In 1906, gold created Skidoo in Death Valley and drew 700 residents; after producing about $1.5 million, the mining town was finally abandoned in 1942

In 1906, an accidental gold find near Death Valley led to the establishment of Skidoo. Miners Harry Ramsey and One-Eye Thompson stumbled upon valuable rock ledges while lost, leading to the town's rapid growth, peaking at 700 residents. The mine generated nearly $1.5 million before shutting down in 1917, with sporadic mining persisting until the town was completely abandoned in 1942.