Bodie, California, a former gold mining town abandoned for 50 years, is famed for ghostly sightings and a rumored curse. The town, once a hub of depravity with opium dens and a red light district, now stands in a state of 'arrested decay,' with buildings left exactly as they were when the last residents left about a century ago.
History of Depravity
In its heyday, Bodie had over 10,000 residents, 70 saloons, a bowling alley, dance halls, gambling halls, stores, hotels, churches, and restaurants. Historic records tell tales of shootings and hold-ups, earning it a reputation as one of the wildest mining towns of the West. A little girl's diary found in the town read, 'Goodbye, God, I'm going to Bodie' after learning her family was moving there.
Haunted Sights and Sounds
Visitors have reported spooky sightings, including a ghostly figure knitting inside a house, sounds of children playing, and ominous voices from an abandoned mine. Today, nearly 200 structures remain, and visitors can wander the deserted streets or explore the church, a home, and other public buildings.
Visiting Bodie State Historic Park
In 1962, the town became Bodie State Historic Park, maintained in a state of 'arrested decay'—meaning nothing will be repaired. Entry fees are approximately £6 per adult and £4 per child. One visitor wrote: 'Excellent ghost town. Can get a real feel of life back in time. Able to look inside several properties. Plan in spending about 45 minutes to an hour.' Another added: 'What a great place to spend a few hours. Lots of history and lots to see. Houses once habitable now completely empty, truly a ghost town. We found the route to it exciting, narrow dirt road along the mountains. A place that needs to be seen.'
The Curse of Stolen Artifacts
Strict rules prohibit taking anything from the park, but legend warns that any visitor who takes an artifact—even a rock—will face misfortune. There have been cases where people stole items and later returned them, begging officials to take them back after suffering a string of bad luck.
