Category: Destination4x4

Johannes Henricus “Henry” Wickenburg

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Henry Wickenburg was a pioneering figure in the American mining industry during the mid-19th century. Known for his role in discovering the Vulture Mine, one of the richest gold mines in Arizona, Wickenburg’s tenacity, and entrepreneurial spirit left an indelible mark on the development of the region and a town which bears his name.

Henry Wickenburg (November 21, 1819 – May 14, 1905)
Henry Wickenburg (November 21, 1819 – May 14, 1905)

Early Life and Background

Henry Wickenburg was born on November 21, 1819, in the town of Crefeld, Prussia, in what is now Germany. Crefeld is known for coal mines, and he and his brother worked these mines as children. Following the reclamation of the families minueral rights on their land by the Prussian Government, In 1847, Henry Wickenburg arrived in the United States and settled in California during the height of the Gold Rush. He immediately recognized the potential for wealth and decided to try his luck in the goldfields. Wickenburg spent several years working as a miner, gaining experience and honing his skills in prospecting.

The Discovery of the Vulture Mine

Vulture City, Arizona - 1900
Vulture City, Arizona – 1900

In 1862, Henry Wickenburg embarked on a journey that would change his life and the future of Arizona. He led an expedition into the Arizona Territory, hoping to find gold and silver deposits. It was during this expedition that Wickenburg stumbled upon what would later be known as the Vulture Mine, situated in the harsh and rugged terrain of the Vulture Mountains.

The Vulture Mine turned out to be an extraordinary find, with vast deposits of gold. Wickenburg quickly recognized its potential and staked his claim, sparking a gold rush in the region. His discovery attracted prospectors from far and wide, leading to the establishment of the town that would later bear his name, Wickenburg, as a center of mining activity.

Establishing and operating the Vulture Mine was not without its challenges. Wickenburg faced numerous obstacles, including hostile Native American tribes, harsh living conditions, and technical difficulties in extracting the gold. However, his determination and resourcefulness allowed him to overcome these hurdles and develop the mine into a prosperous operation.

The Vulture mine is named “the largest and richest gold in in Arizona.” In 1866, Wickenburg sold 80% interest in the mine the the sum of $85,000.00. A down payment is made in the amount of $20,000 with the balance being maintained with a promissory note. Following the sale, Wickenburg relocated and started a ranch near another town which bears his name.

The Vulture Mine suffered repeated problems caused by its remote location, poor financial standing and mismanagement. Despite being the largest gold mine in the territory, a title dispute caused Henry to be unable to collect on the promissory note.

On May 14th, 1905, Henry Wickenburg is found dead of the gun shot wound to the head. A coroners report ruled the death a suicide and that Henry “had melancholy due to old age”.

References

Vulture City Arizona

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Junction House – The First Settlement

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Washoe County, Nevada
Washoe County, Nevada

Junction House, located in what is now Reno, Nevada, holds a significant place in the state’s history as one of the earliest permanent settlements in the Truckee Meadows area. Established in the mid-19th century, it served as a critical crossroads for emigrants, miners, and travelers traversing major toll roads during Nevada’s formative years. This report explores the history, significance, and legacy of Junction House, drawing on historical records and accounts to provide a comprehensive overview.

Early Establishment and Context

By 1853, the intersection of several key routes in the Truckee Meadows was known as Junction House, marking it as the first permanent settlement in the region. The site was a natural convergence point for emigrants traveling westward from the eastern United States, particularly during the California Gold Rush and subsequent migrations. The Truckee Meadows, a fertile valley along the Truckee River, provided a vital resting point for travelers before they continued over the Sierra Nevada or toward other destinations.

Junction House emerged as a critical hub due to its strategic location at the crossroads of several major toll roads in the 1860s. These included:

  • The turnpike to Washoe City
  • The Myron Lake Road to Oregon
  • The Geiger Road to Virginia City
  • The Henness Pass route to California

These routes connected burgeoning mining communities, agricultural regions, and trade networks, making Junction House a bustling stopover for thousands of travelers, including emigrants, miners, and merchants.

Development and Operations

Initially known as Junction House, the settlement was later referred to as Andersons, likely after a prominent local figure or property owner. It functioned as a stage station and rest stop, offering lodging, supplies, and services to travelers. The station was integral to the toll road system, which facilitated commerce and communication across Nevada and into California during the 1860s. The presence of Junction House supported the region’s growth as a transportation and economic hub, contributing to the development of nearby Reno.

The site’s importance was further underscored by its role in supporting the mining boom in nearby Virginia City, where the Comstock Lode attracted thousands of prospectors. The Geiger Road, in particular, linked Junction House to Virginia City, enabling the flow of goods and people to one of the richest silver mining districts in the United States. Similarly, the Henness Pass route connected Nevada to California, facilitating trade and migration.

Later Ownership and Decline

In the late 1890s, Junction House came under the ownership of Governor John Sparks, a prominent Nevada politician and rancher who served as the state’s governor from 1903 to 1908. Sparks’ acquisition of the property reflects its continued relevance as a valuable piece of land in the growing region. More recently, the site was owned by cattleman William Moffat, indicating its transition from a transportation hub to a property used for agricultural purposes.

As transportation methods evolved and new infrastructure, such as railroads and modern highways, emerged, the importance of Junction House as a stage station diminished. By the 20th century, the settlement’s role as a crossroads faded, and its physical structures largely disappeared. Today, the historical significance of Junction House is commemorated by a Nevada Centennial Marker (No. 4), located on South Virginia Street near the main entrance to the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno.

Clarification on Other Junction House Locations

It is important to distinguish the Junction House in Reno from other locations with the same name in Nevada. For example, another Junction House is noted in Nevada County, California, at an elevation of 4,363 feet, near the Washington USGS quad map. This site is unrelated to the Reno Junction House and is associated with different historical contexts, such as the Gold Rush-era roads in California. Additionally, a Junction House in Placer County, California, served as a hotel and stage station and was associated with notable figures like Mary Eulalie Shannon, California’s first woman poet, and the outlaw “Rattlesnake Dick.” These distinctions ensure clarity when discussing the Reno-based Junction House.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Junction House’s legacy lies in its role as a foundational settlement in the Truckee Meadows, contributing to the growth of Reno as a major city in Nevada. Its function as a crossroads facilitated the movement of people and goods during a transformative period in the American West, particularly during the mining booms of the 1860s. The site’s historical marker serves as a reminder of its importance, though its modern surroundings—large buildings and parking lots near the Atlantis Casino—make it less prominent to casual visitors.

The Nevada Historical Society and other regional organizations, such as the Nevada County Historical Society, continue to preserve and document the history of sites like Junction House through digitized records, photographs, and maps. These efforts ensure that the stories of early Nevada settlements remain accessible to future generations.

Conclusion

Junction House, Nevada, represents a pivotal chapter in the state’s history, serving as a vital crossroads for emigrants and miners in the 19th century. Its strategic location, role in supporting major toll roads, and later ownership by notable figures like Governor Sparks highlight its significance. While the physical remnants of Junction House have largely vanished, its story endures through historical markers and preservation efforts, offering insight into the rugged, dynamic history of Nevada’s Truckee Meadows.

Nevada State Historic Marker No 4

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.

One of the busiest crossroads of pioneer Nevada converged at this point, serving many major toll roads of the area.  The earliest emigrants from the east crossed through Truckee Meadows at this point, and by 1853, the intersection was known as Junction House, was the first permanent settlement in this valley and a stopping place for thousands.

Junction House, later called Andersons, was a station for toll roads of the 1860s including the turnpike to Washoe City, the Myron Lake Road to Oregon, the Geiger Road to Virginia City and the important Henness Pass route to California.

Governor Sparks bought the property in the late 1890s, and most recently it belonged to cattleman William Moffat.

CENTENNIAL MARKER No. 4

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Nevada State Historic Marker 4 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 4 Summary

NameJunction House – The First Settlement
LocationWashoe County, Nevada
Latitiude, Longitude39.4884, -119.7943
Nevada State Historic Marker No4

References

Ely Forging The Link – Nevada State Historic Marker

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The “Forging the Link” historical marker in Ely, Nevada, encapsulates the story of a town that became a vital hub in the American West due to its strategic location and economic contributions. The marker, part of Nevada’s historical marker program overseen by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), commemorates Ely’s role in connecting the region through mining, transportation, and community development.

Early Exploration and Mapping (1859)

James H. Simpson (1813–1883)
James H. Simpson (1813–1883)

The story of Ely begins with its placement on the map by James H. Simpson during his 1859 exploration of the Great Basin. As a U.S. Army officer, Simpson conducted surveys to identify potential routes for communication and travel across the vast, arid region. His work highlighted Ely’s strategic position, laying the groundwork for its future development as a regional center. This initial mapping was critical, as it introduced Ely to the broader narrative of westward expansion and connectivity in the United States.

Mining Boom and Economic Growth (1860s–1890s)

In the 1860s, the discovery of silver and gold deposits in the nearby Robinson Mining District spurred interest in the area. These discoveries attracted prospectors and settlers, transforming Ely into a burgeoning hub. By 1887, Ely had grown sufficiently to become the county seat of White Pine County, solidifying its administrative importance. The real economic surge came in the early 1890s with the discovery of significant copper deposits. Copper mining became the backbone of Ely’s economy, drawing investment and labor to the region and necessitating infrastructure to support the industry.

The Nevada Northern Railway (1900s)

A pivotal development in Ely’s history was the establishment of the Nevada Northern Railway, headquartered in East Ely. Completed in the early 20th century, this 150-mile railway connected Ely’s mines in Ruth to a smelter in McGill and linked the town to the transcontinental railroad to the north. The railway was instrumental in transporting copper ore and other goods, effectively “forging the link” between Ely and national markets. This connectivity not only boosted Ely’s economy but also positioned it as a critical node in the supply chain of the American West, facilitating trade and communication across vast distances.

Nevada Northern Railway
Nevada Northern Railway

The Lincoln Highway and Road Networks (1913–1922)

Ely’s role as a transportation hub was further cemented in 1913 when the transcontinental Lincoln Highway, one of America’s first coast-to-coast automobile routes, was routed through the town. Although the road was not paved until 1922, its inclusion of Ely underscored the town’s importance as a stopping point for travelers crossing the Great Basin. By the late 19th century, Ely was already connected by a network of wagon roads, but the Lincoln Highway elevated its status. Additionally, two other major roadways—U.S. Route 6 (designated in 1937, formerly the Midland Trail) and U.S. Route 93—converged at Ely, making it a crossroads for travelers moving between Canada, southern California, and beyond. With over 2,000 residents by the early 20th century, Ely offered essential services, making it an ideal stop for weary travelers.

The Historical Marker’s Creation

The “Forging the Link” marker, erected by the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, was designed to capture Ely’s multifaceted role in connecting the Great Basin through exploration, mining, and transportation. While the exact date of the marker’s installation is not specified in available records, it is part of a broader initiative to document Nevada’s history through physical markers. The marker’s title, “Forging the Link,” reflects Ely’s historical significance as a connector—geographically, economically, and socially—in a region characterized by its isolation.

The marker likely emerged from a collaborative effort involving local historians, community members, and the SHPO, which oversees Nevada’s historical marker program. Such markers are typically proposed by local groups or agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management’s Ely District, to highlight significant historical narratives. The content of the marker emphasizes Simpson’s exploration, the mining boom, the Nevada Northern Railway, and the Lincoln Highway, weaving together the threads of Ely’s development into a cohesive story of regional importance.

Significance and Legacy

The “Forging the Link” marker serves as both an educational tool and a point of pride for Ely’s residents. It highlights the town’s resilience and adaptability, from its origins as a mapped point in the Great Basin to its growth into a mining and transportation hub. The marker also underscores Ely’s enduring role as a service center for travelers, a legacy that continues with its position at the intersection of major highways. For visitors, the marker offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life in the American West, particularly in a region as remote as White Pine County.

Today, the marker stands as a testament to Ely’s historical contributions and its ongoing relevance. It invites reflection on how infrastructure and economic activity can transform a small town into a vital link in a larger network, a theme that resonates with Nevada’s broader history of connectivity and development.

James H. Simpson put the future site of Ely on the map during his 1859 exploration through the Great Basin.  In the 1860s, silver and gold deposits were discovered nearby in what became the Robinson Mining District.  Ely developed as a regional center, becoming the White Pine County seat in 1887.  The area grew dramatically in the early 1890s with major copper discoveries.  The Nevada Northern Railway, headquartered in East Ely, carried ore from the mines in Ruth to the McGill smelter, as well as connecting Ely to the world on its 150 mile route north to the transcontinental railroad.

The towns of eastern Nevada were joined during the late nineteenth century by a network of wagon roads.  In 1913, the road through Ely was incorporated into the transcontinental Lincoln Highway, though it was not paved until 1922.  Ely had over 2,000 residents and offered many services, making it an excellent stopping place on the long road across the Great Basin.  When the copper industry declined after World War I, the struggling town turned to travelers for income.

The Lincoln Highway was designated U.S. 50 in 1926.  By mid-century the popularity of the Victory Highway, now Interstate 80, reduced U.S. 50 to the status of “The Loneliest Road in America.”

In addition to the Lincoln Highway, two other major national roadways converge at Ely.  The Midland trail, designated Route 6 in 1937, was an early coast to coast automobile road that also connected Ely to Tonopah and southern California.  U.S 93, which passes north-south through Ely takes travelers from Canada almost to the Mexican border.

STATE OF NEVADA HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

AT&T

Land Services, Inc.

MACTEC Engineering and Consulting, Inc.

Ely Renaissance Society

Bureau of Land Management, Ely District

Nevada State Historic Marker 269 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker Summary

NameEly Forging The Link
LocationEly, White Pine County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.2488, -114.8902
Nevada State Historic Marker269

Fort Mohave

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Fort Mohave is a historic settlement located in the southwestern region of Mohave county, Arizona, United States. Nestled along the banks of the Colorado River near Beale’s Crossing, it has played a significant role in the development and growth of the American West. Over the centuries, this area has witnessed the presence of various indigenous tribes, Spanish explorers, American pioneers, and military forces, each leaving their mark on the region’s rich history.

The history of Fort Mohave dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation found in archaeological sites within the surrounding area. The Mojave people, from whom the fort derived its name, were one of the prominent Native American tribes in the region. They lived along the Colorado River, engaging in agriculture, hunting, and trade with other indigenous groups.

The first recorded European contact in the area occurred in the 16th century when Spanish explorers, including Melchor Díaz and Francisco Garcés, ventured into present-day Arizona. They encountered the Mojave people and established a limited presence in the region through the establishment of missions and trade routes. However, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that significant European-American exploration and settlement occurred.

In 1826, trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith traversed the Colorado River, reaching the vicinity of Fort Mohave. His expedition paved the way for subsequent fur trappers and traders who ventured into the area in search of beaver pelts and new trade opportunities. This influx of fur trappers and mountain men led to increased interaction between Native American tribes and Euro-Americans, often resulting in conflicts and tensions.

The establishment of Fort Mohave came about as a direct response to these conflicts. In 1858, the U.S. Army constructed the fort on the east bank of the Colorado River, near the confluence of the Mohave and Hardy rivers. Initially known as Camp Colorado, its primary purpose was to protect American settlers and travelers on their journey to the California gold fields during the height of the Gold Rush.

Fort Mohave was strategically positioned along the major transportation route that linked the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, known as the Mojave Road. It served as a critical outpost for the U.S. Army during the American Civil War, as troops were deployed to protect the mail and telegraph lines and maintain control over the region.

Indians at Fort Mojave, Arizona, Sicihoot, War Chief of the Mojaves. - Photographer: Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882
Indians at Fort Mojave, Arizona, Sicihoot, War Chief of the Mojaves. – Photographer: Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882

The fort played a significant role in the military campaigns against Native American tribes, particularly the Mojave, Chemehuevi, and Navajo people, who were resisting the encroachment of settlers on their traditional lands. Numerous skirmishes and battles occurred in the area as tensions escalated between Native Americans and the expanding American population.

Following the conclusion of the Civil War, the fort gradually lost its military significance. In 1890, it was officially decommissioned, and the remaining structures were abandoned. However, the establishment of the Mohave Valley Irrigation Project in the early 20th century sparked a renewed interest in the region.

The irrigation project brought water to the arid lands surrounding Fort Mohave, facilitating the cultivation of crops and the establishment of farming communities. This development, coupled with the construction of the Davis Dam in the 1950s, which created Lake Mohave, transformed the economy and landscape of the area. The lake provided recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and supporting the growth of the local tourism industry.

The region continues to be influenced by its proximity to the Colorado River, offering a range of water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and water sports. The Fort Mojave Indian Reservation, located nearby, serves as a reminder of the area’s rich Native American heritage and provides a cultural center for the Mojave, Chemehuevi, and Navajo tribes.

Fort Mohave Trail Map

References