Grave of the Unknown Prospector - California — Abandoned Places, Gold Rush & Route 66 Travel Photography

Exploratography Date: November 7 of 2013

Grave of the Unknown Prospector - 395 - Mojave - California - Exploratography.jpg

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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