9/27/2017

Cartago California

Ruins of soda plant in Cartago California

Cartago is a small cluster of homes on the shore of Owens Dry Lake. Cartago grew initially as a port for boats carrying the products of mines across Owens Lake. As Owens Lake began to dry, a soda ash processing plant was built on the lake shore to harvest and process chemicals from the lake bed. I have no idea when the soda plant closed. From the looks of the ruins I would guess that it ceased operating sometime in the 1970s. About 100 people live in Cartago today.

 

Ruins of soda plant in Cartago California

The ruins of the soda plant are within the boundaries of State of California Cartago Wildlife area. There's a dirt parking area. There aren't any specific trails or information but it's a nice place to walk around.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Cartago Wildlife Area page.

 

Ruins of soda plant in Cartago California

Ruins of soda plant in Cartago California

Ruins of soda plant in Cartago California

 

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