The Big Bell mine sits perched on the steep western slope of the Funeral Mountains, approximately halfway between the Keane Wonder and old Chloride Cliff mines, approximately 3,650 feet above Death Valley's floor. Discovered in 1904 during the rush that followed nearby Bullfrog strikes, this gold mine was tied to the legendary prospector Johnnie "Behind-the-Gun" Cyty. The stunning views stretch across Death Valley from the Mesquite Dunes to the salt flats beyond Badwater Basin, making the challenging hike well worth the effort. The site remains remarkably preserved due to its remote location and difficult access.
History
The Big Bell Mine was discovered in 1904 by Johnnie Cyty, a prospector with the nickname "Johnnie-behind-the-Gun." He earned this name for his quick-tempered nature and readiness to draw his machine pistol during disputes. Cyty staked these claims with partner Mike Sullivan. Before a month had passed, Sullivan and Cyty optioned their claims to a Mr. Gaylord for a $25,000 down payment and a $250,000 purchase option. Gaylord, however, did little development work, and by September 1905, the mine reverted to its original locators. In November 1905, Walter O'Brien of Goldfield acquired rights to the property and formed the Death Valley Big Bell Mining Company, selling stock at 25¢ per share.
O'Brien energetically developed the mine through 1906, bringing in rich ore specimens assaying as high as $60 per ton. When O'Brien's option year drew to a close, he and Cyty failed to reach an agreement regarding the mine's purchase. Cyty secured legal assistance from Senator William Stewart to protect his interests. A new Big Bell Company formed with Rhyolite merchants L.D. Porter and J.R. McCormick as officers, while Cyty remained a director with controlling interest.
By 1907, the company had expanded to a five-man crew and built several stone boarding and bunk houses at the mine site. However, the Bank Panic of 1907 made it extremely difficult to secure investment capital. Cyty became less involved with mine operations and invested in a Rhyolite dance hall, which failed partly due to his controversial use of non-union workers.
In April 1908, Cyty's luck ran out completely. In a twelve-hour roulette game lasting through a Saturday night into Sunday morning, Cyty lost all 250,000 shares of his Big Bell stock to C.E. Jones, proprietor of Rhyolite's Stock Exchange gaming house. The shares, valued at 4¢ each for a total of $10,000, could have reportedly sold for 30¢ each just months earlier.
Even with Cyty out of the picture, the Big Bell struggled to find investors. Despite rumors of pending sales to British syndicates, the mine saw minimal development through 1909-1910. By 1911, the First National Bank of Rhyolite sold 300,000 shares of Big Bell stock at auction, and by September, the entire property was auctioned by the Inyo County sheriff for back taxes.
Cyty, meanwhile, faced more troubles. In November 1908, a dispute over claim ownership led to a gunfight where Cyty killed C. Kyle Smith, the South Bullfrog Mining District recorder. Cyty was tried and convicted of manslaughter in the spring of 1909, but was released pending an appeal. A new trial was ordered, and Cyty, claiming self-defense, was acquitted.
The Big Bell Mine lay idle until 1935 when the Coen Company acquired mining rights. They established a camp and installed a ball mill, cyanide tanks, and a pipeline from Keane Spring. Due to the site's inaccessibility, the Coen Company improved a steep trail from Chloride Cliff and converted it into an inclined cable road. A modified Mack truck chassis was used to winch supplies and men up and down the precipitous slope. Despite these efforts, the logistical difficulties and high overhead costs led the Coen Company to abandon operations by the fall of 1937, leaving their equipment behind.
The mine saw brief activity between 1940-1941 when K.M. Woods of Beatty acquired it and increased the milling capacity from 20 to 40 tons daily. This operation, too, was short-lived, and the mine closed again in 1941, its last year of production. According to records, it produced some lead, silver, and gold during 1939-1941.
