William Burro Schmidt became famous for his hand-dug tunnel through the mountain located in the Mojave Desert in Kern County, California. It was constructed by him during the period of 32 years, from 1906 to 1938. Schmidt began digging the tunnel to transport ore from his mining claims through the El Paso Mountains, aiming to avoid the difficult terrain around them. Using only hand tools and dynamite, he carved out the 2 thousand 87 foot long tunnel through solid granite almost entirely by himself.
Although the tunnel was completed, it was never used for its intended purpose as more accessible routes had become available by then. The site, including Schmidt's nearby cabin, is now a historic landmark and a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts, symbolizing human perseverance and determination.
It is located near the entrance of his tunnel on the slope of Copper Mountain in the Mojave Desert and is a fascinating relic of early 20th-century prospecting life.