Purchase of Bodie, California

Bodie State Historic Park - and the JAMES STEWART CAIN COMPANY preservation efforts.

PURCHASE OF BODIE by the California State Legislature….

California Governor Goodwin J. Knight, in 1956 signed an “Appropriations Bill,” passed by the California State Legislature authorizing the purchase of Bodie, California.

It was purchased from the Cain Family heirs-descendants of James Stuart Cain.

James Stewart Cain purchased buildings and abandoned properties as, one by one, Bodietes sold out and moved away.  He was the “sole purchaser of the abandoned properties,” and acquired each as they came available. Bodie’s population had dwindled with a population of 698 citizens in 1910. Bodie was deserted, its buildings falling down into decay, from the harsh winds and snowstorms.

James Stewart Cains heirs  had continued as the JAMES S. CAIN COMPANY, marking a significant turning point in the Bodie’s ownership history.

Under their stewardship, the Cain family aimed to preserve the remnants of the once-thriving mining town. As the major landowner, caretakers were hired to protect and watch-over the town for unwanted visitors

JAMES S. CAIN COMPANY efforts included keeping Bodie and its buildings from looter’s and vandalism, and “enhancing the overall towns- Wild-Wild West appeal,” which helped spark interest in Bodie's unique place in mining history.

James Stewart Cain and his heirs commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Bodie, played a crucial role in its eventual designation as a California State Historic Park, ensuring that Future Generations would have the opportunity to explore and discover about the intriguing stories etched into Bodie's Mines and buildings.