Bodie State Historic Park was added to Your Favorites!
Lee Vining, California
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At its peak in the late 1800s, Bodie had a population of nearly 10,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in California at the time.
Bodie is considered one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States, with over 100 structures still standing in a state of arrested decay.
Legend has it that anyone who takes an artifact from Bodie will be cursed with bad luck until the item is returned.
Bodie is located at an elevation of 8,379 feet, and its residents endured harsh winters with temperatures often dropping below zero.
In 1961, Bodie was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, acknowledging its significance in American history.
Bodie suffered several devastating fires, with the most significant in 1932, which destroyed much of the town's business district.
The park maintains a policy of 'arrested decay,' meaning buildings are preserved in the state they were found, without restoration.
Bodie was home to a diverse population, including immigrants from China, Ireland, Germany, and Italy, contributing to its vibrant community.
Bodie's Chinatown was a bustling area with its own businesses and social clubs, serving the Chinese immigrant population.
Bodie's cemetery includes a section known as the 'Boot Hill,' where many of the town's outlaws and gunfighters were buried.
