Lila C, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lila C
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 Lila C
Location in California
Lila C
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Inyo County |
| Elevation | 2,562 ft (781 m) |
Lila C (also called Ryan or Old Ryan) was once a small town in Inyo County, California. It was located about 6.25 miles (10 km) southwest of Death Valley Junction. This former settlement sat at an elevation of 2,562 feet (781 meters) above sea level. Today, it is known as a ghost town, meaning it's a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty.
Contents
What Was the Lila C Mine?
The town of Lila C was named after the Lila C mine. This mine was very important because it produced a mineral called Colemanite. Colemanite is a type of borax, which is a mineral used in many products, like cleaning supplies and glass. The mine supplied borax to the Pacific Coast Borax Company.
How Did the Mine Get Its Name?
The mine was named by its owner, William Tell Coleman. He named it after his daughter, Lila C. Coleman. Later, another important person in the borax industry, Francis Marion Smith, took over the property. He started the first borax mining operations there in 1906.
Connecting the Mine to the World
When production at the mine began, the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad had not yet reached the area. This meant that workers had to use special mule teams to transport the borax. These teams, famous for their strength, carried the heavy loads over long distances. They continued this important work until the railroad finally arrived.
Why Did the Name Change to Ryan?
When the railroad reached the mine, the town's name was changed to Ryan. This new name honored John Ryan, who was a trusted supervisor for "Borax" Smith. The Ryan post office opened in the town in 1906. However, in 1914, the post office moved to a new location, which became known as New Ryan. After this move, the original settlement of Lila C became known as "Old Ryan."
