered a creek with a cement bed and a large cave dug into the hillside. Inside the cave, Cooper’s father found a small bottle of mercury and a golf ball-sized stash of gold. However, their prospecting trip was cut short when, during a subsequent visit, his father’s friend was injured in an accident. Later, two men in suits visited their home, had a private conversation with his father, and left with the gold. The mine was never spoken of again.
Cooper’s account, though anecdotal, adds a layer of intrigue to the legend of the Lost Cement Gold Mine. It highlights the enduring appeal of the story and the lengths to which people have gone in search of its hidden treasure.
Conclusion
The tale of the Lost Cement Gold Mine of Mammoth Mountain is more than just a story of a lost treasure; it is a reflection of the human desire for wealth and adventure, the challenges of the American West, and the complex relationship between settlers and Native Americans. Whether the mine will ever be found remains to be seen, but the legend continues to inspire and intrigue those who dream of striking it rich in the rugged landscapes of California.