Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · California

Sloss

A ghost town of unknown status in Mariposa County, California.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Sloss ghost town, California
Plate I — Sloss, CaliforniaPhoto: Unknown authorUnknown author (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Some ghost towns feel like museums. Sloss feels like an interruption — a place that stopped mid-sentence. Marcus Cauffman ("Max" or "Dick") Sloss (February 28, 1869 – May 17, 1958) was an American lawyer who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of California from December 19, 1906, to March 1, 1919.

Mariposa County holds 22 documented ghost towns, including Agua Fria, Bagby, Ben Hur — Sloss keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Sloss

California wrote the book on ghost towns, from Gold Rush tent cities to Owens Valley farm towns the aqueduct dried up.

Marcus Cauffman ("Max" or "Dick") Sloss (February 28, 1869 – May 17, 1958) was an American lawyer who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of California from December 19, 1906, to March 1, 1919.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Sloss is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

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Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Sloss is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

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Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

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Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

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Sloss FAQs

01Where is Sloss located?
Sloss is in Mariposa County, California. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
02What county is Sloss in?
Sloss sits in Mariposa County, California. See our full guide to ghost towns in Mariposa County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Sloss?
Marcus Cauffman ("Max" or "Dick") Sloss (February 28, 1869 – May 17, 1958) was an American lawyer who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of California from December 19, 1906, to March 1, 1919.
04What remains at Sloss today?
The on-the-ground condition of Sloss is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
05Can you visit Sloss?
Here's the honest truth: access to Sloss is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“M. C. Sloss”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Mariposa County

All 22 ghost towns in Mariposa County →