Why is it called Slab City?

Slab City gets its name from the numerous concrete foundations that dot the land, the only reminder of Camp Dunlap, a World War II Marine artillery training base. The state is somewhat of an absentee landlord on this 600-acre patch.

Is Slab City actually Lawless?

The town may not actually be lawless—in fact, the Slabs are regularly patrolled by local police officers—but after seven decades, it still offers certain freedoms that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Can anyone live in Slab City?

The population of the Slabs, a.k.a. the “Last Free Place in America,” blooms in winter to more than 4,000 residents by some estimates, then boils down to 150 or so in the summer. Anyone can add themselves to this constellation of tents, trailers, RVs and shacks, but not everybody has what it takes to call it home.

Who owns the land at Slab City?

The state owns the land, and any revenues derived from it are earmarked for the California State Teachers Retirement System. Slab City nowadays is home to some 200 permanent residents and between 1,000 and 2,000 retirees seeking refuge from their native cold winter climes. Some of its residents are homeless.

What is special about Slab City?

Called by some “the last free place” and by others “an enclave of anarchy,” Slab City is also the end of the road for many. Without official electricity, running water, sewers, or trash pickup, Slab City dwellers also live without law enforcement, taxation, or administration.

Slab City - The Self Governed "Lawless" Community of Southern California

How does Slab City get water?

Because this water source comes from the hot springs, it's essentially used bath water. In any case, it's very high in iron & sulfur; it still tastes bad after filtering. You should bring in your own water for your stay in Slab City.

Does Slab City have electricity?

Built on an abandoned military base in the middle of California's Sonoran Desert, Slab City doesn't have many modern amenities. No power lines or pipes carry electricity or fresh water to the city. Residents have to sort out their own system for disposing of sewage or trash.

Who founded Slab City?

In 1942, the Navy Department set up a U.S. Marine Corps base on over 600 acres in the Sonoran Desert. According to the Military Museum, they built about 30 structures, 8.2 miles (13.1 kilometers) of paved road, and various utilities.

What can you do in Slab City?

Are there other places like Slab City?

How does Slab City make money?

Once you get set up there, it shouldn't cost more $200 to $300 a month to live there.” While many residents barter for goods and services, some Slabbers make money by charging others for their skills, such as “Solar Mike,” who sells solar panels.

What can you not do in Slab City?

Do you have to pay to live in Slab City?

While Slab City has package delivery and there is no charge to live here, there is no running water, sewage, plumbing or electricity, unless you are creative and savvy enough to create your own, which some have done.

Why do people move to Slab City?

The military pulled out after World War II and left concrete slabs behind. Years later, those slabs drew snowbirds in RVs looking for a free place to park and stretch retirement dollars. They also inspired what would become the community's name: Slab City. Some come to the Slabs to escape modern society.

Who owns east Jesus?

Charlie Russell, the founder of East Jesus, initially came to the area to work alongside Knight, and quickly became enamoured with the idea of “The Last Free Place.” In early 2007, Charlie left his tech job, packed all his belongings into a shipping container, and began to surround his two art cars with the sculptures ...

Why does the Salton Sea smell?

The Salton Sea can stink at times because of the organic matter, like dead fish rotting on the lake floor. Michael Cohen, a longtime Salton Sea researcher at the water think tank "Pacific Institute," says a lot of ecological activity happens in these waters -- just not the kind we might like.

Does it rain in Slab City?

Temperature hovers around 6°c and at night it feels like -1°c. In November, Slab City gets 99.93mm of rain and approximately 8 rainy days in the month. Humidity is close to 80%.

Is Slab City toxic?

Keeley: Slab City is not dangerous if you keep to yourself and stay clean. It seems dangerous to drug users who intermingle and, especially in the heat, get on each other's nerves. In other places, citizens in this circumstance exchange words and ignore each other for the rest of their lives.

What are the people like in Slab City?

"There's quite a range of people at Slab City," says Ken. "Some feel disgruntled with society and want something different. Others are there because they don't want to be under the government. We met a family with two young kids who came every year for a few months out of necessity, because it was cheap.

Is there any life in the Salton Sea?

Today, the Salton Sea is 25% saltier than the ocean, meaning the only fish that can survive in it are the local desert pupfish and the high-salt tolerant tilapia, introduced by accident from a tropical fish farm.

How many acres is Slab City?

It includes Slab City proper, the Salvation Mountain religious art installation and the East Jesus sculpture garden. Slab City itself is approximately one mile square or 650 acres.

Where is Slab City in into the wild?

SLAB CITY is a paradoxical — and maybe quintessentially American — place. Situated in the scrubby desert hinterlands of Southern California, this sprawling encampment is a community of mavericks, a makeshift society of misfits, anarchists and stubborn individualists.

How many residents are in Slab City?

Despite the high temperatures, there are about 150 permanent residents of Slab City.