Shoshone, located at Metbury Spring on the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, was founded in 1910 by Ralph Jacobus "DAD" Fairbanks after the collapse of the mining camp of Greenwater, about 20 miles northwest. Hoping to capitalize on increased traffic brought by the railroad, Fairbanks, his sons, and his son-in-law Charlie Brown moved salvageable buildings and scrap from Greenwater to the new town. Shoshone quickly prospered, opening a store and an eatery for passengers on the T&T. In 1919, "DAD" moved on and left operation of the town to Charlie Brown and his wife Stella. The town continued to grow, adding a restaurant and two motels, while Charlie Brown became an important regional figure representing Inyo, Mono, and Alpine counties in the California State Senate. After his election, he handed management of the town to his daughter and son-in-law, Bernice Brown-Sorrells and Maury Sorrells. Even after the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad ended operations in 1941, Shoshone remained an important hub in the eastern Death Valley country, serving travelers on highways 127 and 178, and it is still managed by a member of the Brown-Fairbanks Family and her husband.