Living Solo in Cerro Gordo: A Unique Look at Life in a Revived Ghost Town

The Purchase of Cerro Gordo

Brent Underwood, at 39, made headlines when he purchased the abandoned ghost town of Cerro Gordo for $1.94 million in 2018. This former silver mining settlement, established in 1865, is located high in the Inyo Range of California, overlooking Death Valley—one of the hottest places on earth. Underwood originally envisioned Cerro Gordo as a weekend escape after a friend jokingly shared the real estate listing. However, the unexpected turn of events brought on by the pandemic in 2020 prompted him to make it his permanent residence, marking a significant shift not just in his life, but in the possibilities for revitalizing a historic community.

A New Way of Life

Underwood’s lifestyle starkly contrasts with his previous urban existence, filled with the buzz of city life and routine. He describes the decision to leave behind a comfortable apartment in Los Angeles and a vibrant social network to embrace life in the mountains. “I left a comfortable life to move to the middle of nowhere and try to figure it out,” he reflects. This change isn't just geographical; it symbolizes a desire for something deeper—perhaps a connection to history or a challenge to reshape his future.

Living in complete isolation presents numerous challenges. The nearest grocery store is a grueling two-hour trek away, and the absence of running water or reliable mobile service complicates daily living. Most people wouldn’t choose this kind of lifestyle, viewing it as a sacrifice. Yet for Underwood, it’s an adventure, layered with both the beauty and harshness of nature. He’s traded in the conveniences of modern living for a life that prompts both introspection and resilience. If you’re working in this space, you'll recognize that such drastic lifestyle changes often bring unforeseen stresses and revelations.

Reviving History

Cerro Gordo boasts a rich history; at its peak, over 4,000 miners called this town home, significantly contributing to California’s economic growth through silver mining. The town was once a bustling community filled with dreams and ambitions—but like many mining towns, it was entirely deserted by the 1940s, leaving behind a poignant reminder of a bygone era. This backdrop places Underwood's work in a thoughtful context—he’s not just renovating buildings; he’s reviving a narrative.

His ambitious restoration projects have gained him millions of online followers, many of whom are captivated by the revival of this historic site. One of his notable creations is a hidden library in a former dynamite storage facility, featuring a collection of antique mining books. This project serves as a physical manifestation of preserving knowledge—something Underwood seems passionate about. Not content to stop there, he’s making strides with the restoration of the American Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in 2020. His plans for this historic structure include eight guest rooms, a bar, and a restaurant, turning it into a hub for visitors and locals alike.

Lola’s Legacy

Underwood is committed to preserving the legacy of the women who lived and worked in Cerro Gordo, notably through his project transforming Lola’s Palace of Pleasure, a former brothel, into a museum. “Lola had a remarkable story... I want to make sure it survives,” he emphasizes. This focus on the town's history enriches the narrative he aims to present; it illustrates that every corner of Cerro Gordo tells a story deserving to be told and remembered. Here’s the thing: this emphasis on women's contributions often gets overshadowed, both in history and in contemporary discussions of heritage.

Life in Isolation

Despite the stunning beauty that surrounds him, living alone in an isolated ghost town isn't without its peculiarities. Underwood recounted a particularly chilling experience: he returned home one night to find a light on in the former bunkhouse, even though he knew no one was there. “As I got closer, someone pulled back the lace curtain and looked out at me. I could see a figure,” he recalled, and this moment teetered on the boundary between the real and the spectral. After confirming with a friend that no one else was present, he felt compelled to lock the building up tight, a decision that reveals the unsettling nature of isolation.

This blend of solitude and the supernatural adds complexity to his daily life. Even with obstacles like harsh weather conditions and the logistical challenge of long supply runs, Underwood has no intention of leaving. “I hope to be working on Cerro Gordo for the rest of my life,” he expressed. His unwavering dedication to restoring this ghost town is driven by a passion for both conservation and history. (And this is the part most people overlook: the emotional weight of such a task.)

Looking to the Future

Underwood’s plans don't stop at mere preservation; he aims to reinvent Cerro Gordo as a vibrant community once more. With plans to reopen an abandoned movie theater and restore camping areas, he sees potential for tourism to breathe new life into the town. His home, once belonging to the town’s original owner, affords him panoramic valley views and puts him in a unique position of stewardship over the historic site. “It’s one thing to read about history; it’s different to stand in it,” he aptly noted, emphasizing the tangible connection between humanity and place.

Implications for the Community

The revival of Cerro Gordo holds broader implications for how we interact with history and cultural heritage. Underwood's efforts extend beyond personal ambition; they invite people to reconsider what ghost towns represent. Instead of mere relics of the past, these sites can become platforms for education and community. As tourism increases, it could provide economic opportunities that benefit the surrounding area. However, the challenge remains: how do we balance growth with preservation? As this project unfolds, it could serve as a model for similar revitalization efforts across the country.