Skidoo, located in Death Valley National Park was famous in the early 1900′s. Producing over 75,000 ounces of gold. But by 1917 the town was abandoned. The only remaining structure is the 15 stamp mill. The mill was the only desert mill powered by water. Known for the tremendous feat of piping water from Telescope Peak.
A dozen or so mine shafts above the mill (east) can be seen from Google Earth as well as other mining operations along the hour long drive from hwy 190 up Wildrose Rd.
Legend has it that the towns saloon owner Joe Simpson was hanged by a mob after killing a reputable citizen. He was then dug up by the mines doctor and beheaded to study the effects of the syphilis he had contracted in the towns red light district. Simpson’s skull remains in a private collection.
