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Attracted By Mystery And Tourism Potential, Some Investors Dare To Buy Ghost Towns. In California, A Man Bet All His Savings To Acquire And Revitalize An Old Abandoned Settlement That Once Had An Estimated Value Of US$ 500 Million.
In 2018, American Brent Underwood made a bold decision: he invested all his savings to acquire Cerro Gordo, a ghost town located in California.
Together with his friend Jon Bier, Underwood seeks to transform the site into a tourist destination, rescuing its history and attracting visitors.
The History of Cerro Gordo
Founded in 1865, Cerro Gordo reached its peak as a mining town after the discovery of silver in the area. In the early 20th century, it became the largest producer of zinc carbonates in the United States. By 1912, more than 4,700 people lived in the town, dedicated to mining activities.
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However, with the decline in mineral production, the population gradually decreased, and Cerro Gordo was abandoned. By 2019, only one 70-year-old miner remained, selling small amounts of silver to the few tourists who visited the area.
The Acquisition and Investments
Despite rumors of hauntings, Underwood and Bier saw a unique opportunity. In 2018, they acquired the town for US$ 1.4 million, committing a large portion of their savings. The main goal is to revitalize Cerro Gordo, preserve its historical heritage, and boost local tourism.
“We want to bring the town back to life”, says Underwood, who shares the project’s progress on his YouTube channel.
The revitalization project is not limited to restoring the old buildings. Underwood and Bier plan to transform Cerro Gordo into a nighttime tourist destination, providing immersive experiences for visitors.
To make this proposal feasible, the duo is working on improving local infrastructure and promoting the destination. The idea is to offer an authentic experience that allows tourists to explore the rich history of the ghost town.
The Challenges of Revitalization
Revitalizing Cerro Gordo is a complex challenge. The town requires extensive restoration work, as well as new facilities to accommodate visitors.
Underwood and Bier also faced competition to acquire the site. However, their proposal to transform it into a tourist center was chosen, highlighting the project’s viability.
Although Cerro Gordo was a major mineral producer – with approximately US$ 17 million in resources extracted over the years – the current owners’ focus is on historical preservation. Underwood reports that, despite not believing in ghosts, he has experienced frightening situations in the town.
Setbacks and Recent Advances
In June 2020, a fire destroyed the historic American Hotel, one of Cerro Gordo’s main landmarks. Despite the setback, Underwood quickly initiated the reconstruction process, committed to maintaining the site’s authenticity.
Currently, he continues his restoration efforts and shares regular updates about the town on his YouTube channel and his Instagram account.
In March 2024, he released the book “Ghost Town Living: Mining for Purpose and Chasing Dreams at the Edge of Death Valley”, where he recounts the challenges and experiences faced in the revitalization of Cerro Gordo.
The Future of Cerro Gordo
With ambitious plans, Cerro Gordo could become a memorable tourist destination for those wishing to explore California’s history. If Underwood and Bier’s projects succeed, the ghost town may emerge as a landmark for tourists and historians alike.
In a world where ghost towns are disappearing, the story of Cerro Gordo represents a rare example of how a piece of the past can be restored and repurposed for the future.
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