Brent Underwood, an entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, has breathed new life into Cerro Gordo, a historic silver-mining town in California that had been abandoned for decades. Underwood purchased the 360-acre property in the Inyo Mountains eight years ago, using his life savings to embark on a mission of restoration and historical preservation.
Founded in 1865, Cerro Gordo was once California's most prosperous silver mine, with over 4,000 miners living and working in the town at its peak. Nearly a billion dollars worth of minerals were extracted from its shafts, contributing significantly to the development of the American West. Underwood, who moved to the town full-time in 2020, has been documenting his efforts to restore its more than a dozen buildings and preserve its legacy.
"The story doesn't survive if the place doesn't survive," Underwood stated, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding the town's history. His recent social media activity, including a viral TikTok tour, has drawn attention to the ghost town and its ongoing transformation.
Restoring Historic Structures
Underwood has converted various buildings within Cerro Gordo into unique spaces. The former dynamite storehouse now serves as a library filled with books related to mining, while the general store has been reimagined as a museum housing artifacts discovered on the property. He also plans to restore the town's original movie theatre for future film screenings.
A significant project is the American Hotel, originally built in 1871. While the structure is complete, Underwood is awaiting permits to finish the interior. The hotel is intended to become a central hub for the town, featuring a bar, restaurant, outdoor patio, and eight guest rooms. Underwood anticipates its opening within the year, though he views the overall restoration of Cerro Gordo as a lifelong endeavor.
The town's past also includes the Lola's Palace of Pleasure, a former brothel. Underwood intends to transform it into a museum that honors the women who worked there, noting that their stories are often overlooked in historical accounts of mining camps. He also highlighted the original assay offices, where miners' ore was evaluated, and Mortimer Belshaw's former residence, which now serves as Underwood's home.
Welcoming Visitors
Cerro Gordo is now open for self-guided tours daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission. Guided tours of the main mine building are available on weekends for $20. Underwood hopes that visitors will engage with the town's history firsthand, stating, "It's one thing to read about it; it's different to stand in it."
Underwood has also shared anecdotes about his experiences in the remote town, including a peculiar incident in the former bunkhouse that he attributes to the town's lingering spirit. He documents his ongoing work and adventures on his YouTube channel, "Ghost Town Living."