Grave of the Unknown Prospector - California

395MojaveCalifornia
Written By Elliot Koeppel

Exploratography Date: November 7 of 2013

I imagine there are probably hundreds of unmarked graves in the Mojave Desert, the final resting places of prospectors and others who traveled across the sands in search of their golden dreams.

This monument was erected in 2003 by E Clampus Vitus, Bodie Chapter No. 64 to honor the memory of those who explored and settled the western frontier. It is located in Mono County, at the junction of I-395 and Mono Mills Road (CSR 120).

The marker reads: "ON THIS SITE IS THE GRAVE OF THE UNKNOWN PROSPECTOR. A REMINDER OF THE GREAT SACRIFICES MADE BY OUR ANCESTORS WHO EXPLORED AND SETTLED THE WESTERN FRONTIER. AND, ESPECIALLY TO THE MEMORY OF EACH AND ALL THE PIONEERS OF MONO COUNTY, WHOSE RESTING PLACE IS KNOWN ONLY TO GOD. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE."

It’s a bit of a lonely place with a beautiful view, but that’s the way it was way back when, even more so. Passersby tend to leave flowers and other objects at the site and you never know what you might see if you stop by to see what you can find.

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Did you know the same sculptor who made the Cabazon dinosaurs also worked at Knott's Berry Farm for many years and created most of the "Bench People" you see in Ghost Town. https://www.exploratography.com/blog-cal/the-bench-people-knotts-be
Santa Rex is back! Did you know the same sculptor who made the Cabazon dinosaurs also worked at Knott's Berry Farm for many years and created most of the "Bench People" you see in Ghost Town. https://www.exploratography.com/blog-cal/the-ben
Probably the two most famous "Bench People" at Knott's Berry Farm. They have a unique tie-in to those giant Dinosaurs out at Cabazon, along the 10 Freeway. Checkout this link to read about it: https://www.exploratography.com/blog-cal/cabazo
Tent or cabin site?
Elliot Koeppel
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