Tim Elam, Stories of Early Gold Mining in Kern County

A Movie Star, a Pirate, and a Golf Course...Stories of Early Gold Mining in Kern County

April 11, 2026

1:00 PM

Kern County has been the home of numerous gold mining ventures. The discovery of Kern County gold in 1852 was a primary reason American, European, and Chinese settlers came to the county. Numerous underground and open-pit operations existed throughout the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, concentrated in the Mojave Desert, Southern Sierra Nevada, and Tehachapi/San Emigdio Mountains. Commercial mining renewed in 2016. At least three million ounces of gold have been mined from the county… yet millions of ounces remain.

The boom-and-bust cycle of each discovery fostered unbelievable yet true stories. This presentation is designed to tell human interest stories of Randsburg, Havilah, Mojave, Keyesville, and other Kern mining communities of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Why was Kern County the prize in 1850’s competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco? What failed pirate established Kern gold production and considered himself “The Father of Kern County?” Why did Union soldiers advance on Kern County in 1864? What elaborate scheme allowed a Mojave Desert gold discovery to stay secret? Why did a man run through downtown Havilah wearing only a necktie? Why was Kern County’s first golf course in the Mojave Desert? What woman bankrolled three successful prospectors for two years, making them all rich? What clay mining area accidently turned into a gold mining area? What movie starlet was known as the Blonde Vampire, and what was her connection to Kern County gold?

Join local geologist Tim Elam as he takes you on a rich photographic tour of the history and location of gold mining in Kern County.

The presentation will be informal, and no geologic background is necessary to enjoy the event. There will be no extra charge for attending this event…just the normal Museum entrance fee.