Candelaria Nevada – Mineral County Ghost Town

Candelaria was a ghost town in Mineral County, Nevada located about 120 miles south of Falen. The location may be closed due to another local modern mining concern.

Candelaria, Nevada 1876
Candelaria, Nevada 1876

The area first received attention in 1864 when Mexican prospectors discovered silver. However it was not until 1879 when European prospectors came into the area that it became a mining town. The Nothern Belle was founded in 1873 and was the towns most profitable mine.

Candelaria, Nevada c 1880
Candelaria, Nevada c 1880

The towns growth was limited by the amount of available water. Water is a requirement for both people and mines. The lack of water caused Candelaria mines to operate the stamp mills dry. This dry stamping process caused a fine particulate dust to fill the air, and many miners suffered from “Miners Consumption” as a result.

Main street buildings of Candelaria, probably in the early 1880s
Main street buildings of Candelaria, probably in the early 1880s

For a while, in 1875, there was daily stage service to Columbus Nevada. The Nothern Belle produced about $15 Million in silver. The town itself consistend of two hotels, stores, saloons, and all of major professions of the time, including doctors and attorneys.

Lack of water prevented growth and the populations dwindled. The post office closed in 1939 and 1941 it was truly a ghost town. Today the site is mostly destroyed by a modern mining venture.

Candelaria Town Summary

NameCandelaria Nevada
LocationMineral County Nevada
Latitude, Longitude38.1589, -118.0892
Nevada State Historic Marker92
GNIS857457
Elevation5,715 ft (1,742 m)
Post Office August 1876 – November 1882
– 1941
NewspaperTrue Fissure June 12, 1880 – Dec 4, 1886

Chloride Belt Dec 10, 1890 – Dec 24, 1892

Candelaria Trail Map

Candelaria Personalities

Christian Brevoort Zabriskie

Christian Brevoort Zabriskie

Christian Brevoort Zabriskie was a vice president and general manager Pacific Coast Borax Company located in Death Valley National Park. Zabriske served teh Pacific Coast…
Francis Marion "Borax" Smith

Francis Marion Smith – “Borax Smith”

Francis Marion "Borax" Smith Francis Marion Smith, also known as "Borax" Smith was a miner and business man who made a fortune in the hostile…

Resources

2 Replies to “Candelaria Nevada – Mineral County Ghost Town”

  1. Pingback: Candelaria and Metallic City NSHM Marker #92 - Destination4x4

  2. Pingback: Christian Brevoort Zabriskie - Destination4x4

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