About us

At InyoMonoHistory.com, we are dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich, multifaceted history of Inyo and Mono Counties, a region known to its earliest inhabitants as Payahuunadu and Panawe. Our mission is to honor the enduring legacy of the Nuumu (Paiute), Newe (Shoshone), Timbisha (Timbisha Shoshone), Mono, and Kawaiisu peoples, who have stewarded this land since time immemorial, alongside the pioneering spirit of settlers who shaped communities like Bishop and Mammoth Lakes through mining, farming, and resilience. From the intricate irrigation systems documented by Alexander Von Schmidt in the 1850s to Samuel Bishop’s founding of Bishop Creek in 1861, from Leroy Vining’s 1852 settlement at Lee Vining to the Watterson brothers’ dramatic 1927 bank scandal, we strive to tell the full story of our region with accuracy and respect.As a budding nonprofit, InyoMonoHistory.com is committed to uniting all peoples—Native and settler descendants, locals and visitors—in a shared celebration of our heritage. We believe history is a bridge that connects communities, and we aim to foster this connection through educational resources, community events, and collaborative partnerships with local tribes, museums, and historical societies. Our vision is a vibrant Eastern Sierra where the stories of our past inspire pride and understanding, ensuring that events like the 1939 LADWP land swap or the 1984 incorporation of Mammoth Lakes are never forgotten. Whether through our interactive archives, historical timelines, or community-driven storytelling, we invite you to join us in preserving the truth of Inyo and Mono Counties’ past for generations to come.