The 3 Year Journey of Reviving A Ghost Town
2023 ж. 11 Ақп.
506 467 Рет қаралды
Hey guys! This is a SUPER exciting video for me. After literally years of waiting, the framing has begun on the new American Hotel. It has been an absolute battle to get here and I can't thank everyone who has helped out along the way enough. This has truly become such a communbity project that many people have played a part in rebuilding this piece of American history. So THANK YOU!
You can follow my journey on Instagram here: / brentwunderwood
Cerro Gordo T-Shirts and more: store.cerrogordomines.com/
Mailing Address: PO Box 490, Lone Pine, CA 93545
If you'd like to volunteer or help participate in the rebuild, please email scotty at cerrogordomines dot com.
THANK YOU!
Brent I just can't express enough how many people admire your passion and commitment to your dream at Cerro Gordo you are an amazing person.
Thank you so much! I appreciate all the support so much. It's been a journey and I thank everyone for being here for it.
@@GhostTownLiving inspiring journey you are on . i think water is key to your ambitions, and water management on a grand scale will be the backbone to success . a little research into perma culture and greening the desert will yield the basic theory... slow down the water and force it back into the land making the area green again and reducing washout events to the road ,it means a lot of digging but i think the road needs protecting that way at least, thanks for the videos
So true ❣️
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So true he is definitely an amazing person.
When it's built, you can literally walk around inside, knowing that you made this all possible.
It’s gonna pretty cool when it’s finished!
@chrcoultr2 this guys work ethic is inspiring
As someone who LOVES history, I feel we should ALL thank YOU, Brent, for giving us a look from 150+yrs ago and inviting us in to explore it, see it, and even visit it. YOU are a true treasure, to those of us who love history and times of old that were here LONG before any of us and will be here LONG after we're all gone. So thank you, Brent, for inviting us into your life, your town, and your home. We appreciate you.
Just a suggestion...about the nails from the American Hotel that burned. We were thinking that it would really be cool if you would instead of putting them in the actual build of the new Hotel, that you could put them in an art project instead so people could actually see them. You could incorporate them into a piece of furniture using epoxy resin or fabricate a shadow box or picture of some sort to put on the wall using them. Just a thought. We enjoy your videos. Great job!
It takes a person with a huge vision to galvanize and attract others to contribute to manifesting the Big Vision. In this case, it is you, Brent, who holds the Big Vision that inspires others to want to share in it. Yay! Congrats on your progress on the American Hotel...this Phoenix is rising from her own ashes!
Thanks so much Gail! It's really been beautiful to see all the people making their own Cerro Gordo memories in helping this place come back to life. Hopefully for many more generations to come!
Well said!! And very apropos.
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Excited for you.
@@GhostTownLiving ❤
Watching all the way from geelong. AUSTRALIA
Let us see the preparation work, please. The wood splitting, the signs you put up, melting snow... all of it. It is part of the revival of the town. 👍👍
Hi, from Northeastern PA. As a fellow believer in historical conservation, I've always loved your content and your dream of bringing Cerro Gordo back to life. This is my contribution to Cerro Gordo and that dream.
I love that you put some old nails in! I would get the rest of them put into a resin countertop for the bar in the hotel. You could even put other random things you found after the fire into it, if you have enough stuff left you could possibly do all the countertops in the hotel that way. It would be neat!
Awesome idea!!!
Yes Brent when you finally get to open the doors for the first time it's going to be a Glorious time for you. And for sure emotional ,thank you for taking us along with you to see the progress. It's been a joy.
Thank you for checking out the video!
It should be LIVE the day or night that The American Hotel opens its doors, we can all raise a glass (water, alcohol whatever you drink) and celebrate together. ❤❤❤
@@GhostTownLiving The original hotel bears a striking resemblance to the hotel in Silver Dollar City. Sadly the original interior was gutted to convert it into a store. All the old woodwork, the front desk and even the rooms upstairs (roped off) were all there when I was a sprout. But take a look at historical images and you'll see how similar the two building were. The new American Hotel looks to be a grand place from the footprint. Nature has tested you the same as it tested the original miners and merchants. Your purpose is pure and there will be many good years ahead!
@@GhostTownLiving maybe some wood from other places could make up bits in hotel even if it's just framing picture's
Your compassion for Cerro Gordo and the history that surrounds it is amazing. My son, Dustin, is working with Kyle doing the framing on your hotel right now and is loving working up there. My husband and I, along with a group of friends, have Jeeped all the canyons in Death Valley and the surrounding areas. It is definitely an amazing place. We wish you the best in your endeavors with Cerro Gordo and look forward to your updates every week. P.S. We binge watched to get caught up to date on the progress of everything, but mostly because it was so interesting we couldn’t stop watching.
People aren't just rallying around history brent.. there rallying around you and the fantastic work your doing.. all the best mate xxx
This makes me happy 🙂 i remember when the American Hotel burned down,and i remember seeing a man torn to the core with grief, i have to say i was torn for that man myself, what a terrible thing to see, the loss of so much history and hope in such a beautiful place 😞 now,i'm from the UK,i'll probably never visit Cerro Gordo in the years i have left but believe me i would love to,i would love to get my hands dirty putting back what's been lost,it would be a shitload of fun,and so so worth while,you can take your NY's,and your LA's any day,they're not for me,there's an amazing thing happening in a little ghost town above Death Valley National Park that will fill anyone full of hope,you keep at it Brent,you're an inspiration across the globe,everytime i see an upload i can't wait to know more 🙂 keep at it Dude.
This whole story is a testament to resilience, persistence and spirit. It’s been a wonderful journey so far.
I visited the old American Hotel for my first time around 10 years ago. I'm amazed at everything you are able to organize, and I look forward to seeing the new one soon(ish). I can't fully relate to your commitment to this project, but I'm excited you are since it means something to me and a lot of others as well.
"Everyone that watches this channel has played a part in the rebuilding of the hotel" What a lovely comment to make Brent! Thank you from all of us not living in America that are heavily invested in watching Cerro Gordo come alive again. Thank you for being you Brent and showing all of us how to keep pushing forward no matter what life throws at us! I have learned so much from you Brent. Thank you! With Love from Ireland!
Been watching this since the begining and man am I stoked for you dude. Not many people can go through what you have and still be so optimistic. You are an inspiration to many many people man. Keep up the good work
Thank you! I really appreciate that. All the positivity in this community has definitely kept me moving forward!
Keep up the hard work! I must find a way to spread your name around
@@GhostTownLiving as a builder, could imagine the cost of the building permits.
The fact that he was able to hammer in those 150 year old nails without bending or breaking them literally blew my mind
The desert is dry so rust has a hard time surviving. I've lived on similar property in the northern sierras. I was a curious teenager. My sister and I often hunted down various artifacts. It's amazing what survives. I found a trash pile with log cabin syrup tins. There were old cans from the first Sierra Nevada beer brewery. In a mining environment there are many machinery artifacts. I enjoy these little discoveries. I examine it and leave it for others who might stumble across such artifacts. That trash pile is not easily accessible now as the weather destroyed the access road in a slide. The cabin fell into the river. The bridge was even washed out! It was moved a bit to replace the bridge structure.
@@nancysmith2295 Thank you for sharing that interesting insight, I would love to visit Cerro Gordo one day with my family. Me and my sister also love finding old collectables too! Be safe and well kind person.
Those old cut nails are hard by nature. The only reason many were bent was most likely due to heat from the fire. They usually break rather than bend.
How can you literally blow your mind?
Bending yes, breaking would surprise me. The fire would anneal them pretty well
I was born and raised in Idaho. There is a town named Silver City and it's up in the mountains quite a way. We would go there and around there rock hunting. Good memories and you bring them back. Your enthusiasm is amazing.
Been watching from before the hotel burned down, honestly watching the wood go in finally, after these years, brought tears to my eyes. Love the work, keep it up, I'm so excited for you!
Your team is INCREDIBLE and have the kind of resilience very few achieve. The hotel will have beauty in its craftsmanship, its history, and the people who gave it life. Here's to the memories past and future, made in this one building!
Thanks! Yes, it's been an amazing journey and I hope so many people get to make many memories here!
So cool to see the framing start. Things will move pretty fast now.
Hey Brent and all those who have worked volunteered at Cerro Gordo. So proud to have been watching you all doing work that is necessary to keep history alive. I am taken a back by the amount of effort blood sweat and tears. It's amazing to see all the financial support that has been provided to this initiative. Cant wait get a chance to get their someday soon and stay their and even volunteer with my kids. Coming from Toronto, Canada.
Hope you’re alright Brett, miss the video updates!
I’m not sure why I have tears watching these vlogs. Im not sure if it is because I’ve watched this channel from inception or if it’s the amazing passionate storytelling from you Brent. Regardless. Thank you for bringing this amazing part of our history back to life. ❤️
I honestly can't wait to stay at the hotel get drunk and have a shootout outside lol. Just kidding
Yes, to all of the above, Tom!
Fabulous news! I cried with you when it burned down and now I celebrate your amazing achivement! This makes me so happy! One day I will come and visit all the way from Europe!
I hope you do!
Started looking at your videos a few months ago and was amazed at an abandoned ghost town. How you came to fall in love with this place and when Dave brought the gang i was hooked and now subscribed and Viewing from Ireland . Wishing you all the best to get it up and running and awaiting for it to reopen.
As a carpenter and someone who builds structures for a living I can truly respect everything you have done to even prepare to build at a site like that! 🎉❤
I love that you were able to incorporate the original nails into the lumber ❤ It is all coming together, Brent! Thank you for the update! You and the community at Cerro Gordo are doing amazing work! It is so awesome to see, what you can accomplish as a community. 👏💪
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Couple thoughts: The National Parks have visitors centers that have a small video room where they have a 15-20 min video on the NP. The recording is on auto-play with a 2-3min pause between showings or a push-button start for the smaller parks. Also, Alcatraz (and other attractions like that) have an audio tour app, you may want to look into it sometime down the line as your ghost town visitors increase. Last, I think you should make the bedroom doors using the salvaged nails.
I'm so glad you're still moving along, Brent. Isn't it wild how you set out there alone, and now you have a community of like minded folks after a mutual goal with you.
Hi, Brent- I think I can speak for everyone, when I tell you that you have us all invested so emotionally in this story, and that we are all pulling so very hard for you to be successful! You are just so honest and forthcoming, and want the best for everything- we can't help but want that for you and everything that you want- From the mining center of Colorado- I sit 20 feet above the Pikeview Mine, The Westmoreland Mining Company was the biggest business around here until it shut it's doors in 1957. We have had sinkholes open up in driveways and backyards, and the swimming pool at the park has to be reinforced with concrete underneath it on a regular basis, because it is above tunnels- one would think that would preclude the weight, but the city goes ahead with it, the last time just shored it up with 20 tons of concrete under it. In any event, have a wonderful day!
I appreciate your messages of positivity, Brent!!! Your words help me through challenging times in my personal life. That opening day will be a new huge part of Cerro Gordo’s history going forward for decades to come. 🤗❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎶🎶🎶👏👏👏🇨🇦
A HUGE thank you Brent for bringing those of us who can't get there to help in person along for this awesome journey! Looking forward to many more adventures with you!!!
This is a huge step forward, congratulations Brent on the new hotel rising up from the ashes. It was a huge effort of many coming together, thank you for bringing us along.
Greetings from the city of Zwolle in the Dutch mountains :)
The media, especially what's called the 'mainstream' media is usually so depressing, I can't tell you how refreshing it is to see and hear what you're doing in this video. This is what the spirit of America was and is all about. You have my prayers for your success and I wish you the very very best! Great job!
You seemed so overwhelmed with everything, yet you just keep going. It's amazing to see the hotel coming to life. Congratulations, you tireless work is paying off.
Run that same advertisement when you are ready to open the Hotel. It’s good to see history being preserved, thank you.
Quite a while ago when the road washed out, a lot of us told you to hold your head up and then if it was meant to work out things would come together. It’s definitely a full circle moment because things have come together quite nicely. Loving the progress. Keep up the good work.
Hi Brent, I have been watching your videos from France almost from the beginning. I’m so proud of being a small part of this project ! I always hated history because I have huge memory difficulties, but I just LOVE your story telling ! You make history soooo fascinating !!! Thank you for never giving up through all the tough times ! Have a wonderful day !!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
Brent, I am excited for you that progress is happening. I wish we could come help you out, but we are currently living in Romania as missionaries. So when I saw you with the old nails it brought back memories of the many building projects we have done here where we saved all the nails, bent or straight. Then one of us would take a hammer and pound the nails straight to reuse them. I’m glad you were able to incorporate some of the old with the new.
This world needs more Brents. Great people attracts greats people and these are the foundations of something unique and special. ❤
Mega inspirational, Brent that's who you are. A true American, with the good ol' American spirit of "can do - will do". Love what you do, how you present it and what the finished product will be. Keep doing what you're doing, we all LOVE it.
Congratulations on the next milestone of the American Hotel! Thank you Brent for sharing this update! Peace to you and your crews !
Thank you!
You are a modern-day pioneer! As a history lover, I applaud what you are doing!
Well done Brent it's been a tuff 3 years for you at the mine congratulations to all the volunteers & companies that have helped you along the way. ☘️🇮🇪
It blows me away how much work and love you put into the town. You're absolutely killing it dude!
Wow! The excitement you have for this town is contagious ❤️. We get excited every time you have another video out. How awesome to see the hotel going up. Just seeing that smile on your face is awesome! Thanks for sharing this exciting news!
Brent we just visited your town this last weekend and I was blown away how cool it was. I know it’s a lot of work but your living a dream that many of us are vicariously living through you. Can’t wait to come up when the American Hotel is finished. I’ve traveled all over the west and this is really one of the beautiful areas that holds so much history and for you to preserve it is amazing for future generations. Thanks from all the western history buffs.
Amazing. Can’t believe you’ve gotten this far in this remote location along with weather setbacks!
The American Hotel ❤️ We’re so proud of you Brent. If anyone can make this happen its you my friend! It’s happening and it’s going to be incredible 🙌
Thanks so much! I can't wait for many generations to be able to enjoy the new hotel.
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Whoo hoo. Like like
@@GhostTownLiving I think the biggest pay off ever to know that You started a place that Generations will always be coming to visit and read about a Amazing man, Your dreams, and the people who helped bring Your plans to life. Really Amazing. There is a town called Gorham's Bluff , Alabama owned by Bill and Claira McGriff and their Daughter Dawn. that is similar . It's Absolutely Amazing to see land become a town that remains as it started and not taken away from or sold to anyone who never lifted a rock or hammered a nail but is a gift from the hands that have the calluses to prove it . ,🤗🦊
Brent. You literally hammered the displaced spirits of the original hotel back into the new hotel; the ghosts of Cerro Gordo can once again rest easy. I look forward to the day I can book a room, and partake in the adventures that are Cerro Gordo for myself. God Bless and keep up the awsome journey of bringing history to life.
From the UK it looks like Cerro Gordo is just about to get hit by storms again. I hope you all get through it OK. I intend to visit in about April/May to see how far you’ve got on with the hotel. Let’s hope the roads don’t get washed away again. Goodness, you’ve handled some problems. Good luck.
So proud of you facing so much adversity but always turning things around with your ingenuity and unbridled spirit. You inspire so many. Where do you want the Clamper plaque? I think I could help make it happen. There's one at the hoist house if I'm not mistaken. Hope to volunteer this summer. Stay safe and productive the rest of this winter and please be safe on your solo excursions.
Thank you Brent, for every video, the history, the adventure, your wise words and taking us with you🙏💪💖 greatings from the Netherlands
My heart aches when I see footage of the old hotel....such a loss of history.....but your efforts to rebuild are phenomenal Brent. The spirit of the old hotel will be alive and well when this project is completed. You are to be congratulated!
Yeah i'm like HOW COULD YOU LET IT BURN??? I don't know what the circumstances were that led to it burning down in the first place, but i would think the utmost care would be taken to preserve something so unique! I think now that it is gone, it is the same hotel in name only... Ship of Theseus... You can say " spirit" as much as you would like but the original building and timbers and everything in it are gone and lost to history... : (
Much love and respect for keeping history alive ❤ watching from 🇦🇺
Brent, You were meant to be the care taker/owner of Cerro Gordo no question in my mind!!! As a NEW Chapter in History, you are, our storyteller of Cerro Gordo, captured on video! I can't thank you enough!!! I've been hooked from the moment your video appeared in my que. Then I had to backtrack to start from your very first video, I did a non-stop marathon until I was caught up, and that was 3 yrs ago already, Wow!!! Something to "ALWAYS" look forward too, until the time I can see you and Cerro Gordo in person, hopefully sooner than later! Sending Abundance of Joy, Success Blessings! :-) Cheers....
It is awesome to see the progress after so many set backs. Cheers from Sweden!
Congratulations Brent! The part where you incorporated the nails from the old hotel bought a lump to my throat! Wishing you all success from Brisbane, Australia.
I can't believe it's been three years since I watched your first video. You and all those who have been involved are Amazing. It's so nice to watch humanity at its best and working together for the joy of doing it! I love watching it happen!
I've been watching your channel now for two years, and love every episode! To see the progress you and others have made on the Hotel is awesome! I am a carpenter/handyman that will enjoy to see the next phase of framing and interior work. I promise, vow, commit to one day stay at the Hotel when I get a chance. Aloha!
As ever, one of the absolute greatest things to come out of the COVID-19 fiasco! Thanks for this ongoing piece of positivity and general all-around goodness, Brent. Congrats on the progress!
Woohoo! This is an exciting update! So much work, so much progress. God bless you and everybody who have helped with your dream.
Brent, you are the type of man that made America. The kind of men that built those crazy wire pulley buckets that were in a past video! Perseverance, and love you put into this. Love it!
So happy to see this progress! Thank you for your hard work and hanging in there. So glad you share your journey along the way.
Thank God for all the Dave’s and Kyles in the world. I’m on the edge of my seat watching you guys. Loving every segment.
Thank you for showing us all the challenges and hurdles you run into in the rebuilding. Those who lived in Cerro Gordo before faced similar challenges, and by showing them, we all learn more intimately about otherwise hidden aspects of that history.
Brent. I remember when you first got there and the video of the hotel when it caught on fire. Though devastating for you, you are now becoming another part of the towns history by rebuilding it. It will go into the history books for future generations to read about and admire you for..
Every time since watching this video, my partner and I have greeted each other with ‘hello there’ and it’s brought a genuine smile and happiness to our faces. We love your videos!! Xxxx
That is awesome!
These videos and your passion bring joy to many people. I don’t want my life to end without visiting Cerro Gordo, thank you for this gift.
You are truly a part of the town's history, and I think you can proud of the mark you are making there.
You inspired me to share my experiences up in Oregon! This summer will be packed full of mine exploring, gold prospecting and much much more! ❤ can’t wait to see what your channel brings this year!!!!
Been watching on and off from the beginning and was so excited to see all the progress on the hotel. One of the carpenters is actually a family friend and brought me back to the recent progress. Keep up the amazing work!
Brent, your voice and delivery are very soothing. Even when your stress level is pinned at 10, you remain composed. I will make the roadtrip from Toronto Canada as soon as you are ready to receive guests. You are doing far more than rebuilding an old ghost town, you are creating history!
This was mentioned before by Atheena S, but I love the idea of having plaques or countertops with the nails and/or artifacts embedded in resin - forever preserved! No shortage of KZheadr's who would be able to make you some awesome furniture and decorations!
Brent, I've said it before, I love your videos and can't wait for them to see progress but I would love to see a weekly walk-around video, even you with a go pro or phone saying what's going on. It doesn't need to be edited, cut, or produced, just a casual video. Even if you are snowed in, tell us about how you got your wood, defrosting water, the daily challenges, etc.
Your the man brother, I can’t wait to come see you Brent!! Ur an inspiration to us all!! Especially since the diesel brothers are ur friends!! That says a lot of your character!! Ur an awesome person ,and I can’t wait for you to show the world what perseverance you have on bringing this town bk to life!! Oh and when you do get this town in action I’m gonna come up and visit you cuz I always wanted to see the sequoia forest of redwoods!! God bless you and be careful out there buddy!! 💯♥️💯🙏💯👍👍
Yeah Brent! Another great episode. So glad to see the hotel coming to life again. Was thinking the old nails you dont use maybe could be upcycled into rings and sold when the hotel is open. I've seen jewellers do this with them before. All the best 🐈🐈🐈
Another great idea 💡👍🍻😁
Brent it's an amazing experience. Thank you for bringing us along with you.
There’s something about you makes me so excited to one to live in a place like you live. Peace, quiet, history, wildlife, beautiful scenery, getting out of the hustle and bustle of this mad world. My hope and dream is to experience the life you live
We are right behind you Bro. You have an air of new found enthusiasm and energy, which great to see, I think the setbacks of winter, and absence of sunlight, set you back a bit. Keep on trucking, we are all gunning for you. Hang in there. Well done so far.
Brent, your determination and positivity is unimaginable. Your drive to continue even when everything seems like it’s to much.. I’d love to one day visit Cerro Gordo when it’s warm… much love from Ohio. I look forward to seeing you get back into the mines
Brent, I’ve been watching your channel since the beginning and this really does seem like a culmination of all your hard work, perseverance and your dedication rolled into one building project. Congratulations on finally getting the framing in place! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and Cerro Gordo! Hope we can visit when it’s completed!
I'm so happy that you have shared your journey with us Brent! I can't wait to see the new hotel come to life!❤️
Hi Brent Here I am all the way in Denmark in Scandinavia, watching you. I have to say you are one of a kind person! I love watching your videos, I listen to all you are saying, and it wants me to be better and look positive in life. Thank you, and keep on doing your what you are doing 👏 👍 ❤
I've been sick for a week now, and have been rewatching all your videos and then this popped up. You're contagious energy and optimism always brings a smile to me face. Please keep being you and thank you so much for bringing us along on this amazing journey. You a truly an inspiration.
So excited that you're finally able to rebuild! I know this has been a long time coming!
I can not wait to visit some day and volunteer some labor towards whatever needs doing. You are amazing. Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome should be your motto.
Watching your videos Brent has become a new passion for me. I feel your excitement and love of this town and the surrounding area. You are truly in an environment that brings you great joy and happiness, which I feel speaking for myself and possibly others, is what we long for in our lives. Thank You. I hope to visit and volunteer someday soon. Although I am terrified of heights, I am willing to drive that road, albeit slowly to get there.
Love this! Keep up the great work Brent 🙌 Your passion and brute force to make the hotel happen is amazing to watch.
Thanks Scott! Appreciate all the support over the years!
Brent, you are truly an inspiration and have fully taken on the title of curator of history. Its amazing to watch the town come around and see your true enjoyment of the accomplishments you are pulling off.
It would be cool if you can take some of the unusable nails and make them into a resin top table for the hotel, or some kind of wall display to hang in the hotel. Looking forward to seeing the hotel completed. Cerro Gordo is on my destination list! ❤😊
Congratulations! You and a lot of other wonderful people have worked so hard to reach this point. I'm excited to see how the hotel progresses. I know you can do this. Look at how much you've overcome already. You are a fighter which is just what Cerro Gordo needs.
What an amazing journey! And what wonderful news, to see the new American Hotel taking shape! Thank you for letting us walk along with you!
What an amazing milestone, Brent! I was smiling so big for this entire video!! As always, thank you so much for sharing your adventures, obstacles, and milestones with us!
I can't wait for the hotel to be completely finished, and up and running. You're in my prayers.
It's obvious how much this still upsets you but also great to see the progress and the excitement and passion that you now have to drive this on. It's awesome that you have plenty of footage from the inside of the old American Hotel so that you can make your dream a reality and build it as close to the original look and feel as you want to. You are an inspiration and an example of someone with huge passion, commitment and determination. I don't think many people could see this through like you have and that's without the rest of the town. Keep going Brent, I look forward to visiting one day, either as a volunteer or a paying guest :)
That's really awesome, knowing how many people are getting together and giving the American Hotel a second life. The framing is always the most dramatic change. Keep up the great work and have a great week and God bless amen.