Place: Bodie State Historic Park
Location: Bodie, California, USA
Phone: (760) 616-5040
Hours: Typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during summer (April 15 to November 3) and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM during winter (November 4 to April 14). Hours may vary; it’s recommended to check the official website or call ahead for current schedules.
Admission: As of 2018, the entrance fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Prices may have changed; please refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website: Bodie State Historic Park
History: Bodie began as a mining camp following the discovery of gold by Waterman S. Bodey in 1859. The town experienced significant growth in 1876 after the Standard Company discovered a profitable deposit of gold-bearing ore, transforming Bodie into a bustling boomtown by 1879 with a population estimated between 5,000 and 7,000 residents.
At its peak, Bodie boasted numerous amenities, including banks, a railroad, workers’ unions, newspapers, a jail, and approximately 65 saloons lining its Main Street. The town was notorious for its lawlessness, with frequent occurrences of murders, shootouts, and robberies.
As the gold deposits dwindled, residents began to leave in search of new opportunities, leading to a rapid decline. A devastating fire in 1932 destroyed much of the town, and by the 1940s, Bodie was largely abandoned. In 1962, it was designated as a National Historic Site and a State Historic Park, preserved in a state of “arrested decay,” allowing visitors to experience an authentic Wild West ghost town.
Hauntings: Bodie is reputed to be haunted, with numerous reports of paranormal activity:
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The J.S. Cain House: Located at the corner of Park and Green Streets, this house is said to be haunted by the spirit of a maid who shows affection towards children but exhibits hostility towards adults. Visitors have reported feelings of being pushed or experiencing a sense of suffocation, as well as doors opening and closing on their own.
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The Angel of Bodie: The cemetery is the resting place of a three-year-old girl named Evelyn Myers, who died in 1897. Her grave is marked by a statue known as the “Angel of Bodie.” Visitors have reported hearing the sound of a child’s laughter near her gravesite.
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Bodie Curse: A local legend warns that removing any artifacts from Bodie brings misfortune upon the thief. Park rangers have received numerous returned items accompanied by letters describing the bad luck experienced, believed to be caused by the so-called “Bodie Curse.”
Personal Experiences: Visitors and park staff have reported various unexplained phenomena, including sensations of being touched, hearing disembodied voices, and witnessing apparitions. However, specific documented personal experiences are limited.
Known for the legendary ‘Bodie Curse,’ which is said to bring misfortune to anyone who removes artifacts from the site, this ghost town is home to 170 original structures. Visitors report unexplained phenomena in various buildings, particularly:
- The Old Schoolhouse
- The Museum
- Miners’ Cabins
- The Mendocini House: Known for mysterious piano music.
- The Cain House: Site of reported shadowy figures.
- The Miller House: Where items mysteriously move.
- The Morgue: Scene of unexplained cold spots and voices.
Paranormal Activity Rating: Medium (Regular activity)