CLAIR CAMP
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CLAIR CAMP |
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NAME: Clair Camp COUNTY: Inyo ROADS: 2WD GRID: 3 CLIMATE: Ocassional snow in winter, hot summer BEST TIME TO VISIT: March thru June |
COMMENTS:
Minor ghost town site, a short drive up Pleasant canyon from Ballarat. Check road conditions, as frequent flash flooding of the area can quickly change the road rating from 2WD to 4WD or even impassable. REMAINS: Remains of several old cars along side the road, a few old cabins, and the remains of the Ratcliff mine and mill. The Ratcliff mine sits 2,400 ft. above Clair Camp |
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In 1896 Henry Ratcliff's mine began production.It produced about half a million dollars worth of gold over a 5 year period. During this period up to 200 miners worked the Ratcliff. It became a "town" complete with a Blacksmith, and assaying office etc. Ultimately, 200 people were just too many for this small area, and the town was abandoned along with Ballarat around 1901 due to the enormous strikes in Tonopah. W.D. Clair bought the Ratcliff mine in 1930 and worked the tailings successfully bringing out another 60,000 in gold ore. Hence the name "Clair Camp". Submitted by: Guenevere Gust
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