Life As An 1800s Silver Miner!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 พ.ย. 2024
  • Cerro Gordo was once the biggest producer of silver in the state of California. When it was at its peak, the town had almost 5,000 residents, all centered around the mining activity there. I have been living in this ghost town for almost 2 years now, and have been increasingly curious about what life was like back in Cerro Gordo's heyday. In this video, I explore the mines and the town to try to give a clearer picture of what the life of an 1800s silver miner was like.
    ==
    You can follow my journey on Instagram: / brentwunderwood
    Cerro Gordo T-Shirts and more: store.cerrogor...
    You can send me mail at:
    PO Box 490, Lone Pine, CA 93545

ความคิดเห็น • 1.5K

  • @GhostTownLiving
    @GhostTownLiving  2 ปีที่แล้ว +740

    Thanks so much for watching! If you enjoy history, adventure, exploration and the American West please subscribe!

    • @living-wellon-less5669
      @living-wellon-less5669 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      I just thought of a way for you to help raise more funds, sell small ore from the mine with a certificate of authenticity!

    • @jesselyall7519
      @jesselyall7519 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      That was awesome Brent.!! Thanks a bunch

    • @justme-x7g
      @justme-x7g 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@living-wellon-less5669
      "Ghosts" are big business 🤓

    • @chriscampbell5014
      @chriscampbell5014 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Another informative video of the amazing town and the people who lived I it. Be well Brent and safe on your journeys though the mines.

    • @ericprater4017
      @ericprater4017 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I'm so grateful for the time that I live in during the world's history, I'm thankful for electricity (my grampa helped "wire" our farming community in Central Wa state freeing thousands from unthinkable drudgery), adequate food, clothing, roads and the best country in the history of the world.

  • @HelpfulHoney
    @HelpfulHoney 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1099

    Brent, someone in the live chat asked if you could do a video on the food that the miners and townspeople may have eaten. I also would find that very interesting. The fact that there is not much wildlife to hunt and gardening would have been difficult so they would have had to cart everything in is fascinating. I wonder how varied their diet was?

    • @KimberleyW
      @KimberleyW 2 ปีที่แล้ว +57

      That would be super interesting!

    • @GhostTownLiving
      @GhostTownLiving  2 ปีที่แล้ว +648

      Good idea! I have something in the works around this. So stay tuned!

    • @bellafernandez8277
      @bellafernandez8277 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Im also curious about it...glad you had open it up

    • @chuckthebull
      @chuckthebull 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      Beens, to add another eliment of danger to a smelly mine..

    • @faithreturns333
      @faithreturns333 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      @@chuckthebull I would imagine that it would be a lot of beans and cattle from ranches downtown further West. I'm also sure that if the Chinese people had any amount of numbers up there they probably had their own rice and other things and I'm sure people brought up fish. And lots of whiskey and Ale Beer

  • @ActionAdventureTwins
    @ActionAdventureTwins 2 ปีที่แล้ว +238

    This was honestly our favorite video yet! So much detail about what it was like back in the day, we had no idea the town was so big!

    • @GhostTownLiving
      @GhostTownLiving  2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

      Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

  • @cuebj
    @cuebj 2 ปีที่แล้ว +133

    This is close to being a masterpiece of televisual informational production, presentation, and camerawork. The pacing is perfect. Eg, you have long clips which change view as you look around but they are at a pace that holds the attention and intrigues rather than making me giddy. All the while, you speak with crystal clarity for my elderly ears - managing to balance both a sense of thrill with an economy of words. There's no patronising the viewer as a know-nothing nor any silly giggle 'wowee' you get in so many American wildlife programmes. It's a superb balance of wonder and erudition. Even viewed on a small phone, you convey: the intimacy and ramshackle form of a shack; the size and industrial nature of the engine shed; and the vast remoteness of the landscape. Brilliant! Congratulations!

    • @jamaicanjuice8684
      @jamaicanjuice8684 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Beautifully said. Couldn't have said it better myself.

    • @nabinnyc
      @nabinnyc 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I agree. The content on this channel is superb.

    • @something2knownow
      @something2knownow 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes well done. Especially appreciate the historic photos and factual presentation about the substance and hardships of life of a miner, at points it is somewhat unclear what the dates are being discussed however. One other point you might emphasize in another video is the short lifespan of both the men and the women who lived such rough lives. Many women died in childbirth or of birth related complications.

    • @PeppieP
      @PeppieP ปีที่แล้ว

      This is real American history. My Great Great Grandad and his brother went out to America to mine in silver/gold mines, wonder if they ever went to or near Cerro Gordo?y

  • @leighannlewis9808
    @leighannlewis9808 2 ปีที่แล้ว +364

    You're teaching most of us something we wouldn't have a chance to know without your videos. You are so appreciated! Thank you sincerely!!

    • @GhostTownLiving
      @GhostTownLiving  2 ปีที่แล้ว +42

      Thank you so much.

    • @philmickelsonscalves7585
      @philmickelsonscalves7585 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Brent would make an incredible teacher

    • @philmickelsonscalves7585
      @philmickelsonscalves7585 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Somebody has to let him know he’s probably the most likable guy in America

    • @melissacoulter2615
      @melissacoulter2615 ปีที่แล้ว

      Actually this information is 100% available to anyone with the internet and the desire to Google and go from one source to another. Don’t get me wrong I love Brent’s videos but the thought that Brent is providing information not anywhere else known is kind of ridiculous. Any mining tour given in Georgia or North Carolina that I’ve done gives the same general information on mining and the dangers along with it. On one I did last year in Georgia, as you walk along the shaft into the mountain, they turn out the light and you see how dark it is. In there they still have the notches where actual candles would be positioned or they tell how children that were hired would be the ones that went up and down all the shafts to relight them. The fraction of light that they must have had to do the jobs they did is outstanding! So hard to even fathom the thought of it!

  • @carolineindacityphx
    @carolineindacityphx 2 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    Timestamp: 5:32 "About 1870, there's reports of 4000 people were living here. Which just is insane to think about... 1870 is a great year to use. That's the year they did a census here at Cerro Gordo and looking through it, you just see all sorts of nationalities, you know, there is people from China, from Germany, from England, from Scotland, from Chile, from all over the place." This stuck out to me because through this channel, I have seen people from all over the world! We may not all be at Cerro Gordo, but we are there with you when you share these videos with us. I also loved the sound of clanging and hammering as you narrated the story. I really was taken back in time. ❤️ Thank you, Brent, for the walk down history lane. Looking forward to your next video.

    • @TheBlackbirdii
      @TheBlackbirdii 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      He said half american half Immigrants , the dude misleading people with this , all of you are Immigrants there at that time

  • @Speakno12
    @Speakno12 2 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    You are the perfect person to have taken this task on. Your personality, vocabulary, intellect, speaking ability, humor… thank you for what you do Brent.

  • @Mike_Malloy
    @Mike_Malloy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    It's amazing how they got all that lumber deep into the mines for structure support and to build ladders. It's not like those mountains had plenty of trees around them from what I've seen.

  • @MadCityModern
    @MadCityModern 2 ปีที่แล้ว +89

    Your passion for this place is contagious! Always excited to see your videos! You are an amazing story teller and have inspired me as I restore vintage tools and furniture on my channels. Although most of the items you find should be kept original, it would be a dream to restore something from Cerro Gordo. Thank you for sharing! Barry

  • @cowtchkushin3294
    @cowtchkushin3294 2 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Glad you talked about the lighting situation they had to deal with back then. I'd imagine with such low lighting for prolonged amounts of time really starts to put you deep inside your own mind. Those were some mentally tough men.

  • @AutisticMorty
    @AutisticMorty 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Wow. The realization that miners worked with almost no light, and even in the dark, just blew my mind. There must have been constant falls and injuries.

  • @nozzzzy
    @nozzzzy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    When I first found your channel I just thought "oh this sounds like an interesting video" because at the time I was watching a ton of urbex videos, anything abandoned history related was cool to me, but I'd never seen an abandoned mining town video before so I checked it out. Fast forward about a year and now I'm super invested in your series and this history that I never even considered before. You probably don't consider yourself part of the urbex community but that's definitely what brought me here to begin with. Abandoned places of all kinds are incredibly cool and I love how you created a whole new branch of that entertainment for me all based around this one mining town. Your drive is inspiring. There's tons of videos of people exploring forgotten places but not nearly as many videos about people actually trying to preserve those places, especially not to the extent you're doing it. We need more of this in the world, not just for mining towns but for all sorts of abandoned places. You're doing an amazing thing here, man and I've learned so much from watching you. I just wanted to give back by expressing my appreciation for what you do and I hope my comment adds fuel to the fire that keeps you motivated to do what you do for years to come.

    • @highclasswhitetrash9027
      @highclasswhitetrash9027 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Same, broken window theory upped the algorithm n the tubeverse sent me brent.

  • @silvernova354
    @silvernova354 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I must admit, I'm getting addicted to watching these. Keep up the great work, keeping history alive is a noble endeavor.

  • @anitahamlin2411
    @anitahamlin2411 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    You rock Brent! Thank you for being you! My grandfather was a coal miner and you have given me such a new appreciation for his efforts!

  • @abbyhogan6171
    @abbyhogan6171 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    “dang it Darryl!!!” What a fantastic episode.Thank You!!!

  • @coldpond
    @coldpond 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Just an overwhelming great documentary on mining, especially since it directly ties into Cerro Gordo. You make it come alive and not forgotten. Great job, 3 thumbs up!. Keep up the history and preservation. Long live Cerro Gordo!

  • @MelHaynesJr
    @MelHaynesJr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    How amazing would it be if someone had the capacity to recreate how mines were dug using the technology of the time and film it. I would love to see it in action, but your storytelling is the next best thing. I can’t imagine going so far deep in a mine with just candles or oil lamps. Someone had to carry lumber to build those ladders. Truly amazing what these people did.

    • @0777sadie
      @0777sadie 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Lots of underground mines, especially stope mines, to this day the timbering is done by hand. There are still MSHA regulations for standardized manways and whatnot. I worked underground for 10 years. Moved to surface over 3 years ago. Been mining for over 16 years now. I Love these videos. Very accurate!

    • @eberbacher007
      @eberbacher007 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Well Codys lab did quite some mining and also used gunpowder sometimes,
      but then youtube went after him and he no longer does theses types of videos since he can´t upload them.

    • @MankindFilm
      @MankindFilm 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'm working on a video game for PS4 and PS5 thats got lots of 1800s era mine exploration. I've used real photographs from the era to recreate accurate scenes. Trailers on my channel if you wanna check out "Isle of Eras"

    • @littlecabininthebigwoods5720
      @littlecabininthebigwoods5720 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      There’s a bbc series called edwardian farm you would like. I believe it’s on yt and some other streaming services. They have a mining episode and do just that. It’s 1901-1910, and obviously in england.

    • @MelHaynesJr
      @MelHaynesJr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@littlecabininthebigwoods5720 wow I will check it out for sure. Thanks for the recommendation

  • @davehenderson64
    @davehenderson64 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you Brent for providing a detailed accounting of the lives of the people involved in Cerro Gordo. Your passion for this is unmatched and appreciated. As for myself i find this captivating as i have worked In the Sullivan Mine In Kimberly B.C. for 8 years. After Drilling it, Blasting it, Mucking it and crushing it i moved to Trail B.C. to continue the journey. I count myself fortunate to have seen the entire process from start to finish and am amazed at how many important products can be extracted responsibly from the earth. I`ve loaded rail cars with tons of pure silver, and held a gold bar in my hands worth over half a million dollars and that was over 20 years ago. Imagine how much it would be worth today. Now more than 40 years later, i`m still on that journey. Still learning. Keep up the great work and videos. I`ll be a forever fan.

  • @enzomoya1689
    @enzomoya1689 2 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Fantastic video Brent! You're so right, a "miner" wasn't a person but an umbrella of all who worked going down and risking their lives for a few bucks! Just to blow it all in the saloon and brothel! Lol

  • @david-shank
    @david-shank 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    After binging through all the videos, now I get excited when a new one gets released. The wait is a killer.

  • @constance9789
    @constance9789 2 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I would have had a greater appreciation for history if I would have been exposed to stories like this as a student by a teacher such as yourself.
    It has been life affirming to have been able to be following you on your journey at Cerro Gordo.
    Thank you once again.

    • @akau1340
      @akau1340 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      At today's schools they probably wouldn't even allow teaching about the Chinese at the mine.

  • @margheritamastellari
    @margheritamastellari 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Brent, I'm one of those "silent followers" who's been following your journey since day 1. Just wanted to leave a comment to congratulate you - all your videos are extremely well done and very interesting, but this one totally exceeded the expectations. It's clear the effort to search for information, to make the videos, come up with a narration, gather the experts on the field, and all the small details that make your work stand out. Thank you for this. Keep up the amazing job!

  • @random22026
    @random22026 2 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Compassionate history lesson: thank you, Brent. The candle segment shed some light (or not---grim!) on the crazy working conditions involved in the removing ore. ⛏🧨🕯💥

    • @susansg2419
      @susansg2419 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Climbing up those sketchy ladders by candlelight to drill holes to dynamite?

    • @Randomperson0467
      @Randomperson0467 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi

  • @spoonsmisadventures5946
    @spoonsmisadventures5946 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Your production and quality continues to improve. Watching you risk basically everything financially and physically is so inspiring. You're a mad man, but you're a very very entertaining madman.

  • @yahnnobber5096
    @yahnnobber5096 2 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    I would love for a video filmed mostly in carbide light as you explain how it changed the game for the industry. Do a series of how early technology changed the lives of the miners for good and ill.
    edit: forgot to add that these are becoming epic and your narration, story telling, and cinematography are becoming more legendary with every new episode. Freaking masterpieces.

    • @GhostTownLiving
      @GhostTownLiving  2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Good idea! I'll try that out.

    • @Jeff-jg7jh
      @Jeff-jg7jh 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I agree, these vids are so good.

  • @HawkLMT
    @HawkLMT 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Brent! This video is one of my favorites! You are really outdoing yourself with these videos that speak to the history and heart of Cerro Gordo!

  • @madisonwoods4375
    @madisonwoods4375 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    My boyfriend and I have been watching sense the first episode (we where a fan of urbex and bushcraft videos and thats when your stuff showed up, under latest uploads) we are finally in a situation to start saving some cash and head out there to help/visit 😃 we are super happy for you.

  • @michaelpage7691
    @michaelpage7691 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Probably the best narrated history lesson in the origins of mining I”ve watched. You put the viewer in the shoes of the miner. Thank you. 😁🇦🇺👍🏻

  • @died4us590
    @died4us590 2 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    I have been waiting for a new video, you are one of the few channel's who I feel are genuine, and every video I have seen, I wished were longer. I would love to see your parent in a video, especially when you showed picture's of yourself as a kid with your dad, and you on a horse, maybe it was a pony. Posting early, waiting to see what's been going on. God bless.

    • @sophiezieba9705
      @sophiezieba9705 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I feel totally the same about those posts. 👍👍👍

  • @goulash75
    @goulash75 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Mate, this is a master class on how history should be taught. Far more interesting, and easily comprehensible than any textbook you could read on the subject. Can't wait for your book on Cerro Gordo, as with all this knowledge you're gathering, I think you'd be the perfect person to write a full and somewhat introspective history of the place.

  • @abbyhogan6171
    @abbyhogan6171 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I have been watching this channel since it began. I have gotten excited about Levi jeans and have bought myself one Levis because of this channel. Levis needs to SPONSOR this channel!!!

  • @MisterFilOfficial
    @MisterFilOfficial 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Now I understand why you fell in love with this place, so fascinating!

  • @fezfez7239
    @fezfez7239 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Yet another fantastic video thank you! Here in England we have tonnes of history but nothing fascinates me more than cerro gordo. Maybe it's the way you do your videos. Keep the videos coming.

  • @tmiller1079
    @tmiller1079 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Many of the mines here in South Australia started because observant graziers kicked over a bit of ore on the surface and decided to have a poke around. A century and a half later and we're still producing huge quantities of copper, as well as other precious metals. I'm constantly in awe of the early day miners and the lives they lived. One day I would love to come visit Cerro Gordo and see it first hand.

  • @Mersipher
    @Mersipher 2 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Brent, the warm and comforting choice of music hits me when listening. The music is very tasteful. Would you be willing to share some of those pieces with us? It's nice calming background sound draws me in to listen in detail to what you're explaining to us as we watch your videos.
    Thank you Brent and too all the volunteers who help you on this amazing journey you share with us.

    • @owen7412
      @owen7412 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A lot of the music is Chopin: th-cam.com/video/Jn09UdSb3aA/w-d-xo.html

    • @Mersipher
      @Mersipher 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@owen7412 Ahh! I thought I recognized a couple pieeces

  • @martyparsons8395
    @martyparsons8395 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    That was really cool! I've always wondered what it actually looked like to the miners of the day, to see how much light a candle actually gave them... amazing! Thank you!

  • @jamiehall4858
    @jamiehall4858 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Omg yusss I've been waiting 2 weeks for this new video Brent, your Chanel is by far the best and most genuine on TH-cam. What your doing for CG is absolutely amazing, I wish I could be apart of it but being in New Zealand I am happy to settle for your videos. Thank-you

  • @kerrylynnparsons9441
    @kerrylynnparsons9441 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I LOVE Ghost Town Living. For so many reasons. I love learning the history and your passion for sharing it. You do incredible research to delve into the full picture of Cerro Gordo in place and time. But you are also a tirelessly hard worker reviving a piece if history. Plus you show duch care and affection for your animals. You have endless interesting adventures that you share with viewers. Plus, you are a modern day stoic with your contemplative teachings through your personal experiences at Cerro Gordo. Thank you! 😊❤️🇨🇦🙏

  • @Judy-blueberry
    @Judy-blueberry 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I love hearing all the different voices you’ve added! Your the calming voice that makes the videos so wonderful to watch, but adding your friends (all so different and interesting) is just the cherry on top! Thank you for all your dedication to your dream. You really are inspiring!

  • @robertcronin6603
    @robertcronin6603 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Dude! Fascinating stuff... mining was a brutal, brutal occupation and those who did it deserve respect - just found your channel and I'm beginning to enjoy it very much 🔥

  • @KimberleyW
    @KimberleyW 2 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    This video was super cool and really fascinating! It really made me think about the conditions in the mines more. I never thought about how noisy it would of been with the explosions. And to think how quiet it is when you go down there these days. Can't wrap my head around it 😂. And it was great to see the mines lit by candlelight. I am shocked how little it lights up! You'd need lots of candles down there to see properly

    • @GhostTownLiving
      @GhostTownLiving  2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Thanks Kimberley! I always appreciate the support!

  • @roberteastman1396
    @roberteastman1396 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is a wonderful series. No matter what frightens me today, I know that I would not have been able to survive that time. Thank you.

  • @russellspeight5175
    @russellspeight5175 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This is fantastic - the level of depth it adds to the story that is going on is amazing! Thank you!

  • @lycidasxwerewolf
    @lycidasxwerewolf ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rewatched and commenting to boost. Loved this dive into Cerro Gordo's history, especially hearing excerpts by ppl from that era. Its so fascinating!

  • @buckwheatsofia
    @buckwheatsofia 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You’re living in an amazing place, and you’re an amazing and unique person. Thank you for showing and teaching us about times gone by. Stay safe. ❤️

  • @sar4x474
    @sar4x474 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I very much enjoyed this episode. You did a great job at bringing to reality what life was like at these times. Great job, Sir.

  • @JohanYlikiiskila
    @JohanYlikiiskila 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've followed the channel since the beginning and I'm still spellbound by it. Sitting on the other side of the world almost (Sweden), it does always fell distant and while I will take my family and visit once the pandemic recedes enough it felt eerily good that one swede (Alfred Nobel) affected the place. While I am in not way related to the Nobel family I still felt 'connected' for the first time watching the channel. Love your work, keep on keepin' on!

  • @kenoathiog1156
    @kenoathiog1156 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your channel is a new discovery for me, but fascinating stuff mate. 👍 I am in South Australia- home of Coober Pedy and (formerly) Mintabie opal fields. I have been there a few times, & it has always struck me just what a hard & fickle business mining is. And I have also felt the “fever” a little when I dug into the red, barren earth and pulled out some beautiful, unearthly colour. Tiny, & Worth next to nothing- but so much excitement!!! Wow- what a dangerous game!!!

  • @nancylopez9159
    @nancylopez9159 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This was a awesome video loved all the history of your town....it went from 4000 people to one....how blessed is that 💜💜💜💜

  • @markhenderson4204
    @markhenderson4204 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job illuminating how difficult of a time that was. It's fascinating and I love the history, but those were hard times. Take for example a broken bone. Today, that's nothing. Back in those days, you could perish from a resultant infection. Love your work - Thanks much !!

  • @National757
    @National757 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Going to check out those books. I am fascinated with the old mines and mining towns here in my backyard. Eastern Nevada. I love my trips to explore the desert and old mines/towns up here in Northern Nevada. And in your neck of the woods when I can. As usual. Another well done video. Thanks for sharing. Glad you took a break for Thanksgiving! Jim G. :)

  • @amypie7178
    @amypie7178 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loving your channel. Some of my ancestors were gold and coal miners on the West Coast of the South Island and in Thames in the North Island in New Zealand in the mid 1800s so I'm finding your videos really informative.

  • @elliotfels2083
    @elliotfels2083 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great history lesson for this episode! Good stuff Brent, enjoying it weekly...cheers!

  • @lindseyankers3790
    @lindseyankers3790 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Glued from the start, totally interesting and fascinating. Brent your videos just get better and better and your enthusiasm is infectious. Huge thanks for being you and saving Cerro Gordo. Diolch 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🤗

  • @yolover111
    @yolover111 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Dude made a channel on Cerro Gordo
    Imagine the people before, knowing the land could be turned into one day, a community again. Crazy

    • @GhostTownLiving
      @GhostTownLiving  2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I love this community. It's very special indeed.

  • @blacksabbathmatters3365
    @blacksabbathmatters3365 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is really amazing footage.
    I grew up in Northern California in the canyons. There are gold mines and caves everywhere up here.
    I spent my teenage years crawling through these caves with my oldest brother.
    Something I would never do now as a older, wiser man. 🙂

  • @Jordi_T
    @Jordi_T 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I live in a small town called galena in Missouri. I always knew that the reason the town was named Galena was because of the miners mining for the ore. I guess I never realized how much work really went into gathering and refining and all of the other factors. I really enjoy your content. Keep up the good work

  • @lesliefoley8711
    @lesliefoley8711 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am fascinated with your explorations and the history! Thank you for your videos! I hope to visit and see cera gordo for myself someday! Amazing!

  • @gavindean
    @gavindean 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A master class in story telling! Really enjoyed this episode, well done keep em coming.

  • @iamagirlnotboy
    @iamagirlnotboy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brent. You have taught me to appreciate all the little and big things in life, I couldn't ask for you to do anything more, you are inspirational And are very well spoken! I now watch the sunrise and hope to watch the sunset soon, I love Cerro Gordo so very much and have writen so MANY pages about it, at least 21 and more to come. You are awesome and I inspire to be you one day. You are AWESOME!

  • @lucyhorst4920
    @lucyhorst4920 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Hi Brent! I am a geologist with a mining background (i currently work in O&G). When it comes to historical mining, we dont give enough credit to these original miners and native american tribes. These people were smart. Economic geology is complex with a lot of variety depending on the type of deposit. To be able to follow a deposit, especially if the ore is disseminated, is difficult to do. Add in to the fact they were using hand tools and didnt have the tech we hqve today such as magnet and gravity surveys and the feat of mining is that much more impressive

  • @mikesadventures3605
    @mikesadventures3605 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm sitting here looking back on when I found this channel.... episode 1 man I thought you were crazy taking on owning a ghost town and now here you are. Maybe one day I'll pull off something this great. This town is a huge part of history and you are keeping it alive. I respect that.

  • @TheSkaireKrowe
    @TheSkaireKrowe 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This was beautiful content, Brent. The passion, the research, and the vigor you and fellow followers provide in a world often forgotten from days long gone that modern society takes for granted is enlightening! Always a gem to see your amalgamations in the life at such a great place. Thank you for bringing it to my frontal lobe! Enjoy the adventure.

  • @ToniannDonnelly
    @ToniannDonnelly 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you Brent,I love watching you and your Cerro Gordo it's so full of history and you tell it with so much passion.This episode was brilliant!!! I can't wait for the next.

  • @anesthetized7053
    @anesthetized7053 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    you should expand on this video, try to live a day in the life of a miner. waking up, getting breakfast, going to mine, coming home for dinner, maybe even a simulated oration of some kind with a text that might have been popular at the time. i think that would make for a great video and probably would be a load of fun.

  • @9D9
    @9D9 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your uploads are the ones I look forward to the most, seeing your passion for Cerro Gordo puts a smile on my face every time. Keep it up Brent!

  • @gregm.5960
    @gregm.5960 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have some additional information that's you might find interesting. The gold rush miners were taking their wagon trains threw New Mexico they had this heavy mud sticking to their wagon wheels and years later they figured out that the mud was laced with silver and lead.
    One little side note dynamite was initially stabilized with saw dust.

  • @MrD308
    @MrD308 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That was fantastic Brent. Thanks for that episode. Funny, I already have most of those books.
    “Deep Enough” is definitely a must have. That guy has some incredible stories to tell about his times in mining camps all over the west.
    Keep up the great work.

  • @scattergun
    @scattergun 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Alfred Nobel's story is actually quite interesting.
    His brother was killed in an explosion, and the newspaper published an obituary for Alfred by accident, instead of his brother. The obituary said mean things about him, so he donated his will to the Nobel Peace Price, leaving a different kind of legacy.

  • @t-lesk5686
    @t-lesk5686 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another Banger video Brent!! Thanks for all the content tuning in from Alberta Can!

  • @k2rcb
    @k2rcb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Here in Delaware everything used to be about Dupont, Hercules, and Atlas. The govt split them up but they all were still headquartered in northern Delaware and employed a large chunk of our population.

  • @johncook5391
    @johncook5391 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    A super-sensitive and informative account of life in the mines at that time. As you say, most should feel some relief that for most, things are not nearly as tough, presently. I've had a long fascination with pioneer and frontier settlements which existed everywhere at one time or another. I find this to be a great relief from so many who feel so entitled to comfort, presently.

  • @jbmbryant
    @jbmbryant 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I know in the mines in Daggett California, it was illegal to talk to the hoist operator because he needed full concentration to listen to the bells (a system to tell him which depth to send the hoist to). The consequences for talking to him were quite severe.

  • @hx4011
    @hx4011 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have already seen these videos but he is such a good story teller.

    • @GhostTownLiving
      @GhostTownLiving  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for checking them out again!

    • @hx4011
      @hx4011 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GhostTownLiving Of course! Thank you for all of your hard work keeping these stories and this important history alive. Your passion is felt through all of your videos. I will try my best to come help out when I relocate to California!

  • @WoddCar
    @WoddCar 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    The amount of history in the mines and just in this town in general is just insane

    • @キキミミシュウ
      @キキミミシュウ 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      😒 When he says Chinese "workers" he means Chinese slaves 👀 since black slavery was abolished

    • @キキミミシュウ
      @キキミミシュウ 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@realredditstories420 okay sheeple, you must be white, systematic racism is a myth the?

  • @fixstarnumber1966
    @fixstarnumber1966 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was here when you first started ... I prayed for you to succeed ... And now, you are awesome ( come now , you had doubts yourself) . Thanks for all you do😊

  • @JohnGrit
    @JohnGrit 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That is completely amazing to me. As a modern day union laborer I thought I had it rough. The part where you showed us how much lighting they didn't have using a few candles is insane and unimaginable. Those guys were some real workers..😁😅

  • @beauhambleton2656
    @beauhambleton2656 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Really great insight to the history! I appreciate that you can really envision what it would have been like, there’s not many places left where you are really taking a step back in time.

  • @davidedmonds3637
    @davidedmonds3637 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I am sitting here in Kent England, and I am fascinated with what you do. I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT YOU AND EXPLORE THE MINES WITH YOU, BUT ALAS I AM TOO OLD WITH TO MANY THINGS GOING WRONG WITH ME. I USED TO BE INTO POT HOLING WHEN I WAS YOUNGER. THE NEXT BEST THING IS WATCHING YOU AND HEARING YOU TALK WITH SO MUCH PASSION ABOUT IT. PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

  • @d.n.b.5495
    @d.n.b.5495 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brent, I can't say this enough. I am SO happy that you acquired this town and what you have done with it so far is amazing. I impatiently wait every week for yet another video of you exploring, wandering, and teaching us of everything that went on in this town. Your narration and amazing video that is captured is top notch and I make sure to watch on my TV to get the high quality that you film it in. Absolutely beautiful landscapes and even just in the tunnels, it's awesome. Thank you, Brent, for giving us this opportunity to have an awesome view back in time alongside with you!! I hope someday I can make it out there to see it in person. Take care and be safe!!

  • @mfbfreak
    @mfbfreak 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    i'd love to see a video about all the machinery in the hoist house. How they work, perhaps see them run if they're still functional etc

  • @ErinRenee1990
    @ErinRenee1990 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brent your videos keep getting better and better. I’m a caregiver and I enjoy hearing stories of the lives of my elderly clients, grandparents (May they Rest In Peace) and family friends so it was definitely neat to hear about the daily lives of miners. I bet they told some very interesting stories about there times at Cerro Gordo to their kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews.

  • @Phenom157
    @Phenom157 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My maternal great-grandfather and grandfather were coal miners in the Anthracite mines of Northeastern Pennsylvania. My great-grandfather perished in a mine collapse in 1937 and my grandfather perished in what is known as The Knox Mine Disaster in The River Slope Mine on January 22, 1959. He was a mine electrician who wired the mines for lighting. With the exception of one Uncle that died from Polio, all my grandfather's other brothers later died from Black Lung disease.

  • @shirohniichan
    @shirohniichan 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for all your work. I find your stories fascinating. For years I have been reading about silver mining in eastern California, and you are doing things many of us have only dreamed about.

  • @christiancarlock7570
    @christiancarlock7570 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Catching up on your videos and I have to say, I love the discovery but I'm absolutely infatuated with the history you share!
    Keep doing what you do and stay safe!

  • @Jannemann09
    @Jannemann09 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You should, if you’re not already doing, stock the museum with copies of those books you recommended. You often reference books about mining and the town and it would certainly be an asset for guests!

  • @R0bert811
    @R0bert811 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You're awesome Brent!

  • @griffinlundberg3846
    @griffinlundberg3846 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Even before I’m watching it. I’m commenting how excited I am for this episode. Love history stories that take you back!

  • @HeatherTruscott801
    @HeatherTruscott801 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Just finished binge watching everything you've done. Absolutely love it. I'm curious if there is a cemetery close by and are there head stones. You can learn so much from the names and dates represented there.

    • @genghisfimpley3516
      @genghisfimpley3516 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      In his first video on this channel he visits an old cemetary nearby

  • @sunseeker8457
    @sunseeker8457 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    After watching Kara and Nate's video for them staying there over night in the ghost room a year ago!!! I came here. I loved the history and this (your town) NEEDS TO BE AN AirBnB! With you telling this story over to people.But keeping it to how things are now. I can see VanLife / schoolies people waiting to stay here one or two days. I can see off road motor bikes tours staying over night here. The list can on and on. Your place is a Gold Mine of history that people will what to stay and learn the history. And YOU have to tell the story and give tours as you do it soooo very well! I would come in a heart beat!

  • @TheAudio1
    @TheAudio1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The Thrift Store near my place has shelves full of silverware accumulating that nobody wants. Everything donated was mostly inherited. The new generation just doesn't see the value in silver it seems. This is so weird. Especially after watching your video.

  • @renhermsen8062
    @renhermsen8062 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video is very well done!! Thank you Brent

  • @davidbeavermosley
    @davidbeavermosley 2 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Just a thought, considering how silent the mines are now, how incredible would it be to set off a single stick of dynamite in a drill hole whilst down there, to feel the thump of it and hear how incredibly powerful it must be in such a confined space. I bet it was an nerve racking experience in near darkness the first few times

    • @EverDayBest
      @EverDayBest 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Don't touch ANYTHING

    • @massimilianoronchi6630
      @massimilianoronchi6630 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It would be super cool and super dangerous at the same time haha

    • @karvast5726
      @karvast5726 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh no no no there is hundreds of tunnels waiting to collapse with the rotten wood holding the ceiling together that woule be kinda suicidal to do and if no one is hurt it wouod be kinda sad that some pzrt of the mine is not accesible anymore

  • @frederickmoller
    @frederickmoller 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brent, your take on Cerro Gordo life and mining is what makes your channel about the best mining history channel out there on TH-cam. Where I come from in Timmins Canada, as mining city to this very day (started in 1909), there is very little on TH-cam on it's mining history! Btw, I'm a retired underground scoop tram operator with 43 years of experience of working in 3 of the several mines here.

  • @ElementofKindness
    @ElementofKindness 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    How a miner's day is lived when NOT mining, is one of the things I find MOST interesting.

    • @markvanderstelt8999
      @markvanderstelt8999 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Drinking - Hookers - Fighting- there you go.

    • @WadaZable
      @WadaZable 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@markvanderstelt8999 Add gambling all their hard earned money on to that list xD

    • @jameseastwood4984
      @jameseastwood4984 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@markvanderstelt8999 why spoil a successful formula?

  • @bustedcherokee
    @bustedcherokee 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brent, been watching over a year now from Indiana, love you and your videos, you are doing a fantastic job chiseling your name into Californian history and mining history in general.

  • @jodieb4970
    @jodieb4970 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I love hearing how they lived day to day back then. I'm curious if the miners' 12 hour days included the time it took them to reach the place in the mine where they actually had to work. I know the hoist can be a 45 minute ride down the shaft. Was that time included in their 12 hours?

    • @everythingsalright1121
      @everythingsalright1121 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It mightve ran faster back when it was in good condition back then

  • @jeremylindsey633
    @jeremylindsey633 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your town Brent.

  • @larryheppler9517
    @larryheppler9517 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I think it would be super cool to see current day photos taken from the original location of the same subject, i.e. buildings, landscapes of the town and publishing them side by side. It's interesting to compare trees and ground cover and what changes over 150 years.

  • @johnhartman3149
    @johnhartman3149 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brent, thank you so much for all the time and work it takes to put these videos out there. I anxiously await each new update, explore, venture and history lesson. I live in south now after 47 years in the Comstock and surrounding areas. Your videos really help heal the homesick heart