Chrysopolis
Former settlement
Chrysopolis is located in California
Chrysopolis
Chrysopolis
Location in California
Coordinates: 36°57′38″N 118°11′48″W / 36.96056°N 118.19667°W / 36.96056; -118.19667
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyInyo County
Elevation
[1]
3,819 ft (1,164 m)

Chrysopolis (Greek for "city of gold") is a former settlement in Inyo County, California.[1] It was located on the east bank of the Owens River south of Aberdeen,[2] at an elevation of 3819 feet (1164 m).[1]

Geography

The town was founded in 1863, making it one of the earliest settlements in the Owens Valley. It was situated in the east of the valley, making it one of the more arid places in the valley. As the name of the town suggests, Chrysopolis had an industry based on gold mining.[2][3]

History

Original town

Ever since the town was founded, Chrysopolis made its industry and economy based on mining. The area prospered briefly, but the population quickly declined because of both troubles with natives living in the region and its geographic isolation. These troubles were eventually resolved with the construction of a nearby fort, but by the time of its completion, more people were interested in the west side of the Owens Valley and left Chrysopolis behind. Although the town was abandoned, mining persisted in the region.[3]

Mining boom and Chrysopolis

The town was revived in the 1900s, when a boom in mining swept through the region. During this boom, more people got focused on the old Chrysopolis mining area. The event was short-lived, however. It had reached its end by 1910, and again people packed up and left.[3]

Ruins

Most of the town is gone, but there are still several stone walls and structures and some mining tunnels.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Chrysopolis, California
  2. 1 2 Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 1143. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Chrysopolis". ghosttowns.com. Todd Underwood, Boris Vasilev, & Rich Rayls. March 1998.



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