Located in White Pine County, Nevada is Copper Country, Nevada State Historic Marker number 9.
The history of copper mining in White Pine County, Nevada, is a rich and storied tale that spans over a century. Copper mining in this region played a significant role in shaping the local economy and history. Copper was initially discovered in White Pine County during the late 1800s as miners and prospectors explored the vast wilderness of Nevada. Native Americans had long been aware of the presence of copper in the area, but it was the arrival of European settlers that led to more systematic exploration.
The town of Ely, founded in 1878, became a focal point for copper mining in White Pine County. The first significant copper deposit was discovered near Ely in the Robinson Mining District. These early mining operations were relatively small-scale and used traditional mining techniques.
In the early 20th century, advancements in mining technology and infrastructure development spurred the growth of the copper mining industry in the region. The Nevada Consolidated Copper Company (NCC) and Kennecott Copper Corporation became major players in the area.
The Kennecott Copper Corporation, which was owned by the Guggenheim family, acquired extensive copper mining interests in White Pine County. They developed the Bingham Canyon Mine near Ruth, which became one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world.
Nevada State Historic Marker 9 Text
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.
The famed open-pit copper mines of eastern Nevada, including the Liberty Pit, largest in the state, are located two miles south of this point. Through the first half of the twentieth century, this area produced nearly a billion dollars in copper, gold, and silver. The huge mounds visible from here are waste rock, which was removed to uncover the ore.
Two miles east of here, near Lane City, was the Elijah, the first mine discovered in the Robinson Mining District. Lane City, originally called Mineral City, was settled in 1869 and had a population of 400. At Mineral City was the Ragsdale Station, one hotel, and a stage station.
CENTENNIAL MARKER No. 9
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
Nevada State Historic Marker 9 Summary
| Name | Copper Country |
| Location | White Pine County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.2831, -114.9636 |
| Nevada State Historic Marker | 9 |