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Bodie Ghost Town
California's official state gold rush ghost town. 'The Curse of Bodie' strikes anyone who takes artifacts—bad luck follows until they return them. Park rangers receive packages constantly.
1876 - Present
Mono County, California, United States
10000+ witnesses
Bodie is America’s most famous gold rush ghost town.
The History
According to historical records:
The gold rush:
- Gold discovered 1859
- Population peaked at 10,000
- Wild West lawlessness
- “Goodbye, God, I’m going to Bodie”
- Abandoned by 1940s
The Town
What remains:
- 200 structures
- “Arrested decay” preservation
- Furniture, dishes
- Exactly as left
- State Historic Park
The Curse
The Bodie Curse:
- Take nothing
- Or bad luck follows
- Until you return it
- Rangers receive packages
- With apology letters
The Letters
Packages contain:
- Rocks, bottles, nails
- Letters describing misfortune
- Death, divorce, illness
- “Please return to Bodie”
- Binder of letters kept
The Hauntings
Visitors report:
- Figures in windows
- Children playing
- Music from saloon
- Lights in houses at night
- Very active
The Angel of Bodie
A little girl:
- Called the Angel
- Protective spirit
- Watches over children
- Benevolent presence
- One of many spirits