Nestled within the rugged landscapes of California’s Mojave Desert lies a testament to human tenacity and the relentless pursuit of a dream – the Burro Schmidt Tunnel. Carved through solid granite by hand, this tunnel stands as a remarkable feat of determination and solitary labor. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the fascinating history, the man behind the tunnel, and the enduring legacy of this extraordinary human achievement.
A Lone Prospector’s Dream:
The underpass owes its existence to a prospector named William Henry Schmidt, better known as Burro Schmidt. In the early 20th century, during the gold rush era, Burro Schmidt sought riches in the El Paso Mountains near Mojave.
Around 1906, Burro Schmidt discovered copper veins in the mountains. With dreams of creating a shortcut to transport ore from his mine to the nearest smelter, he decided to dig a tunnel through the solid granite ridge.
A One-Man Endeavor:
What makes the Burro Schmidt Tunnel truly remarkable is that it was largely a solo project. Burro Schmidt, armed with only hand tools, including a pickaxe and shovel, began carving his tunnel through the granite. Remarkably, he managed to complete the 2,000-foot tunnel over the course of 38 years, working tirelessly and often in isolation.