Places of Interest - Shoshone

Dublin Caves      Shoshone Cemetery      Shoshone Museum

Named by Borax mogul, Frances Marion Smith in the early 1900's, the town of Shoshone was founded by Dad Fairbanks, a Death Valley prospector and businessman who is credited with rescuing 50 souls from Death Valley. Today the charming village welcomes visitors to its relaxed atmosphere where one can meander through the cemetery, explore the Dublin caves or the Tonopah and Tidewater railroad grade, stroll by historic buildings, or hike in surrounding hills.      See lodging guide and Visitor Services for dining, shopping, campgrounds and other services available. Dublin Caves      Joe Vollmer was the first old prospector to carve a home for himself in the clay embankment where he lived quite comfortably. Soon his cronies joined him and a whole series of cave "homes" appeared. The old-timers spent many an hour spinning their tales of lost strikes and great adventures while living in these caves. Often famous prospectors like Shorty Harris and Death Valley Scotty stopped by to reminisce. Some of the dwellings featured split levels, stovepipe chimneys and alcoves. The last resident lived in the caves until the late '70's.

Shoshone Cemetery      Just across from the Dublin caves lies the Shoshone Cemetery. For some of the residents of the caves, this became their final home. The historic cemetery bears the remains of Senator Charlie Brown and his family, along with many other residents of the community. Senator Charles Brown served in the California Senate for over 24 years and was known far and wide as a man of honor and integrity. When not in the legislature he worked in the grocery store and gas station and looked after the old-timers in the area. The Shoshone Museum carries a complete guidebook to the cemetery and its inhabitants.

Shoshone Museum      Shoshone Museum The building housing the Shoshone Museum was first built in the Death Valley boomtown of Greenwater in 1906. When Greenwater went bust, the structure was moved to Zabriskie, south of Shoshone, and later moved again to its present site where it served as a store and gas station. State Senator Charlie Brown could be found pumping gas here in the 20' and 30's and it was a favorite gathering places for town residents. From the late '40's to the '80's it was a rock shop and became a museum in the 1980's. Today the museum highlights the history of this area with numerous exhibits. An old 1937 Chevy, parked at the entrance to the museum, prepares visitors for their journey to the past. Mining and farming equipment surround the museum and a geologic walk in time lines the front walkway.