The Journey of a Modern Pioneer

In the rugged Inyo Mountains of California, 8,500 feet above Death Valley, Brent Underwood has spent the last five years documenting his life as the sole permanent resident of an abandoned mining town. His YouTube channel, Ghost Town Living, takes viewers on a unique adventure through his efforts to restore Cerro Gordo, a once-thriving silver mining settlement from the 1860s.^[4]^[5] What began as an unusual real estate investment in 2018 transformed into a full-time lifestyle when Underwood decided to move to Cerro Gordo permanently in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning. Since then, his documentation of this remarkable journey has captivated millions of viewers worldwide.^[6]

Channel Growth and Audience

Since launching his YouTube channel on April 12, 2020, Ghost Town Living has experienced remarkable growth. As of May 2025, the channel boasts approximately 1.8 million subscribers and has accumulated over 131 million views across 107 videos.^[1]^[7] The channel's trajectory shows steady growth, with recent statistics indicating an addition of approximately 10,000 new subscribers monthly. His content typically receives around 50,000 likes per video, demonstrating strong audience engagement.^[7]

Content and Storytelling

Underwood's content blends historical exploration, restoration projects, personal challenges, and the occasional paranormal experience. Videos showcase his efforts to rebuild structures, explore abandoned mine shafts, discover historical artifacts, and adapt to living without modern conveniences like running water.^[3]^[9] One of his most popular recent uploads, "5 Years Living In An Abandoned Ghost Town," published on May 10, 2025, celebrates his half-decade milestone at Cerro Gordo and reflects on the journey that he describes as "the most impactful, important, trying, and rewarding 5 years of my life."^[9]

The Cerro Gordo Story

Cerro Gordo's history provides a compelling backdrop for Underwood's content. Established in 1865, it became California's largest silver mine, generating approximately $500 million worth of silver and lead (adjusted for inflation). At its peak in 1872, over 4,500 miners inhabited the town, which was notorious for its lawlessness—reportedly averaging "a murder a week."^[5]^[8] Underwood purchased the 380-acre property with business partners for $1.4 million in 2018, initially planning to transform it into a tourist destination. The town includes 22 historic structures, old mining equipment, and miles of underground tunnels.^[5]^[6]

Challenges and Setbacks

Underwood's journey has been marked by extraordinary challenges. Shortly after moving to Cerro Gordo full-time, he experienced being snowed in for weeks. Over the years, he has weathered natural disasters including earthquakes, hailstorms, flash floods, and a devastating fire.^[4] Perhaps the most significant setback occurred on June 15, 2020, when fire destroyed three historic buildings including the American Hotel—exactly 149 years to the day after it first opened in 1871.^[6]

Beyond YouTube: Media and Publishing

Underwood's unique lifestyle has garnered attention beyond YouTube. His story has been featured by major media outlets including CBS News, the Los Angeles Times, and the Tampa Bay Times.^[4]^[5]^[6] In March 2024, he published a book titled "Ghost Town Living: Mining for Purpose and Chasing Dreams at the Edge of Death Valley," which details his experiences and the history of Cerro Gordo. The book has been described as telling "the story of a man against the elements, a forgotten historic place against the modern world, and a dream against all odds."^[8]

Revenue and Business Model

As a content creator, Underwood has developed multiple revenue streams. According to analytics platforms, Ghost Town Living's YouTube earnings are estimated between $322 and $1,940 per month, with annual earnings potentially reaching between $49,300 and $296,000.^[1]^[2]^[10] The channel's monthly performance fluctuates significantly, with some months showing negative growth in video views—an unusual pattern that reflects the channel's authentic, project-based content approach rather than a consistent publishing schedule.^[1] Beyond YouTube ad revenue, Underwood has expanded his business through: Merchandise sales through the Cerro Gordo online store^[9] Book sales and related promotional activities^[3] Potential future tourism opportunities (his original business plan)^[5]

From Marketer to Mining Town Caretaker

Before his Ghost Town Living venture, Underwood worked in marketing and investment, running a hostel in a historic Victorian mansion in Austin, Texas. He has mentioned working with notable figures like Tim Ferriss and Robert Greene.^[4]^[11] In interviews, Underwood has described his decision to purchase Cerro Gordo as being motivated by a desire for "a life less ordinary" and seeking deeper fulfillment. What began as a potential real estate investment and tourism business has evolved into a creative outlet and personal mission to preserve and revitalize a significant piece of American history.^[11]^[12]

Ghost Town Living

Ghost Town Living

Add a Comment