First known as Big Meadows, Bridgeport was settled in
1859. The meadows held potential for agricultural development. Eventually a lot
of cattle and sheep-raising took place. Mining activity increased, and sawmill
operations sprang up in the canyons and foothills surrounding Bridgeport making
it the main supply hub for the area. It became an important “wagon port” for
heavy freight wagons servicing the surrounding mining districts. In 1864 the
first post office was opened.
The 1877 photo of the Leavitt House which I colorized and
used for the cover of my latest novella in the Eastern Sierra Brides 1884 series, Haunted by Love, shows a flock of sheep being
driven through town following the lonely pack mule. You may read more about how
this cover was designed by CLICKINGHERE.
Bridgeport continued to grow cattle and sheep even after
the area became known more for its hunting and fishing instead of gold mining.
To celebrate my birthday this month, my husband and I
drove over to Bridgeport to visit the Mono County Historical Museum. I also
took the opportunity to take some pictures of what was originally known as Big
Meadows.
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| Approaching Bridgeport while driving north |
No wonder this country quickly became cattle country.
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| Facing east towards Nevada |
It has also provided me with some beautiful photographs
which I have used for background scenery for some of my book covers.
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| Facing the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains. |
Zina Abbott is
the pen name used by Robyn Echols for her historical novels. The first four
novellas in the Eastern
Sierra Brides 1884 series, Big Meadows Valentine,
A
Resurrected Heart, Her Independent Spirit, and Haunted by Love are now
available. He Is a Good Man was
published as part of the Lariats, Letters and Lace anthology.