Santa Rosalia - population 14,160 - last stop on Sea of Cortez coastline before El Desierto de Vizcaino - and home to El Boleo Copper Mine - founded by the French in 1884.
Heavy French influence, particularly architectural, including the metallic Iglesia de Santa Barbara - designed by Gustave Eiffel who built a tower in his home town!
El Boleo closed in 1980 leaving the town bereft of economic support. Derelict Mining and Shipping works remain looming over depressed Santa Rosalia. Of particular interest are the Reverberatory Furnace and Metallurgical Converter whose hollow shells dominate the sea-front offering a Health & Safety challenge to those foolish enough to ascend their rusting structures.
Ed's Note: who'd be foolish enough to do that? Surely not David??
Copper and Cobalt mining restarted in 2010 funded by a Canadian/Korean consortium and prosperity has since returned to Santa Rosalia.
We stayed at Hotel Frances - built in 1886 as a Brothel to service the local Miners - beautiful rooms with high ceilings, cloth covered walls and charming stained-wood details!
