Ballarat

Ballarat is an abandoned settlement in Inyo County, California, known as a ghost town from the gold rush era. The remains consist mainly of simple adobe buildings and foundations scattered across the dry desert landscape, revealing how the community was once organized.

Ballarat was founded in 1897 when prospectors discovered gold and other minerals in nearby canyons. The town declined rapidly after the mines closed, with the post office shutting down in 1917, marking the beginning of its long abandonment.

The name Ballarat comes from an Australian gold rush town, reflecting how the mining boom connected communities worldwide. The scattered adobe ruins and remaining structures show where people from different backgrounds once gathered with shared hopes of striking it rich.

The location is remote and accessible only by rough roads, so bring a sturdy vehicle and plenty of water for your visit. In winter, the area can accommodate hundreds of campers using it as a base for desert and mountain exploration.

Seldom Seen Slim was the last resident, living alone in town from around 1918 until 1968 without bathing for many years, eventually dwelling in a Volkswagen and trailer. His remarkable story embodies the extreme isolation and unusual personalities that emerged in such remote places.