Historical Landmarks in the Mono Basin

Click here for California State Landmarks in Mono County

Lee Vining
"The name of this community honors Leroy Vining. In 1852 Lt. Tredwell Moore and soldiers of the 2nd Infantry pursued Indians of Chief Tenaya's tribe from Yosemite across the Sierra via Bloody Canyon. They took back mineral samples and a prospecting party was organized. In this group were the Vinings, Leroy and Dick, who established a camp at what is now Lee Vining Creek."

Navy Beach
During the cold war, Mono County was home to one of many remote facilities used by the US Military to test new weapons and weapons systems. A “secret military installation” operated by the US Navy was located along the south shoreline of Mono Lake.

During the 1950s and 1960s several branches of the US Armed Forces utilized this test facility to conduct various research. Numerous top secret exercises were actually performed here during what was called “seismic testing.” However, with the expansion of other nearby bases, growing public safety and environmental concerns, this facility soon outgrew its usefulness. In May 1962 all operations ceased and soon thereafter the facility was abandoned.

Although many scientists, technicians, soldiers, and sailors worked at this installation for many years, all that remains today of their activities are a few remnants and the name “Navy Beach.”

This monument and plaque dedicated as a California Sesquicentennial Event.
September 11, 1999
Bodie Chapter #64 E. Clampus Vitus US Forest Service Mono Lake RD

GRAVE OF ADELINE CARSON STILTS (at Mono Inn)
In sight of this location is the grave of Adeline Carson Stilts, daughter of scout, guide, and explorer Kit Carson. Called “Prairie Flower” by her father, and considered to be his favorite child, she came to the gold site of “Mono Diggins’” with her husband in about 1858. She died in the winter of 1859, at the age of 21, at the home of her friends known as the Wilson Ranch.

Dedicated September 8, 1973
Bodie Chapter, E Clampus Vitus
Mono County Board of Supervisors