Tragedy Strikes In The Ghost Town of Cerro Gordo 

Netflix needs to pick this up as a documentary. That would give you the budget you need!!!

I'm going to commission a new painting of the girl that was behind the bar and donate it to the hotel. It won't be a carbon copy, but it will be an excellent one.

Came back to watch this, now that the rebuilding has finally begun. It hurts to see how much was lost, but it's so inspiring to know that it'll be back soon.

Holy crap. I just realized i'm watching this a year later from you posting this. Started watching because of Heavy D Sparks. Glad you got the new foundation poured now!

I worked for Skywalker Ranch when it was built and I handmade a lot of the bedding, cushions and pillows, I also make window coverings and upholstery. I have 100s of yards of fabrics. Let me know if you want some help in that area. I am very good at using fabrics that are correct for the period of furnishings. I have recently done The Pelican Inn diningroom as well, in Mill Valley Ca. Some of the chairs are hundreds of years old.

For the love of God, turn on those ads!!

This video absolutely breaks my heart. The hotel was just so gorgeous and so ready for a new lease on life I absolutely cannot believe this happened. I don't know how I'd move forward.

For most of my life, I have been telling everyone how I am going to pack it in and move to Darwin or Lone Pine. Time isn’t right yet, but your videos transport me to the Owens Valley, fulfilling my 395 yearnings for now. Looking forward to the day when LA isn’t sucking the Owens Valley dry! Enjoy your fantastic Night Sky❣️

My heart hurts at this loss. The hotel seemed so rich in history and character, and it only took an hour for it to vanish. I wish you the best of luck in rebuilding.

“I’m gonna die here.” That sentence just made me understand that you are sacrificing EVERYTHING for this historic town. Much respect to you and when I get my paycheck I’ll make sure to donate some to you

Just a time traveller dropping in to say I just watched the concrete pour video 12 months later and wanted to let you know everything will be okay. The story continues.

I'd take it as a sign that all the units need to be gone over with a good inspector. I'm sure you thought of that. Thankful no one was hurt. Broke my heart to see that happen. Good luck with the rebuild and look forward to my donation as well.

I can't imagine how much that must of hurt to lose. Best of luck on the rebuild.

I am not an American, but I feel pain that we lost the history

Hello Brent, I subscribed to your channel when you first stayed, in your makeshift camp, in an old cabin on a side hill. Just catching up on your progress, and watced this video of the old American Hotel. Sorry for your loss. I admire old gold mining. Noticed the old parlor stove. If you salvadged that from the fire, it can be restored. I just restored the exact stove, Simplicity 316. Made in Newark, Ohio. The New American Hotel can have the same palor stove again one day!! I´m Randy, from New Salem, ND

OMG Brent I’ve only just discovered your epic adventure and am watching all your episodes from the beginning… I’m absolutely gutted for you this is devastating … I’m from the uk and hooked on your adventures … one day I wish to meet you and explore your town … keep up the great work 👌

What a terrible tragedy. In all my years of documenting ghost towns and mining camps in photos and video, I've seen far too many wonderful, historic structures lost forever. I hope and pray you'll be able to rebuild, and I've made a donation to assist in that goal.

I am a carpenter from Australia and I would love nothing more then to travel to the States to help you rebuild but my whole country is shut and my state of Victoria has some of the strongest lockdown measures I will donate tho stay strong mate

its amazing to sit here watching you literally create history. imagine having such an impact on so many people and leaving a story of how YOU did something amazing. just like mr gordo. you will be remembered for this...for generations to come

His face said it all. Heartbreaking. But thank god no one one was staying in there.

I live roughly 4 hours away man, if I can and I will, I’ll dedicate every other weekend or even longer if I can to come help, you just let me know and I’ll do my best!

Just discovered you a couple hours ago and now I'm heartbroken and crying. I believe your dream will become a new reality.

Absolutely heartbreaking what happened but seeing and hearing your resolve to rebuild and keep moving forward through the grief and tears is absolutely inspiring. A lot of people - most people - would have thrown in the towel and given up (and no one could really blame them for choosing to) but you chose the hard path and from where I'm looking back a year later, that resolve is paying off in dividends.

3 years 11 months later, Brent has written a book, which my son gifted to me. I read the passage about the fire this morning and decided to re-watch this video. It was the second time today I've cried, even though I know how things have gone since. I still need to finish reading the book, but based on what I've read so far, I would recommend his book to all. Brent is a very talented writer and it's been fun watching his talents grow in other way over the past 4 years. I hope to visit Cerrro Gordo some day.

Heartbreaking, man. The hotel has a lot of historical stuff and can NEVER be replaced.

Dude turn on ads! Please! I’ll gladly watch a 5 second ad to help

what was the insurance payout for the hotel?

I am sorry to say that it has taken me 18 months to finally watch this. I was subscribed from the beginning, but I have had my own difficulties the last two years. Seeing how far you have come since this happened is inspiring.

Imagine if it would have happened with some of your early guests sleeping in there, the new hotel will be better and safer.

That was just brutal to watch, I can't imagine the pain of loosing history like that.

Oh man, Brent! I started watching your videos a few weeks ago and was so inspired with your love for Cerro Gordo. I shared a video with my mom and she realized that she had been to Cerro Gordo as a child before you owned it and she said how much it inspired her to want to build a homestead and live life more like they did back then, she now lives on and owns her own farm. I just came across this video about the fire and I am crying for you! I am so sorry this happened. All of that history lost... its such a bummer. Keep your dream up! I hope you are getting the help you need to rebuild. ❤️

I'm back watching this after watching the live stream of the new hotel basement being DONE! It's been such an amazing journey watching this happen. I found you a year ago. And every video I watch feels like being part of history. What you're doing, with the help of the outstanding community, is amazing. I live about 7 hours away from Cerro Gordo. I am 100% going to visit.

I haven't felt my heart sink like this at a caption before.. glad to know you are safe. Your hard work and videos have made this part of history immortal.we all love and support you! Big hug!!

I'm so sorry. What a terrible loss. I'm glad you're physically okay. I hope you are taking care of yourself, you are looking thinner. I don't normally comment on this sort of thing but it's concerning. Sending you major mojo. Xo

I am so sorry that this has happened to you and Cerro Gordo 😥. I live in Sweden so can't do anything to help really. I hope you get all the help you and the town need to get it all rebuilt so people can come and experience the history of Cerro Gordo 💕

I just discovered your channel only minutes ago, but I'm now a subscriber. I wish I was able to do more to help in rebuilding the once glorious hotel. I look forward to watching your piece of history come back to life for future generations to enjoy. Very few people are able to leave their mark on the world, but you have succeeded and will overcome this tragedy.

Stay strong and positive, you'll get through this. Keep safe.

Never ever give up good man. I'm so sorry to see this it broke my heart so I can imagine how you must feel hope you're ok now. I wish I could come over and help id love to. stay strong mate you got this 👊👍🤜🤛

Young man, you are so strong! The end of this story is only the beginning. Best is yet to come because of your sweet spirit.

This absolutely shocked me. I found your channel today and I have been binge watching from the beginning. This is so heartbreaking. Your journey is a fun one to watch because I can see your passion in each video. From what you’ve shared, this is a big risk you have taken and this tragedy would have easily caused most people to give up. I am officially subscribed and I will continue to watch the rest of your videos to hopefully see the great things that come out of this.

It really really sucks.. but if your gunna run old electrical, theres always a good chance this happens.. Full rewire on every building if you wanna run the electricity.. i know its costly.. But the history is priceless

I have just found your channel and started with the episode with the concrete pour for the New Build. I’m so inspired by your resilience in overcoming this horrible tragedy. All your investment heart, soul and money. You and the wonderful community surrounding this project are a credit to the human spirit. It’s a joy to watch this and your endeavours in restoring this wonderful history. I really hope I might make it over from the Uk to visit you one day. 🤞☺️☮️

Oh gosh. I'm heartbroken for you. I hope you've managed to overcome the loss somewhat over the past year or so. Such a tragedy. Sending wishes x

Seeing structures, historical relics, and valuable items burn down hurts my soul. This video hurts to watch and brings me sadness. I hope everything gets better and nothing like this happens again there at Cerro Gordo.

My heart breaks every time I see this video. When I first started watching Brent I was doubtful he would really want to restore Cerro Gordo, but this really changed my perspective of him. I hate that this happened, but Brent has come away from this a better, stronger person. I can't wait to see this all for myself some day.

I’ve watched all the videos on your playlists and now I’m going through and watching the ones I’ve missed. Came back and started this one but honestly it’s too upsetting. Seeing the progress you’ve made on rebuilding is heartwarming and I’m keeping eyes out on any updates. Take care.

Although I watched this video before, I watched it again and it still brought tears to my eyes and heartbreak... I am so glad that the rebuilding has started again.. Amazing people coming together to help. Bless you all for helping.

This is genuinely one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen on the internet.

This is heartbreaking! I remember this building in Ghost Adventures, and it was just incredible how much history it held and the stories surrounding it. And then to see you experiencing it, it was just wonderful to see. New to the channel, so I'm a bit late to the journey, but so happy someone like you has taken on the challenge of this mining town. I hope to one day be a visitor!!

Bless you. You have worked so hard on this wonderful old town. Keep making videos you may see that people love your story and this wonderful piece of history. Do not feel bad about asking for help in the rebuilding of this wonderful old town. Peace and Love. May you Live Long and may your town prosper once again.

Just discovered this channel and watching from the beginning. Absolutely heart renching seeing this tragedy, but buildings can be rebuilt, at least no one was injured. I think you have an amazing positive outlook so the place is in good hands.

Sorry for the long delay in videos. I got appendicitis as the snow melted, then this disaster, so I haven't been filming or putting things up for a while. I can't describe how devastating this is, but we'll have to come back. No other choice really. Here is a way to help. Everyone's support has meant so much: www.gofundme.com/f/cerro-gordo (Edit) Episode 5: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Rq1iGv0njNw.html

:( this is terrible! To visit this place felt like a dream, and it's sad to see a part of it burned down..

Seeing you get emotional talking about the tragedy was heartbreaking. The level of love and appreciation you have for this town, your home, is so touching. The fact you found the original floor plans not even a week before the fire is a sign. A sign of bigger and better things to come. That hotel will be everything and more once it’s done. Sending tons of love and positive vibes your way!!! Xo.

I was just watching your new video and wanted to come see what you were talking about. I am so sorry this happened. I am a big tattooed guy and I am tearing up cause I can see and feel your pain. I'm so glad that you and HeavyD met. You are going to make it an absolutely beautiful place brother.

this feels like a cautionary tale.

I'm so sorry to hear the loss in your voice, Brent. The American Hotel before it's tragedy was a beautiful place from what you gave us the courtesy to see and certainly a place I would've loved to have a beer in. I only recently found your channel today and can already say I appreciate the efforts you and others are taking in making a distant memory one that's close again. From what I can imagine and just the confirmation in the sadness in this video, it seems like Cerro Gordo is your new home and I do hope lovely talented people aid what they can to help. Honestly, if I was talented and daring enough I'd find the idea of working on a location like Cerro Gordo from start to finish an amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity that I'd take. And I do wish to have that courage one day maybe in a lesser scale if opportune. Like many in the comments, I want to aid in the ways that I can and beyond donating I was wondering what other possibilities are there to help? I don't know what the city/state regulations are regarding a volunteer program to help rebuild are, but maybe the regulations could be found in researching about farms stays and things like that. Unlike traditional farm stays maybe the program at Cerro Gordo could be a weekends or a week or something so then it's more manageable for most people? Just thoughts, but I know I'd be interested in something like that and depending on what's needed and the volunteer's individual skills (ex: gardening, sewing, carpentry, art, technology, etc.) maybe it'd be fun. Keep climbing the mountain Brent because I believe you're going to get there - - - Edit: I did check the link about volunteer forms which did answer my original question, so thank you. I have some following questions regarding the form sign ups so if there's a email or something where I can send those questions then please let me know. I'd love to learn more

Your channel popped up in my feed and I just started at the first, to watch in order .... and now I'm sitting here crying, with my heart hurting so much for you. When I finally get back out west, I want to come see y'all.

Brand new subscriber going back and watching older vids to catch up and this is so hard to watch, your devastation is clear and it hurts so much to imagine losing something you've poured so much love and work into 💔

Best of luck. Im from Puerto Rico and know the feeling. After hurricane Maria destroyed the island.... I know exactly how that feels.

Thank god you didn’t have a hotel full of family, friends or guests when that dodgy wiring started an inferno when they all would have been asleep.... a blessing x

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. This is really sad news. Unfortunately I’m just now finding out about it filling the wonderful news that you are starting to rebuild this beautiful hotel to, hopefully, it’s former glory. So glad to hear you got some good support and wonderful people to help you with this very difficult process. God bless you sir. Praying it goes well! 👍🏽👍🏽

How heartbreaking and unexpected! I would’ve never expected that you had to deal with this loss. My heart goes out to you. Hang in there and thank you for caring so much about history!

This is heartbreaking. Just came across your channel, I've been binge watching all your video's. So sad to see all that history go up in smoke. Keep up the dream, good things can come out of tragedy!

I've watched a bunch of the more recent videos and knew this happened, but went back to start watching from the beginning and this still hit hard. I'm glad to know that you've come to terms with this disaster and that you've continued forward with the dream.

My heart breaks watching this. I guess the one golden egg is that you were able to document such a beautiful place. I watched in awe as you walked through showing a much simpler life of the past. As a lover of old things, I can appreciate all your efforts. A thought kept popping to mind, there is a reason for everything. Thank you for sharing.

Ah my dude, this was a hard blow, but I am glad you have regained spirit and joy. A terrible loss indeed, but as things go, anything becomes part of the history of the town, good or bad. It certainly was fortunate, that you had a chance to document it quite well and we have great footage of the place. Stuff always goes away and can always be rebuilt. Glad you are ok!

I know this comment is late and I know that it's probably a long shot, but I'm curious if you've reached out to Zak Bagans and the crew of ghost adventures or the travel channel. Zak did an episode of ghost adventures on the Cerro Gordo Ghost town and I'd imagine he would understand the tragedy of losing such a precious piece of history. Perhaps he could help bring attention to the town and you could capitalize on the storied history and the attractiveness of paranormal experiences for adventure seekers.

Gutted.....litterally. i am so sorry. GET THE OTHER BUILDINGS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECKED..... (not shouting.....wailing and sobbing! ) Keep going if you can.

I've just started watching your channel and my heart breaks for you. I see you've started rebuilding and i look forward to seeing what new legacy you come up with!

Hi Brent. While I've heard of you and Cerro Gordo before, I was inspired to check out your channel after seeing you and Heavy D's adventures & shenanigans and this was your 1st video I've ever seen. May I just say it's so awsome to hear you're never giving up on your beautiful dream for your wonderful town? You are incredible and a rare individual. It was distressing for a moment to see about the American Hotel and how obviously emotional and stricken you were, but that really hits it home for the viewers how dedicated and serious you are to Cerro Gordo. I shall be donating every year and hope to visit y'all someday. More power to you, Brother!

Just so grateful you were in a safe place when this tragedy struck

Man I didn't even watch the whole video and I'm already crying. That was devastating.

I love your content and passion, and I wish you the best with your endeavors. I am confident in your commitment and ability to bring this lifelong project to fruition. Stay strong!

Watching the heavy d videos helping you has brought me to your channel. This video made me cry... I didn't even come close to imagining the amount of history that was lost. No idea how sad it was. Glad you are rebuilding.

Put ads on these man, would love to support in at least that way.

I’m so sorry this happened to you . My heart is breaking for you I’m sending you a hug from San Antonio and hopefully one day I can make a road trip to this wonderful place . I was going to buy an Apple Watch but I would rather donate to rebuild this great place .

This was a hard watch. I try to watch all ads to support the channel. I will be purchasing some merch in the near future and I really hope to visit in the next year or so. I love all of the history of Cerro Gordo and how you present it. Keep up the great work!!

My heart really went out to you brother, can’t believe the hotel burnt down, I Couldn’t imagine how you felt, I think you’re going a FANTASTIC job doing what you’re doing. Keep up the good work, I’m a new fan only, I only discovered your channel the other day ( first month of 2022 ) I’m from 🇬🇧😊 can’t wait to catch up on all you videos. Stay safe ❤️

I dont even know why I got this in my recommendation but dude..... im so sorry for what happened. All that history may be lost in its physical form but you have preserved it forever on here. Keep your head up and keep moving forward.

This made my heart hurt.

I’m so sorry Brent. I felt your pain. I’ve only just seen this video but it still breaks my heart even tho I know you are already rebuilding. I love your videos & I hope to visit there someday. I wish you the very best. Take care.

I feel so, so sorry for you guys. It breaks my heart to see this beloved building, in which you put so much hope and work, be gone. I just started watching your videos today and really hope by this point in time you could find another place in Cerro Gordo you can put all that love in. Edit: I just heard you say you are going to rebuild the hotel. I study architecture and this warmed my heart. I hope you made some good progress there already. I wish you all the best!

Im sorry this happened, your reaction to it broke my heart, its obvious how much you love this place and how much of yourself you put into it. Keep strong ❣️

One way to help is to allow the ads to run through. That’s how he will get the Ad Sense so he can put that towards the rebuilding of this beautiful historic town.

So so sorry of your lost I just found your channel and I always wanted to do something like this myself too and I love watching and seeing what you have done and I know how heart breaking this is. Dont give up

How tragic. The work you had done so far bringing the place back to life was amazing. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your efforts are not lost. You are a part of the history of this town and your love and passion for it must go on! I love what you are doing and deeply saddened at this terrible loss. I am thankful that no one was harmed and that you continue to push forward. My hat's off to you sir. BRAVO!

I'm a woodworker in Washington State. Dealing with a lot of reclaimed wood that has all the history my heart goes out to you. I'll check out the links but I'd love to come down on vacation sometime and lend my skills! Such a cool thing you're doing there. At the very least I'll be vacationing there as a guest.

Dang man.. I've been following the whole series, I personally as a Dutch guy never heard of Cerro Gordo, but it looks amazing I love the American Historical Architecture.. That Hotel was so gorgeous.. I felt your pain man.. Even though I've never heard of it. I wish you guys all the best, if I were around your area I would definitely come out and help..

I just found your channel today, been watching for about 3 hours. I started with some new then went old. Man this hurt so much. I'm glad you were able to come out of it with a semi positive attitude. I wish you the best. I'm in the poconos pa and would love to come out there sometime. Most amazing view I have ever seen.

I just started watching these videos today and I'm emotional over this loss. It is not silly to be asking for help, It's strong of you to do so. I'm glad no one was inside when it happened though, thank the stars for at least that.

I feel the antiques were far more important than the building, THAT SUCKSSS!!!!

such a humble man, stay strong brother! i know once a genuine person that's financially stable sees this will help you out, it's a minor setback for a major comeback 🙏🏼 i have faith

I've been watching your videos in no certain order. This video was hard to click on. It was a tragedy 😢, but like said, it gives you the chance to put your footprint into the new history. Your heartbreak brought new friends into your life. I will try to come help someday. You've inspired me to get moving on some projects I've got. I love seeing the footings going in for the new hotel. Much love and strength brother.

Just found your Beverage hike video yesterday, and now this. I love what you do. Blessings on the rebuild :)

This is like a Scooby Doo episode ghosts and a building burning down, dude it’s the care taker who doesn’t like the meddling kids taken over

“It’s not about how hard you get hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and get back up”. Gutted for you, but get that electric disconnected in those other buildings.

I'm just found your channel today. This is so heartbreaking to watch. The building can be rebuilt, it's the history attached that I felt grief for. I'm glad you're OK. No one got hurt. I'm looking forward to the rebuild. God Bless.

Dude this is heartbreaking to watch, thoughts are with you. Love watching this series, taking on a dream that only some of us can only dream of. BIG RESPECT ✊🏻

Maybe you should consider bringing an electrician to go over all the electrical in all the buildings before you have another mishap.