Man buys $1.4 million ghost town, turns the 360-acre land into a successful business. But has one request from people

Can you imagine buying an abandoned piece of land in the middle of nowhere only to discover that you have actually bought an entire small town? It sounds like the plot of a scary movie, but for entrepreneur Brent Underwood, it became a very real adventure. In 2018, Underwood spent about $1.4 million of his savings, along with money from investors, to purchase Cerro Gordo, an abandoned mining town in California. What began as an unusual business idea eventually turned into a life-changing experience.

Man spends millions to buy a ghost town

Located near Lone Pine in California’s Inyo Range, Cerro Gordo was established in the 19th century after silver, lead and zinc were discovered in the area. At its height, the town was home to thousands of people, mostly miners hoping to make their fortunes. The settlement became one of California’s most important silver-mining communities, with wealth from the mines helping fuel the growth of nearby Los Angeles. As mining declined, residents gradually abandoned Cerro Gordo. By the middle of the 20th century, the once-busy settlement had become a ghost town. The property eventually changed hands several times before Underwood came across it.

Why would anyone buy a ghost town?

Underwood said the idea began with a late-night message from a friend in 2018 asking whether he wanted to buy a ghost town. At first, he assumed it was a joke. But after researching Cerro Gordo, he became fascinated by its history and potential. Underwood already had experience in hospitality and had developed an interest in historic properties. The idea of turning part of Cerro Gordo into a destination where people could experience the Old West appealed to him. So, at just 30 years old, he decided to take a major financial risk. He put much of his savings into the purchase and brought in several investors. The deal was completed in July 2018.

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Initially, Underwood did not intend to live in Cerro Gordo permanently. The property included numerous historic structures, including a hotel, church and general store, as well as old mine workings. He planned to restore the buildings and eventually allow visitors to stay in the town. Progress, however, was slow. Getting workers, materials and permits to such a remote location proved difficult. Then the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

The town's longtime caretaker, Robert, wanted to leave to be with his wife before lockdown restrictions became more severe. Underwood agreed to look after the property temporarily. With little access to the outside world, his days became surprisingly simple. He worked on restoring buildings, explored the property and began discovering objects left behind by former residents.

Discovering pieces of the past

One of the most fascinating parts of living in Cerro Gordo was uncovering items that offered glimpses into the lives of people who once called the town home. The town itself also carried darker reminders of its past. Its history included violence, shootings and deaths, while the local cemetery contained hundreds of graves. Even ordinary buildings seemed to have stories hidden inside them.

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Preserving a forgotten town

Despite the isolation and challenges, Underwood came to see his unusual purchase as more than a business venture. He wanted to preserve Cerro Gordo and prevent its history from disappearing completely. The remote ghost town may not have been the easy investment he initially imagined. But for Underwood, its abandoned buildings, forgotten stories and rugged surroundings offered something money could not easily buy: the chance to protect a remarkable piece of American history while bringing it back to life.