An Age Of New Technology
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By the 1890s, Bodie was beginning to experience the benefits of technological advancement when it came to mining. In 1890, the method of using cyanide to process the ore was introduced. The process allowed miners to extract all of the gold and silver possible from even low-grade ore, which proved to be very profitable for the community.
Also, in 1882, the Standard Company built a hydroelectric plant 13 miles away from the town to power the company’s stamp mill. The plant was one of the first examples in the country using long-distance electricity. However, by 1910, the population was only 698 people, mostly just families that stayed behind rather than chase other mining strikes.
It didn’t take long for the town to begin to fall apart.
