Gerstley, California facts for kids

Gerstley was once a small settlement in Inyo County, California. It was a place where people lived and worked for a short time, located in the desert landscape of California.

Gerstley: A California Ghost Town

Gerstley was a small community that existed for a brief period in the early 20th century. It was located about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of a town called Shoshone. Like many small towns in the desert, Gerstley eventually became a ghost town, meaning people moved away and it was no longer an active settlement.

Where Was Gerstley?

This former settlement was found in the vast Mojave Desert region of California. It was specifically in Inyo County, which is known for its wide-open spaces and unique desert environment. The area around Gerstley was quite remote, far from big cities.

How Gerstley Got Its Name

Gerstley was founded around 1921. It was named after a man named James Gerstley, Sr. His business partner, Francis Marion Smith, decided to name the settlement in his honor. Francis Marion Smith was an important person because he helped build the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad. This railroad was very important for moving goods and people through the desert.

The Borax Connection

James Gerstley, Sr., Francis Marion Smith, and another man named Richard C. Baker were all connected through a big company. In 1899, these three men started a company called Borax Consolidated, Ltd. This company was involved in mining borax, which is a mineral used in many products, from cleaning supplies to glass. The railroad that passed through Gerstley, the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, was likely used to help transport borax from mines in the region.