The Big Boom
Photo Credits: Robert Alexander/Archive Photos/Getty Images
Then, in 1876, after years of no luck, the Standard Company discovered a deposit of gold-bearing ore. This discovery transformed the little mining camp of only a few prospectors into a Wild West boomtown in a matter of years. Even more gold was discovered in 1878, which made Bodie even more attractive for gold miners and their families.
By 1789, Bodie’s population had grown to 5,000-7,000 inhabitants with over 2,000 buildings. According to some, in 1880, Bodie was the third and maybe even second biggest city in California. However, these claims were disproven by the U.S. census of 1880.
Do you know what to “have a man for breakfast” means?
