Randsburg, once known as Rand Camp, is now a living ghost town with under 70 residence. It is located just off Highway 395, seventeen miles south of Ridgecrest.
Randsburg Ghost Town Jail
Entering from the small town of Johannesberg from Hwy 395, the city jail, located on the left-hand side of the road was the first building we came across.
There is ample parking and a large plaque, giving some information about the town of Randsburg.
On entering the jail, newspaper clippings adorn the walls. The two cells look as they would have done decades ago and mannequins add a fun touch.
Although Randsburg did have sheriffs, the townsfolk dealt with issues in their own way. A vigilante committee was formed in 1897, and a notice was placed to all those would-be criminals.
Over the years, the jail has seen its fair share of killers, claim jumpers, thieves and drunks.
FUN FACT:
The last time it was used was in 1969 when a fight broke out between two women—both of whom were inebriated and waving around their pistols. Several shots were fired, but fortunately, no person was hit by the stray bullets. The two ladies were put in the “tank” to sleep it off. They were released the following day.
The jail is permanently open for people to peek in. It’s a fun, five minute stop to get you into the feel of the “Wild West” days.
delicious burgers & old fashioned sodas
Once you enter the main street, known as Butte Avenue, we highly recommend you stop at The General Store.
Inside you’ll discover antique back bars, historical memorabilia, necessary supplies and the smiling faces of Carol and Brad, the current owners.
Have a seat, sip on one of their “old fashioned” phosphate sodas, relax and absorb the ambience. And if you are feeling peckish, try one of their delicious burgers. If you like banana splits, then order the Black Bart.
First Impressions
It felt like walking into a bar run by long lost friends. It was a Monday, a day that they are typically closed. We only popped in for a soda, five hours later, we were still there.
We ate one of the best cheeseburgers known to man and drank lemonade and cola sodas. They were so good!
Having met locals and tourists alike, putting the worlds to rights, and hearing stories from the past, this is a great place to socialise.
We had ice cream bought for us by a long time resident – Steve had the Black Bart, I had vanilla and caramel with everything on. Both were delish!
Prior to the late 1940s, this famous landmark was a drug store. A soda fountain was installed in 1904 being brought in from Boston by Clipper ship, then by mule and wagon. It continued to operate as a pharmacy until 1949, being sold and bought several times.
Since then, it has been Randsburg’s General Store and has been in continuous operation since 1896.
Quick Info
- Address: 35 Butte Ave, Randsburg CA
- Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM – Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays
- Old fashioned phosphate sodas, shakes, breakfasts, lunches, burgers, beer and wine
- Camping, household supplies and food
- A large variety of T-shirts, maps, memorabilia and odds and sods
- The nearest restroom is located behind the County Park picnic area just along the road
- More information can be found on their website, and they also have a Facebook page
HOW DID RANDSBURG GET ITS NAME?
Three prospectors, Charlie Burcham, John Singleton and F M Mooers, were mining their claims. After a lot more downs than ups, they were on the brink of despair and ready to sell. Charlie’s wife was adamant that they should keep the mines and found ways to finance their endeavour.
Finally, the Yellow Aster Mine was born, and with a gold strike, which the three men called Rand, the new town became known as Rand Camp.
It is estimated that the Yellow Aster produced around $25 million in gold and became one of the largest gold mines in the Mojave area.
As the town boomed, its name changed to Randsburg, and soon there were over 3,500 people who called the place, “home”.
The post office first opened in 1896 and was shortly followed by a general store, the opera house and two saloons.
There was once a 100-stamp mill, and it is estimated that $60 million in gold was mined in the towns most productive years.
The Rand mining district included several small towns. Atolia, Red Mountain and Johannesburg (where William “Burro” Schmidt is buried alongside “Tonie”, Protector of the Tunnel).
Like most mining towns, the gold dried up, but the people were determined to keep their home alive. Soon, silver and tungsten were mined as by-products, and the town continued to prosper for several more decades.
Hollywood comes to Randsburg Ghost Town
Being an authentic Wild West Town, it wasn’t long before Hollywood ventured in. Blockbuster movies like “Cowboys and Aliens”, “Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town” starring Billy Bob Thornton and many many more have been filmed throughout the area.
Even Johnny Depp is acquainted with the town, with the filming of “The Brave”.
FUN FACT:
When Mr Depp decided to quench his thirst in the saloon “The Joint”, he was asked to curb his language by the elderly owner Olga Guyett. Johnny, not heeding this advice, was marched off the premises by the 100-year-old lady by his ear.
Sitting outside, he chuckled in disbelief. The very next day, Depp decided to make amends with Olga and took a signed photograph in as a way of an apology. On handing the autograph to Mrs Guyett, she thanked him and asked, “Who the hell is Johnny Depp?”
Our Takeaway on Randsburg Ghost Town
Randsburg is a must-see town. In our experience, the locals are warm, friendly, generous, and a wealth of knowledge. They have many amusing stories to tell.
It is one of those genuine places, where people ask you how you are doing because they want to know. The type of community that sticks together and takes care of one another. We love that!
You can spend a decent amount of time walking the quiet streets taking pictures of the period buildings and cars. We highly recommend stopping in to experience this for yourself.
randsburg in a nutshell
- A living ghost town 17 miles south of Ridgecrest just off Highway 395 and approximately 2-hours from LA
- Free to stroll the streets
- Many original buildings
- Antique shops, curio, hotel, bars and the General Store
- Check out the museum which is open weekends and holidays
- Public toilets located in the centre of town at the back of the City Park and picnic area
- Randsburg ghost town is open seven days a week, but most of the shops are only open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
- Throughout the year, Randsburg holds Wild West Days and other events.
- The mines which dot the hills are all on private property. Some of them have deep shafts, so extreme caution is needed if you use the off-road trails
- Please respect all Posted and Private Property signs
- Leave no trace. Pack it in – Pack it out, and dispose of your rubbish in the bins provided throughout the town
Have fun, stay safe and put another Pin In The Atlas!
location map
If you are interested in reading more about the history of Randsburg, then check out Lost Mines of Southern California – it makes a great read.
Great article 😀😀😀. Thank you!
You are most very welcome. Thank you for your hospitality at The Ransburg General Store, and the fun stories you guys and Tom told us. It was a pleasure meeting you and we are looking forward to those wonderful burgers and ice cream on our next visit.
Andrea and Steven