| Page Views: 974 Last Visit to Johannesburg: September, 2007 | Johannesburg - sister of Randsburg & Red Mountain by Yaqui - last update: Jun 16, 2009 |
Established in 1896 as Johannesburg "Joburg", which received its name from the South African mining communities as well as its sister towns of Randsburg and Red Mountain. You can actually tell it was the only planned community due to its straight streets that intersect each other. It is also where the cemetery is located for the most part of all the local mining communities. Like Red Mountain, Johannesburg a tiny town of 50 consist of some abandon decayed derelict buildings that are still holding their own with father time, yet the rest of these small little houses are still being loved and lived in. Some look rather quaint, cute, and reflect their owners personality. The railroad actual had a track that ran right into the town bringing supplies and goods for much of the mining communities, so the town prospered. The track was completed December 23, 1897 establishing a two story depot freight house and platform, so the first train rolled in from Kramer Junction on the 27th. Like her sister towns, the mines either went bust or it was becoming increasingly expensive to mine anymore, so the towns slowly started being abandon and so did the business and need of the railroad. The track was torn out by 1934. Yet, the freight house still exist it was dismantled into two parts. The top part was relocated and made into a residence, as well as the bottom part. In fact, it was lovingly restored and is on the market for a new owner to love it and preserve the history of Johannesburg. If anything, the souls that found a place of peace and rest in the cemetery are testament to the sheer will and perseverance of the pioneers and who still finds this place home because of the quiet and charm of a little community. The old mining shaft that is right next to the cemetery cast a very present shadow reminding everyone who visit here what amazing stories of past who were lured by the simple gold or silver nugget and that their presence here will be forever remembered in history.
California’s Abandoned Mines "Stay Out - Stay Alive!
Lay me down on the hillside at Joburg
Where the desert winds sweep by
Where in row upon of little brown tents
My former companions lie
With only the sand for a blanket
Instead of a flower strewn bed
My body shall rest from its labors
When my spirit has gone out to God
I tramped those hills in the sunshine
On the desert I’d live and die
Let me rest on the hillside at Joburg
Where the desert winds sweep by
~Poem at the grave site of Clarence Leikam,
Johannesburg Cemetery~ |
|  | So cute! Like I said some of the homes are still being lived in are still being loved. Many of them reflect their owners personality. This one made me giggle so much. |
"Protector of Burro Schmidt Tunnel" Sometimes you can make the neatest discoveries by someone's wonderful markers that reflects this individuals soul. This one caught our eye obvisouly. So wonderfully detailed, which told you that this person is missed. Her name is Evelyn Ann "Tonie" Seger. She was the last ower and protector of the Burro Schmidt Tunnel. After her passing in 2003 and with no one to protect it, it has been scavenged or robbed...(dang thieves) of "All" of it's treasures that were left behind of William Henry Schmidt. He dugged this 2000 ft tunnel for over 33 years with his trusted burros and had left behind his miners cabin filled with all kinds of memorabilia that has been stolen by scavengers. He was featured in "Believe It or Not "!
Burro Schimdt Tunnel | | |
> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]
| Pros: | "Has historical content" | | Cons: | "Not too many services here" | | In A Nutshell: | "If you like history you should explore here" |
Yaqui's Johannesburg Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 4 - Photos: 8 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2 |
 Comments for Yaqui about Johannesburg | | | | |
msbrandysue Wed Oct 14, 2009 03:19 UTC
I just love all the small town pages you have. So quirky and cute! | LoriPori Mon Aug 17, 2009 13:22 UTC
A sleepy little town for sure. | nicolaitan Tue Aug 4, 2009 19:14 UTC
these little villages are all the same and all different. a blast ( of hot air ) from the past. | mvtouring Tue Jul 21, 2009 21:45 UTC
I was quite surprised to see your page on Johannesburg in the US. Very different from our capital city in the northern parts of my country ;-) |
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