Carmack briefly served in the United States Marine Corps aboard the USS Wachusett and in Alaska before deserting in California in 1882 when he was refused leave to visit his sick sister.

[5] Carmack was not popular with other miners, who nicknamed him "Squaw Man" for his association with native people and "Lyin' George" for his exaggerated claims.

He worked several claims in California, on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, and in the Cascade Mountains east of Seattle.

George was determined to find another mother lode and re-create the exciting moment of discovery he had experienced as a young man on Bonanza Creek.

Together with his sister, Rose, Graphie challenged and settled out of court the appointment of Marguerite as administrator of Carmack's estate.