Bristol, Nevada, also known as National City, Bristol City, and briefly Tempest, is a ghost town located in Lincoln County, 14 miles northwest of Pioche, on the west side of Bristol Mountain. Established in the 1870s as a mining settlement, Bristol’s history is marked by cycles of prosperity and decline tied to its silver, lead, and copper mining operations. This report chronicles the town’s development, key historical events, and its eventual abandonment, drawing on available historical records.
Early Settlement and Mining Beginnings (1870–1878)
The Bristol mining district was organized in 1871 after mining claims were staked in 1870 around the National Mine, initially named National City. The settlement grew near the Bristol Mine, located four miles east of what would become Bristol Well, a critical water source for mining operations. In 1872, a furnace was constructed at Bristol Well to process silver-lead ore from the Bristol Mine, marking the area’s first significant industrial activity. Charcoal kilns, built to supply the smelter, remain a notable remnant of this period.
By 1878, the discovery of a richer ore deposit spurred further development. The settlement, renamed Bristol City, saw the construction of a stamp mill to crush ore, enhancing production capacity. The town’s wells provided essential water for mining and smelting, supporting a growing community.
Peak Prosperity (1878–1890)
The late 1870s to early 1880s represented Bristol’s zenith. By 1882, the town boasted a population of approximately 400, with five stores, eight saloons, two hotels, a newspaper, barber shops, a butcher, and other businesses, reflecting a thriving community. In 1880, the stamp mill was expanded, and a smelter was built, accompanied by stone charcoal ovens to fuel operations. The establishment of a post office in 1878, under the name Bristol, further solidified the town’s status.
By 1890, a new smelter was constructed to process copper ore, reflecting a shift in mining focus as silver-lead deposits waned. This period marked the height of Bristol’s economic and social activity, with infrastructure supporting both mining and community life. However, no known photographs from this era survive, limiting visual documentation of the town’s peak.
C. V. Gilmer, of this city, has just marketed a carload of ore from the property of the Iron and Silver Consolidated company is Bristol District, Lincoln county, Nevada. The ore is high grade as it runs 30 per cent in copper besides carrying values in silver. At the present time Chicago people are negotiating for the purchase of this mine.
Salt Lake Mining Review, 1899-04-29 Mining Brevities
Decline and Intermittent Activity (1893–1918)
After 1893, Bristol’s fortunes declined sharply as ore deposits became less profitable. The smelter ceased operations, and the population dwindled. By 1884, many residents had already left, signaling the end of the town’s initial boom. A copper leaching plant built in 1900 operated for only two years, failing to revive the town’s economy. Mining activity continued sporadically, but the scale was significantly reduced.
In 1913, an aerial tramway was constructed to transport ore two miles northeast to Jackrabbit, Nevada, where it could be loaded onto the Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. This briefly boosted activity, but by 1918, mining had largely ceased, leaving Bristol nearly deserted. The town’s wells and kilns remained as relics of its past industry.
Tempest Period and Final Years (1922–1950)
In 1922, a brief revival centered on the Tempest Mine led to the town being renamed Tempest until 1929. During this period, the post office operated under the name Tempest (1922–1929), then reverted to Bristol Silver (1929–1932, 1936–1950). However, this resurgence was short-lived, and mining activity remained minimal. The post office closed in 1950, marking the end of Bristol’s official functions. The townsite was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, recognizing its historical significance.
Legacy and Current State
Today, Bristol is a ghost town with limited physical remnants. Bristol Well, four miles west, features beehive-shaped charcoal kilns, stone cabins, and slag deposits from smelting, though the kilns show signs of erosion. The Bristol Mine site, now on private property, is considered hazardous and inaccessible. The Bristol Pioneer Cemetery, south of the kilns, serves as a somber reminder of the town’s past residents. Despite its abandonment, Bristol’s history reflects the boom-and-bust cycle typical of Nevada’s mining towns, driven by resource extraction and economic shifts.
Conclusion
Bristol, Nevada, encapsulates the transient nature of 19th-century mining communities in the American West. From its founding in 1871 as National City to its peak in the 1880s and eventual decline by the early 20th century, Bristol’s story is one of ambition, adaptation, and abandonment. Its surviving structures, such as the charcoal kilns and cemetery, offer a glimpse into a once-vibrant community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bristol remains a poignant historical site, preserving the legacy of Nevada’s mining heritage for future generations.
