The incredible story of Bodie

Before crossing the huge log barricading the road outside the town, a set of strict instructions are given to every person who visits Bodie for the first time. One of them being "do not pick up any souvenirs from the town of Bodie". The town appears to be frozen in the late 1800s. Each and every artefact is left untouched and unmoved since its owner abandoned it. But why would anybody leave behind their home, their every belonging and go away? That's because this incredible town inhabits several intriguing things, one of them being a curse. It is believed, if you pick up a souvenir from here, your life turns into a series of bad events.

At first, this town appears like any other old wild west town film set from a movie. The wooden construction, a lavish porch in front, a placard announcing the resident's names at the entrances, the infamous saloons and hotels, a chapel, and everything else a wild west town should have. The setup wasn't far from imagining a duel about to happen at any minute. Except, everything has now turned old, worn out, and decayed with time. As you walk on Green street, you see a vintage pick-up truck lying on your right, which is hard to miss. Its body completely rusted due to years of corrosion, except the green paint retaining its former glory. Even nature found its way in through grown grass over the car tyres. The stranded vehicle is one of the most remarkable attractions in Bodie, maybe because of its out-of-time appearance or the original story of the town, it's hard to say. But the story is as impressive as the town itself.

Beginning of Bodie

The story begins in 1859 when a man named W. S. Bodey and his group of prospectors found a gold mine in the Sierra Nevada range in Mono County. The mining activity soon followed, where Bodey and a few others began to sell the gold extracted. However, the discovery of other precious metals in the nearby towns took place during the same time, leaving Bodie unattended. Besides a few companies that failed to run their business, this place was neglected for a few years. As for Bodey, he died in a Blizzard soon after the discovery of the gold mine. Then, things changed from 1876 onwards. Several companies started showing interest in Bodie's gold mining ore, and the town began to see its glory in business. Many settlers followed, taking the population up to 10,000 with 2000 buildings in the area. Bodie received its name from the man who discovered it, W. S. Bodey. After many name trials, the name Bodie Town became public.

The period, 1887 to late 1880, is still considered Bodie's golden period. The prosperity led to the development of the town. It started its own newspaper and also established a post office that remained active till 1942. With the population growth came the amenities a wild west town required. Saloons, a red-light district, a chapel, even a Chinatown found a home here.

Red Brick Work-DeChambeau Hotel Bodie.jpg

The Fall

As they say, bad luck is like a snowball effect sometimes. A series of unfortunate events led to Bodie's downfall and also to the belief in the curse. First, an epidemic arrived, causing havoc amongst its miners. The story of the prostitute Rosa May has become one of Bodie's unforgettable legends where she stepped forward to help nurse the miners who suffered from the epidemic. Her whereabouts after the epidemic is a mystery. However, she became immortal as the 'The Hooker with a 'Heart of Gold'. It is believed by some that she eventually succumbed to the epidemic, while some think that she left the town as the town soon saw its decline. No record of her can be found after the 1910 census. Yet, an unmarked grave in the cemetery is thought to be hers that has become a touristic spot.

Then there was a fire that caused damage to the structures and losses to the businesses. Mishaps like these occurring one after the other led people to consider it unlucky at first and then evil with time. The mining was stopped, and the residents gradually started to leave. It was in 1915 when Bodie came to be known as 'the ghost town'. In 1962, the town was officially declared as a State Historic Park.

Arrested Decay

Today, Bodie is left in its arrested decay format. All the buildings and structures are only preserved in a way that they do not crash or fall. No new changes or establishments are made here to maintain authenticity. When you observe from a distance, the town appears to be stuck in the late 1800s, with everything left as it was by their original owners. Even the properties inside the buildings are just the way they were. Nothing is touched or moved from its initial location. Peeking through the window of one of these houses gives a chilling experience as you find a single shoe lying around, the wallpapers stained with time and torn out, abandoned chairs, and beds, and tables, and all the belongings eerily hanging across the place, watching time turn and days pass. Visitors come and witness these immovable objects and go back to their homes. The one thing that has still stayed here is its story and the famous curse.

A portion of the credit for the town's survival can be given to the harsh winter. The work of red bricks and wood is spectacular. The Methodist Church, J. S. Cain house with glass windows, miner's union hall, DeChambeau Hotel, the crooked Swasey Hotel, Standard Mill are some of the buildings you are sure to explore when you're in town.

Bodie flaunts its spooky and haunted environment beautifully. Watching the old 1800s structures and listening to the story of this remarkable ghost town makes your visit worth a while. If you really want to enjoy exploring this place, anytime besides winter is perfect. For sure, a visit to Bodie is an experience you'll never forget!