(Aerial view of the Eastern Sierra Nevadas near Bishop, CA.)Where to Search?
In Part 1 of these 2 posts on the legend of the Lost Cement mine, I mentioned that Hans and Ulrich found their gold-rich ledge of red lava "somewhere in the Mono Lake Region near the Owens River" (most historic accounts of the lost gold give few additional details). Obviously, this is a highly generalized potential search area that covers a large (and often rugged) expanse of territory on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas.
If I were a betting man (which I can be under certain circumstances) I would put my money on a more northwesterly search area from Mono Lake that includes the Upper Owens River and Mammoth Lakes Region, perhaps even extending as far as the Sierras west of Bishop. Although few historically significant gold mining locations other than Bodie and the Dogtown Placers can be found in this region, the potential for precious metals mineralization does exists.
If I were a betting man (which I can be under certain circumstances) I would put my money on a more northwesterly search area from Mono Lake that includes the Upper Owens River and Mammoth Lakes Region, perhaps even extending as far as the Sierras west of Bishop. Although few historically significant gold mining locations other than Bodie and the Dogtown Placers can be found in this region, the potential for precious metals mineralization does exists.
As an aside, there is a rest area along California Highway 395 not far south of Mammoth Lakes that has a small monument and plaque describing the Lost Cement Mine. So if you're ever travelling that stretch of the eastern Sierras (which I did just this past June), stop and take a look.
Inconsistencies and Issues
1. Gold Ore in Red Lava: Although vulcanism is often a significant factor in gold ore genesis and mineralization, these changes typically occur only after extensive metamorphic alteration. Red lava (or black lava, for that matter) is not geologically recognized as a gold "producer" or host for metallic gold. Additionally, the odds that a flow of red lava would overrun or "cement" free-milling gold ore into its matrix is slim indeed.
2. Travelling South to Millerton: I also have a bit of a problem with the legend's premise that the two erstwhile prospectors would head south to Millerton. In fact, Millerton Lake (and the small community of Millerton) lie some distance to the west and south across the mountains from the supposed general Lost Cement Mine location. Why go there? Of course California was not highly populated in the 1850s, so this may have been one of the few alternatives open. But if I were seriously ill and struggling, I doubt I would attempt to cross the Sierra Nevadas at that location, if at all.
Where is the Evidence?
Generally speaking, there is at least a kernel of truth existent in each and every lost mine or lost treasure legend. What is the truth about the Lost Cement Mine? Does it really exist or did it ever exist? Was there a hand-drawn map of the red lava ledge and the abandoned gold? I don't know for certain.
What I do know is that I have not been able to come across or unveil any real documentary evidence that reveals details about the the two Germans or that verifies these individuals ever existed. A likely starting point for research would be the good doctor, Millerton's Doc Randall. If you can establish that he himself existed and that he attempted to find the Lost Cement Mine and the abandoned gold ore, then you'd be off to a very good start.
One thing is certain however. If you're hiking, camping, prospecting, or fishing along the eastern Sierras, keep an eye peeled for a red lava ledge with chunks of shiny rock cemented in it.
Good hunting.
If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Florida Getting Tougher for Treasure Hunters"
(c) J.R. 2008
Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com
