Mining was the key that unlocked the treasure chest of the Eastern Sierra. Vast deserts on three sides and an immense mountain barrier on the other kept white men away from the native Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe settlements until relatively late in California's history. But the discovery of the Comstock Lode silver ore in 1858, east of Lake Tahoe, changed that overnight. Prospectors from the gold fields on the west side flooded east across the Sierra to the Comstock. Rich gold and silver discoveries at Aurora and Bodie fueled the rumors and dreams of many and kept them searching.

Four prospectors hunting for the Lost Cement Mine organized the Lakes Mining District on Mineral Hill near Lake Mary in 1877. The following year, General George Dodge of Civil War and Union Pacific fame bought the group of claims and organized the Mammoth Mining Co.

News that the company was running four tunnels into Mineral Hill and constructing a tramway and 20-stamp mill, and rumor that this was the "largest bonanza outside Virginia City, "sparked a short-lived rush to the Mammoth gold mines. Over a thousand people flocked to Mammoth City the summer of 1878 and perhaps 1,500 the next. The riches and the bonanza never materialized and the Mammoth Mining Co. shut down its mill in 1880.

In the 1900's a different breed of pioneer discovered Mammoth. They were looking for riches that lay in the enjoyment of the Eastern Sierra. Fishing, hunting, photography, camping, hiking, horseback riding were what drew the summer visitors to Mammoth and with them came the businesses to support them. Movies were even made in the meadow and the Lakes Basin. The village of Old Mammoth was bom. Fords, Chevies, and you name it - vintage of 1914 on - made it through the desert, up the steep grades and into the meadow; a trip of two and one half days from Los Angeles. A hotel, store, garage, bakery, and post office were established, known as Mammoth Carnp.

Tent camps were set up along the Mammoth Creek or in the nearby forest. Many of the visitors were Bishop families coming for the summer; others arrived from Los Angeles. Eventually the summer visitors built cabins along the creek and in the Lakes Basin.

Only a few caretakers stayed to protect the properties that were here during the winter. Those few received mail and supplies by dogsled.

Mammoth became a quiet and remote area until the completion of a modern highway in 1937. The camping, hiking, fishing, and dynamic beauty of the area made it a sportsman's paradise. The area developed quite a reputation as a summer retreat. Mammoth got its name from the mining era, Mannnoth Mining Co.

Information duplicated from the Mammoth Times Real Estate Publication Vol 2, #2, winter 1996.