Old Benton Hot Springs, living Ghost Town & its Cemetery

Jeff & Sarah strikes out to see the old settlement of Benton Hot Springs in Mono County where Paiute Indians first settled around the meadows and hot springs. Later gold and silver drew miners to the area in the1860s and 1870s.
Jeff checks out the old General Store once occupied by Mr. Morrison who was killed in a shootout with escapees from the Nevada State Prison in Carson City.
Also, he'll check out the old cemetery and find the graves of early pioneers who died in this hardscrabble existence.
#historyhunters #bentonhotsprings #ghosttown
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[@GmaLucy56]

Thank you for giving me a look of my old stomping grounds. I was born in Bishop, raised for 11 years in Benton and visited Old Benton quite often to swim in the pond that was connected to the hot springs. My mother is buried in the cemetery there. When we got her plot, Mabel Bramlette said that she would be buried close by so that they could talk about the old days together again. :0). Mabel ran the store there in Old Benton. She was a wonderfully sweet person!

[@caroleminke6116]

Sounds like a plan!

[@lonewolvesonwheels]

The comedy relief Sarah brings is my favorite part. I drag my wife across country to Sturgis on the back of my bike on her birthday weekend lol i just keep rolling.

[@caroleminke6116]

Hopefully she never falls off 😉

[@ford32able]

History never dies thanks to you. Jeff you are one unique person.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you!

[@stargater2892]

Agreed.

[@JanisLC]

That was a great video ! Great history and story telling ! Thank you Jeff and Sarah !

[@Slick2462]

I thank you Jeff for another great video. The cemetery shows neglect, but no vandalism and that always make feel thankful! Thanks again!

[@privatepilot4064]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah! You visit all the places this old man would love to explore! Great video!

[@jbenziggy]

@@privatepilot4064 thank you very much!

[@jerryfountain7921]

An amazing Sunday history lesson from Jeff & frozen Sarah. Thanks for braving the chilly wind and temps to show us something that I've never heard of. See ya next Sunday!

[@dano8203]

I really enjoy these ghost town videos! Thank you for your research it’s always amazing to see the town, the stories of the people then the pics drop ins then finally seeing their final resting places.

[@Oldnoitall]

Thanks the wind made it perfect at the cemetery!!!

[@robertross4108]

Enjoyed your video like many others. My brother and myself stumbled upon Benton over 10 yrs ago as we decided to explore what’s east of Bishop. We’ve been exploring all over 395 because of the beauty. My wife is also a fan of the Eastern Sierra’s on many camping trips through the decades. My dad was always a fan of Bodie where he taught us photography at a young age. We grew up north of SF and spent many summers in Yosemite and all over this unique state. That desire to get out and explore has always been in our blood. Love the fall time with all the colors and less people. Another trip we’re done I’m sure you might enjoy is Nevada’s highway 50 from Carson City to Ely or longer to the Utah border. Very interesting towns and history. We’ve been going over my father’s grandparents history where our great grandfather was a judge in many areas along 50 especially Eureka Nevada in the 1800’s. Other side sailed from Nova Scotia around the Cape to SF post Gold Rush era. Thank you for your adventurers. ~The Ross Clan ~ of Novato Ca. 😊

[@petemoss1951]

Thank you for weathering the wind and cold in Benton. I have never been there, probably drove through. Enjoy the ride , Thanks! Late Happy Birthday to Sarah!

[@Corgis175]

Love history, especially pioneer history and you have some of the best. Thoroughly enjoyed Benton Springs and the Pioneer Cemetery.

[@staceymay2655]

10 seconds in, im Hookt, Get him Sarah..! This channel never fails Jeff.... Gooddays

[@BMWMike]

We are from the UK and last year did a road trip around California and Nevada. We passed through Benton Hot Springs on the way from Tonopah to Groveland. I think the road had just reopened due to flooding. Thanks for the video. Great memories.

[@philipcollins5440]

Jeff, I didn't know about Benton Hot Springs. Thanks, now I want to go and visit there. Well done. I'm glad to see Sarah with you 😊

[@409rommel]

Bravo Jeff n Sarah…. Great stuff. Brings me back to the first time I was in Benton in the 80s. I will have to go back again…👍

[@brucebenoit5036]

Thanks J. And S. For the video. Maybe spending more than thirty seconds on each feature would be nice! 🤠

[@caroleminke6116]

Great history report 😉

[@Tonybeheler]

Sassy sarah...I love it! Another awesome video,thank you so much.

[@thesearcher118]

The first time I drove through town was in NOV 1988. We were heading down to a buddy's home for Thanksgiving while stationed at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport. The town has not changed. The little diner was still open.

[@limegreengiant]

Thanks for your Service at MCMWTC. You were lucky to be stationed in such a beautiful location.✌

[@angiebeasworrick6569]

Another wonderful video. We have been to Bodie but have not heard about Benton hot springs until today. One more reason to go back to that area. Thank you for all your hard work bringing us these videos.

[@jbenziggy]

You are very welcome, Angie. I hope that you will be able to enjoy it, but I would not choose to go there this time of year. Lol. They actually have closed Tioga Pass so if we wanted to visit this time of year, we’d have to go up to Sonora Pass or over to Sacramento from the Central Valley.

[@franhager4962]

I love indigenous peoples always! My descendants Good video!! Nice to see you guys together and I have been watching since around covid 19 began

[@bartgoins1782]

Another great history lesson. Thanks Jeff and Sarah, I really enjoyed it.

[@brucetinker288]

Have been to Bodie, and up and down the east side of the Sierra's with my parents back in the early 60s. Never will forget the beauty and the clean air. I live in Dinuba Calif about 30 miles S.E. of Fresno You and Sarah are gems! Thank you both for all your work. Beats the fake news!

[@theburtseoni]

This video shows there are still a few places left in California where there aren't so many people, and you can see how it was many years ago! Thank you Jeff and Sarah for taking us along today!

[@glennstenbergkvist5971]

I have been to Benton and the local area, as well as many of the other places you visit. It is a pleasure to view your well-paced and nicely photographed programs because I will probably never get back to these places.

[@jbenziggy]

It is nice to know that you have been there and have enjoyed the video! Thanks for the compliment!

[@richardbeee]

That was super! Nicely done. Thank you for sharing. Many times I've been to Bodie and never stopped. Tell them ghost busters they need to go to the cemetery, not the store. Did you see the shadow? Ha! Neither did I. Peace. May all your days be golden and I hope you continue to be blessed by the Best! Incredible.

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

2 years ago drove the 395 from Reno to san bernadino. Most beautiful trek and hope to do it again. Curiosity got me to Benton Springs and will have to return again. Great video. Sarah has a great sense of humor😂😊

[@nickpaz2421]

Love these old towns in Ca. Hints of Huell Howser there with that interview of the store owner. I love to hear the history of places from people that know it or lived it. Thanks for making this video. I’ve added this town to my travel plans when I get up to Bodie and that area. Good job.

[@sfbfriend]

Long time subscriber, I know the story of Morrison, fish the eastern Sierra as much as I can, haven't been to Benton, furthest Ive been down Benton road is Brown Camp and fishing Owens River. I love old places like this, the history is amazing and the people were tough as nails. Thank you again. Next time you're in the southland I would love to meet up if possible.

[@treasuretom13]

Decent music, scenery & history, new subber here 👏

[@musiknbooks-jn1wz]

Fantastic! Felt as if I were walking right along with ya'll! Loved those old buildings......could just imagine the hustle and bustle that once was there! Spirits, ghosts? Definitely! Thanks again!

[@cindykdelk7604]

So nice to see you Sarah 😊 I miss you when you aren't in the videos 😢. Love your sense of humor 😂....

[@TravisWhite-m3r]

Well put together, never heard of the place but you made it interesting. Thanks Jeff

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you!

[@dannasilva9079]

We have often talked about driving all of 395, and watching your video has renewed our interest! Thanks as always, Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

I’m glad you liked the video, and I hope you get to take the drive down 395!

[@Redbaron_sites]

When people like Bill are gone, one wonders who will step in if anyone to preserve these pieces of history. Costs for repairs are rising and as people with ties to these areas are thinning out, so will the least recognized historical places.❤ Thanks to you and Bill.May I add that your work will preserve the feeling of these places for generations to come as they will be able to experience it because of you.

[@acebrandon3522]

The old town and unkept cemetery was a treat to behold.... makes one wonder about the very old days, the people and how they lived back then...

[@canaryphaeochannel]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah very nice history!

[@jbenziggy]

Much appreciated, as always! Thanks!

[@tangie777uk]

Wonderful video, you have such amazing history. Thank you Jeff

[@jbenziggy]

It is not my history, but I love telling about the rich history of California that I think tends to get ignored. Thank you so much for watching and for the comment.

[@aulii11]

I really enjoyed this episode - but, heck, I enjoy ALL of your posts! Thanks for bringing us along on your travels!

[@jbenziggy]

I'm glad you enjoy them all! I'm having a lot of fun making them!

[@m.e.c.1007]

OOO saucy Sarah lol Another great video!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you 😋

[@bekleidungu.ausrustung7068]

Great video! I used to deliver FedEx to the Benton area out of Bishop everyday from 2005 to about 2010. The whole area, as you well know is loaded with history. So glad it remains mostly unsettled. It's like a time capsule for visitors😃😄😁

[@jbenziggy]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I agree with you about the time capsule vibe. I hope it stays that way a long time!

[@violetdreams1799]

love places like this.. thanks for the trip and braving the cold!

[@jbenziggy]

I love these places too. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terrychapman8460]

So Great! I really enjoyed this video. Mono County has always spoken to my heart and the entire Route 395! Always breath taking beauty! Saddens me to think I will probably not be taking any more trips to the Eastern Sierra, but oh so happy to visit vicariously with you and Sarah. Time waits for no man! Explore and enjoy while you can!

[@wombat-x8m]

Great video Jeff, a must visit !!!!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! I agree it’s a very interesting place!

[@richardbrobeck2384]

Great video that Cafe was really cool !

[@darylweinbrandt62]

It's SO SUNNY. It's hard to imagine how cold it was but I believe you ! COOL place !

[@marcelosastre3621]

AL FINAL DE ESTE HERMOSO. VIDEO DONDE SIEMPRE APRENDEMOS HISTORIA HONESTA Y MARAVILLOSA, PERO LOS CEMENTERIOS AMERICANOS SON ESPECIALES TE TRANSPORTAN A LA BELLEZA NATURAL DE AÑOS DE LUCHA Y TRABAJO Y DE NOSTALGIA UNIVERSAL, FELICIDADES POR TAN BONITO DOCUMENTO EN UNA TARDE DE DOMINGO, ENORA BUENA. JEFF, 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸💯💯🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🌹🇪🇸🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵

[@trinketsmusings]

First of all, YAY, The Stove. Been forever since I've visited. Secondly, thank you for visiting Benton! I only stopped there briefly and it was covered in snow but I always wondered about the place (just not enough to do my own research). So nice to revisit these places vicariously!

[@jbenziggy]

We were there about a year ago too and a guy stopped to tell us he loved our channel! This happened the day after another guy stopped us in the Mexican restaurant there and said, "You two look familiar." Signs of success, I guess!

[@LaVaqueraMarin]

I used to stop by there every time when I lived in Big Pine. Great place....missed this! Nice You Tube.

[@jbenziggy]

Nice. Are there interesting things to show in Big Pine?

[@jr2no160]

Wow and on my 66th birthday no less and 30 degrees. Glad I was back in South Dakota. Hope the weather is better this winter. Good video as usual by the way.👍🏾

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it. Happy belated birthday!

[@rhondaz356]

Those places are very interesting. Talk about relics from the past. WOW... It sounds strange to me to own a town, *but nobody could doubt how caring the owner is. 👏🏻👏🏻 I really found the cemetery very engrossing. The enclosures around many of the graves, some of the graves themselves, the stories of people buried there, the "frozen in time" feeling it evokes... Thank you, Jeff for taking us along. As always, your research, traveling, and your presentation are top-notch. 🏡🙏🏻 🏘🏚🪦👏🏻👏🏻

[@barbaramai7610]

Wow, Jeff and Sarah, one of your most interesting videos, from the opening "fabulous view" to the windy cemetery visit! You visited this wonderful old ghost town of Benton/Benton Hot Springs on what would have been our 59th anniversary. Wish I could have been there with you as it certainly is my kind of place to visit.

[@marilynkirby-roach187]

Wow the water in convict late is amazing. The scenery around it is breathtaking

[@jbenziggy]

That is a truly unique and beautiful place to visit.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Very much enjoyed the video Jeff Thankyou

[@SteveTRYK]

I've known about that area but have never ventured that far - great that you ran into the agreeable owner! Classic old west boneyard - all well done!

[@TheAsif5182]

this is the 1st video i saw by yourside , and i love it , so i am subscribing the channel for your good work .❤

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you for subscribing! I appreciate it very much! Blessings to you!

[@Jorma-e4t]

Thanks for the video, interesting history.

[@WayneKline]

Another great video Jeff, well done. So, Sarah is breaking out into a comedy routine now, nice 😅❤

[@jbenziggy]

She is a natural! Lol

[@lyndonreddick1888]

I do remember meeting Bill when I was around there back over ten years ago. Couldn't get a hot spring soak without reservations. Interesting history- I never knew Mt Morrison - so close to Convict Lake, was named after one of the posse members. The cold front back in October was felt here (Sisk Co) plus Benton is over 5,000 feet so, must have been chilly.

[@steveblankenship5474]

I enjoyed watching this, I did go through Benton in the 80’s unto Nevada. The town has declined since. I remember that general store was open with dozens and dozens of wagon wheels all over that store at the time.

[@rikkiross7691]

Thanks again for a GREAT Tour....You and Sarah are AWESOME!! 😁

[@panza3328]

Wow, the wind really picked up when you were at the Robert Morrison grave. We can hear it blowing eerily as though it blew back in those 1800's days.

[@mapleleaf902]

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing this find!

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Love the scenery there. What a cool place!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for visiting with us! I bet you have places up in Wyoming like that!

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

@ You bet!

[@hepgeoff]

Another great episode, thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChrisYarbrough-ts9cv]

Your travels are very close too my heart I want too travel back but so many responsibilities right now . properties 85 birds and so on

[@lindapeterson9962]

Thank you for the wonderful road trip and your interesting stop at the Benson Cemetary. An interesting place indeed. Minneapolis

[@jbenziggy]

You are very welcome! I am glad you enjoyed the tour.

[@laurielaurie8280]

I had never heard of Benton Hot Springs, Ca until now. Another interesting bit of history. I like your off the beaten path adventures! ☺

[@janerush920]

Interesting video loved it ❤

[@jbenziggy]

So glad! Thank you, Jane!

[@161papa]

What a fun video! I've never been there, but next time I'm in the area, Benton is definitely on my list. Happy belated birthday to Sarah! 🎉 Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. 😊

[@susannelanza8421]

Great history and beautiful scenery ❤

[@jbenziggy]

It really is! Thanks for coming along!

[@Late_to_the_party]

Great video! I see a lot of photo-ops!. This history is interesting to listen to and I do believe in ghosts. I've had multiple experiences to believe. If you ever rake a trip to Montana, visit Bannack. My grandma was born there. Beautiful ghost town.

[@booniebuster4193]

Two weeks ago I was going to Reno to pick up a new camper. I stopped in Benton to top off my fuel tank. I happened to fill up at the store and gas station you showed in this video. The price of gas was not marked. So I didn't know what the price was per gallon until I finished filling my tank. It turned out to be $7.50 per gallon. I made sure to have plenty of gas when I passed by Benton on the return trip the next day.

[@jbenziggy]

Yikes! That is a very high price for gas! 😳

[@salysellsss]

We were just there a week before Thanksgiving! Stay there whenever we are in the area. The hot springs are great…So many stars at night!

[@jbenziggy]

Great to hear! Do you camp there in the campground?

[@DavidNiehaus20]

Jeff would you fufill my suggestion by visiting the grave of john philip sousa please and you are the sweetest kindest lovilest guy on youtube

[@panza3328]

Kool, no light pollution!

[@griffhenshaw5631]

Great piece....ive explored the area on my way up or down 395 but never gotten there. Thanks

[@michaelgalea5148]

Hello Jeff and Sarah Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you.

[@richardbeee]

Thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks very much, Richard!

[@Quitealways]

Wonderful story of history in this area of Benton.

[@jbenziggy]

Nice to know that you enjoyed it. Thank you so much.

[@joetanaka6446]

Hi Jeff, I grew up in Modesto and went to Sylvan, Somerset and Beyer. Enjoy very much your shows about the historical and nature spots from my youth. Season's Greetings from Japan🎄

[@stargater2892]

I like when you randomly run into folks. You are always ready with smart questions. Nice seeing Sara and you too.

[@jbenziggy]

I do like those encounters too. It makes it more of a real-life story. Thanks for watching!

[@pedropenacardenas8875]

I spent some time in this area camping at Browns Owens River Campground. I went for work to help fix barbed wire throughout the area. I also saw some obsidian on the ground and met a man who was a descendant of area pioneers. If I could go back I’d ask him more about it.

[@philmcmurray]

Hehe, Sarah! Great video, Jeff. Thanks for all your research and work, love your videos!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@hemichargerrt01]

very pretty area! Great Vid as always! Just think those wooden fences are 200 years old and some still standing! that amazing

[@17jex62]

Jeff was a awesome 👏 video love it good 👍🏼 job Jeff and Sarah ❤❤❤❤🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@nielmadsen9806]

I am staying at the Hot Springs couple of times very nice in the evening to watch the sun go down and I’ve been there in the snow in the hot tubs. Well worth the trip I’d like you say there’s no place in town eat

[@JedCurrie]

Good video I love the landscape 👍

[@jbenziggy]

It really is a beautiful place, but it is very remote and stark and some areas

[@JedCurrie]

@jbenziggy 👍

[@robertross4108]

Oh!, the soundtrack throughout your video is getting much better 😊

[@jimbullard441]

Interesting spot. Love how you respectfully document the history of forgotten areas like this.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed, Thanks for sharing , and braving the cold,, for past history, Sarah and Jeff

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! And it was chilly! It snowed that night!

[@tats4ever]

Great video! My family and I used to live there.

[@edwil111]

Good deal Neal! I'll hit that place on one of my next south trips! Enjoyed! - Ed in Reno

[@lisadieter-burns]

I am surprised that many of the grave markers were in such good shape. Some were obviously newer from being replaced, but many looked incredibly preserved.

[@augustharter981]

Really enjoyed the video. Been that area several times, however have never been there. Going have to pay a visit!

[@stevemellin5806]

You go to the coolest places . thank you. Enjoy your Sunday

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, you too!

[@brittbrittingham9871]

Always good stuff !!!

[@jbenziggy]

Appreciate that! Thanks!

[@runaremblem2221]

Very interesting history Jeff god work🤗🤗

[@johnw.fordphotography4268]

Jeff , very intresting and great history as always

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks 👍

[@HollywoodGraham]

Love the Eastern Sierras, thanks for the tour of an out of the way place. The only reason it stays like it is it is not on highway 395 and that is great. Keep up the good work..

[@jensentime2496]

Jeff, thank you for the history of Benton. I'm glad you finally made it way out there. We were there a few weeks after you and stayed at the campground. It was amazing. Btw thanks for subscribing to my channel. My video on Benton Hot Springs will probably be out in a couple months.

[@jbenziggy]

That’s awesome, it’s such a cool place! I was in the store today and we talked about your channel!

[@jensentime2496]

@jbenziggy it's getting there. Luckily we like to explore so always have content to film.

[@majormoxybabylon]

Love Benton Hot Springs & nearby large obsidian rocks 4 hunting. Look close at ground near cemetery for arrowhead chip workings . Great Video