Mineral County is located in the southwestern part of the state of Nevada, in the United States. It is one of the smaller counties in the state, covering an area of approximately 3,813 square miles. The county is named after the rich mineral deposits found in the area, which have played a significant role in the region’s history and economy.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the area that is now Mineral County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Western Shoshone and Northern Paiute. These tribes lived in the region for thousands of years and relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing to sustain themselves.
In the early 1800s, explorers and traders began to venture into the region, looking for new trade routes and resources. Among these early explorers were Jedediah Smith, John C. Fremont, and Kit Carson. These men mapped the area, established trails, and documented their encounters with Native American tribes.
The first permanent settlement in what is now Mineral County was established in the 1860s. This was the mining town of Aurora, which was located in the eastern part of the county. Gold and silver were discovered in the area, and the town quickly grew as miners and prospectors flooded into the region. Other mining towns soon followed, including Belleville, Candelaria, and Columbus.
As the mining towns grew, so did the need for infrastructure and government services. In 1864, the Nevada Territory was established, and Mineral County was created as one of its original nine counties. The county seat was established in the town of Hawthorne, which had become one of the largest and most prosperous towns in the region.
Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, Mineral County continued to grow and prosper. Mining remained the primary industry in the region, and new towns and mining camps sprang up throughout the county. In addition to gold and silver, other minerals such as copper, lead, and zinc were also mined in the area.
The county also played a significant role in World War II. In the 1940s, the federal government established the Hawthorne Naval Ammunition Depot in the eastern part of the county. This depot was used for the storage and maintenance of ammunition and explosives, and it played a critical role in the war effort.
After the war, the ammunition depot remained in operation, and it continued to be an important economic and employment center for the region. In addition to the ammunition depot, the county is also home to the Hawthorne Army Depot, which stores and maintains various military equipment and supplies.
Today, Mineral County is a mix of rural communities, small towns, and military installations. The county’s economy is still heavily dependent on mining, and the area is home to several major mining companies, including Coeur Mining and Klondex Mines. The military installations in the county also provide significant employment opportunities for local residents.
Tourism is also a significant industry in the region, with attractions such as the Walker Lake and the historic mining towns drawing visitors from around the world. The county is also home to several state parks and wildlife refuges, which provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and conservation.
Despite its remote location and rugged terrain, Mineral County has played an important role in the history of Nevada and the United States. From the early explorers and Native American tribes to the miners and military personnel, the county has been shaped by the people who have called it home. Today, it continues to be a vital part of the state’s economy and a unique and fascinating destination for visitors.
County Map
Trails
 Aurora Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownAurora, Nevada is a ghost town in Mineral County about twenty eight miles southwest of Hawthorne, near the California border. Aurora is often mentioned as… |
 Broken Hills Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownBroken Hills Nevada, c 1915. Ore sacks being loaded for shipment to the railroad at Fallon. Broken Hills, Nevada is more a descriptive term than… |
 Candelaria Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownCandelaria was a ghost town in Mineral County, Nevada located about 120 miles south of Falen. The location may be closed due to another local… |
 Marietta Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownLocated at 4947 feet above sea level, Marietta was formally established in 1877 near Teel's Marsh and is now a ghost town in Mineral County,… |
 Rawhide Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownRawhide, Nevada. 1908. Rawhide Nevada was a mining town in Mineral County. The town site is located approximately 55 miles south of Fallon, and 22… |
Ghost Towns
Candelaria Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownCandelaria was a ghost town in Mineral County, Nevada located about 120 miles south of Falen. The location may be closed due to another local… |
Rawhide Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownRawhide, Nevada. 1908. Rawhide Nevada was a mining town in Mineral County. The town site is located approximately 55 miles south of Fallon, and 22… |
Marietta Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownLocated at 4947 feet above sea level, Marietta was formally established in 1877 near Teel's Marsh and is now a ghost town in Mineral County,… |
Broken Hills Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownBroken Hills Nevada, c 1915. Ore sacks being loaded for shipment to the railroad at Fallon. Broken Hills, Nevada is more a descriptive term than… |
Aurora Nevada – Mineral County Ghost TownAurora, Nevada is a ghost town in Mineral County about twenty eight miles southwest of Hawthorne, near the California border. Aurora is often mentioned as… |
Historic Markers
 Candelaria and Metallic City NSHM Marker #92Candelaria and Metallic City NSHM is Nevada State Historical Marker number ninety two and is located in Mineral County, Nevada. Main street buildings of Candelaria,… |
 Samuel Langhorne Clemens – “Mark Twain”Before he wrote American classic novels as Mark Twain, Samuel Langhorne Clemens was a miner and newpaper reporter in Mineral County, Nevada. Prior to picking… |
Mineral County Personalities
 Christian Brevoort ZabriskieChristian 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 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… |
Samuel Langhorne Clemens – “Mark Twain”Before he wrote American classic novels as Mark Twain, Samuel Langhorne Clemens was a miner and newpaper reporter in Mineral County, Nevada. Prior to picking… |
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