Help Ballarat Ghost Town- Wind Damaged Roof

During a severe wind storm on the afternoon of April 11th, a large (approx 12’ x 40’) section of the Ballarat Trading Post roof blew off of the building and into a truck and camper parked beside it. Wind gusts around the time of this incident were recorded in the area reaching up to 110mph!

 

Ballarat Ghost Town is privately owned so we are asking for help to fund the repairs. Money raised from this will be put towards repairing damages incurred from this incident.

 

History of Ballarat:

After the discovery of the Radcliff Gold Mine in the Panamint Mountains, a town was needed to support the mining operations. Ballarat was officially established as a town with the opening of the post office on July 21, 1897. Production in the Radcliff mine dwindled out in 1907 and most of the miners moved on to new mines popping up all over the area. A few businesses remained in the area to support small- time miners and travelers. When the post office closed on Sept 29, 1917 Ballarat officially became a ghost town. Since then, there have always been a couple of inhabitants at Ballarat.

 

Today:

Ballarat exists as a museum to showcase the history of Panamint Valley and local mining operations. Also, as an information stop, meeting place for travelers and camping area for use during travel in the area.