National Register of Historic Places

Burro Schmidt's Tunnel

Ridgecrest, Kern County, California

Listed

March 20, 2003

Type

Site

Period

Civil War

Ref No.

03000113

About this property

The historical Burro Schmidt Tunnel is located in the El Paso Mountains of the northern Mojave Desert, in eastern Kern County, southern California. It is a 0.5-mile (0.80 km) mining tunnel dug with hand tools and dynamite over a 38-year period by William "Burro" H. Schmidt (1871–1954). in the El Paso Mountains of eastern California. The tunnel is below the summit of a 4,400-foot (1,300 m) mountain. Its southern adit (portal) overlooks the Fremont Valley, Koehn Dry Lake, and the ghost towns of Garlock and Saltdale.

Location

Ridgecrest, Kern County, California

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Overview

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The Land

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Geology

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Conflict & War

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The Civil War

The Civil War on this ground, 1861 to 1865: who held it, and the battles, camps and regiments nearby.

The Soldiers

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Native Heritage

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Settlement

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The Community

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Rivers & Rail

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Finds & Access

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Literature

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Questions about this property

When was Burro Schmidt's Tunnel listed on the National Register?

Burro Schmidt's Tunnel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 20, 2003.

What type of historic resource is Burro Schmidt's Tunnel?

Burro Schmidt's Tunnel is classified as a site in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Burro Schmidt's Tunnel?

The period of significance for Burro Schmidt's Tunnel is recorded as the civil_war era.

Can I research the history near Burro Schmidt's Tunnel?

Yes. Aubrey Research reports search National Register listings, battlefield records, land patents, and other primary historical sources within any radius of a US address. A report for an address near Burro Schmidt's Tunnel will include this listing and all other historical records in the area.

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