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Attracted by the mystery and tourist potential, some investors are venturing into buying ghost towns. In California, a man invested all his savings to acquire and revitalize an old abandoned settlement, which was once worth an estimated $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.
Alongside his friend Jon Bier, Underwood seeks to transform the place 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 region. In the early 1912th century, it became the largest producer of zinc carbonates in the United States. In 4.700, more than XNUMX 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. In 2019, only a 70-year-old miner remained, who sold small quantities of silver to the few tourists who visited the region.
Acquisition and investments
Despite rumors of hauntings, Underwood and Bier saw a unique opportunity. In 2018, they purchased the town for $1,4 million, committing a large portion of their savings. Their main goal is to revitalize Cerro Gordo, preserve its historical heritage, and promote local tourism.
“We want to bring the city 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 possible, 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 ghost town’s rich history.
The challenges of revitalization
Revitalizing Cerro Gordo is a complex challenge. The city requires extensive restoration work, in addition to the implementation of 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, demonstrating the viability of the project.
While Cerro Gordo was once a major mineral producer—with approximately $17 million in mineral resources extracted over the years—the current owners’ focus is on historic preservation. Underwood says that while he doesn’t believe in ghosts, he has experienced some spooky situations in the town.
Recent setbacks and advances
In June 2020, a fire destroyed the historic American Hotel, one of Cerro Gordo’s most iconic landmarks. Despite the setback, Underwood quickly began the rebuilding process, committed to maintaining the authenticity of the property.
He is currently continuing his restoration efforts and sharing regular updates about the city on his YouTube channel and 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 lived in the revitalization of Cerro Gordo.
The future of Cerro Gordo
With ambitious plans, Cerro Gordo could become a memorable tourist destination for those looking to explore California’s history. If Underwood and Bier’s plans are successful, the ghost town could re-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.
