Man Who Bought Abandoned Mining Town Aims for Resort Revival

Brent Underwood, 39, acquired the historic mining town of Cerro Gordo, California, in 2018 for $1.4 million with the ambition of turning it into a unique vacation destination. Located in the Inyo Mountains, approximately 200 miles north of Los Angeles, the town was once a thriving hub during the silver rush.

Underwood's vision for Cerro Gordo involves restoring its dilapidated buildings and offering visitors an immersive historical experience. However, the transformation of the remote and decaying structures into a functional resort has proven to be a more complex and arduous undertaking than initially anticipated. The town's isolated location and the need for extensive infrastructure repairs present significant hurdles to development.

Cerro Gordo was established in 1869 and played a crucial role in the region's mining boom, producing substantial amounts of silver, lead, and zinc. The town's history is marked by periods of prosperity and decline, with its population dwindling and operations ceasing by the mid-20th century, leaving behind a collection of nearly intact historic buildings.