Case file · Folklore / legend
The Bodie curse
Bodie, a gold-rush town in the eastern Sierra, became a state historic park in 1962, kept in 'arrested decay'. Rangers receive letters returning nails, bottles and stones taken by visitors who believe they brought bad luck.
1962 CE · 38.21, -119.01 · status: legend
The sceptical view
Park staff have said the legend may have been started, or at least encouraged, to discourage looting.