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Johntown Nevada – Lyon County Ghost Town
Johntown, Nevada, holds the distinction of being the state’s first mining town and its first ghost town. Situated in Gold Canyon, between Dayton and Silver City in Lyon County, Johntown emerged in 1853 as a key settlement during Nevada’s early mining era. Its brief existence laid the foundation for the discovery of the Comstock Lode, a monumental event in American mining history. Though no physical remnants of the town survive today, its legacy endures through historical markers and its role in shaping Nevada’s identity.
Founding and Early Development
Johntown was established in 1853 by James Fenemore, a teamster who created a mining camp along the Gold Canyon road. The region had seen minor gold discoveries as early as 1849, when emigrants passing through to California found traces of gold near Dayton. By the early 1850s, the area attracted a growing number of miners, including a significant population of Chinese prospectors. Their presence inspired the town’s name, “Johntown,” derived from “John Chinaman,” a term commonly used to refer to Chinese immigrants during that period.
The town’s early economy relied on placer mining, with miners using rudimentary tools like rockers and long toms to extract gold from the canyon’s deposits. Mining was seasonal, constrained by water availability, which limited operations to the wetter months of winter and spring. Despite these challenges, Johntown grew into a thriving camp and became the largest mining settlement in what was then the western Utah Territory.
Role in the Mining Industry
Johntown’s miners focused on gold, though the yields were modest and labor-intensive due to the scarcity of water. The town’s significance, however, lies in its connection to the Comstock Lode. Several individuals who would later become central figures in that silver discovery resided in Johntown during its peak, including the Grosh Brothers, Peter O’Riley, Patrick McLaughlin, H.T.P. Comstock, and James Finney (“Old Virginny”). Their presence in Johntown positioned the town as a launching point for one of the richest mining booms in the American West.
Cultural and Social Life
Life in Johntown reflected the rugged nature of a frontier mining camp. One notable resident, Eilley Orrum (later Mrs. Sandy Bowers), ran a boarding house that served as a social hub for miners. She provided lodging and meals, later leveraging her earnings to become a prominent figure in the Comstock era. Nearby, “Dutch Nick’s” saloon hosted weekly “grand balls” every Saturday night, featuring music, dancing, and gambling. With only three women in town, local stories claim that Sarah Winnemucca, a Paiute Indian princess, occasionally attended to even out the dance floor.
Johntown also made history with the Gold Canyon Switch, Nevada’s first newspaper. Handwritten by editor Joe Webb from 1854 to 1858, this unique publication circulated among miners, offering news and entertainment. No copies of the Switch have survived, but its existence underscores Johntown’s cultural vitality.
Decline and Legacy
The discovery of silver in the Comstock Lode in 1859 triggered Johntown’s rapid decline. As miners abandoned Gold Canyon for the richer deposits near Virginia City, Johntown emptied out, earning its status as Nevada’s first ghost town by the early 1860s. Key establishments, including Dutch Nick’s saloon and Eilley Orrum’s boarding house, relocated to Gold Hill, leaving Johntown behind.
Today, the site of Johntown is private property, marked only by a historical plaque on Nevada State Route 341, south of Silver City. Erected in 1967 by the E Clampus Vitus organization, the marker commemorates Johntown’s pioneering role in Nevada’s mining history.
Conclusion
Johntown, Nevada, was a short-lived but influential settlement that bridged the gap between small-scale gold prospecting and the massive silver boom of the Comstock Lode. Its early miners, diverse population, and cultural contributions highlight the tenacity of those who shaped Nevada’s frontier. Though it stands today only as a memory, Johntown’s story remains a vital chapter in the history of the American West.
Nevada’s first mining town established in 1853. A boarding house was operated here by Eilley Orrum (Mrs. Sandy Bowers). Other prominent residents, discoverers of the fantastic Comstock Lode, included the Grosh Brothers, Peter O’Riley, Patrick McLaughlin, H.T.P. Comstock, and James Finney (Old Virginny).
Nevada Historical Marker No. 39
Johntown Trail Map
Town Summary
| Name | Johntown | ||
| Location | Lyon County, Nevada | ||
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.251944, -119.623611 | ||
| GNIS | 858442 | ||
| Elevation | 4,720 feet | ||
| Population | 180 | ||
| Newspaper | The Gold Canyon Switch (handwritten) |
References
Bernice Nevada – A Churchill County Ghost Town
Bernice, Nevada, is a ghost town located in Churchill County, approximately 42 miles northeast of Fallon in the Bernice Mining District. Once a small but active mining community, Bernice is now a historical footnote in Nevada’s rich mining history. Known by variant names such as Casket, Salina, Salinas, and Alamo, the town’s name is traditionally attributed to a miner’s sweetheart. This report explores the history, development, and decline of Bernice, drawing on available historical records and accounts.
Early History and Establishment
The area that would become Bernice was inhabited long before European settlers arrived. Archaeological evidence suggests Native American tribes, including the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe, lived in the region for millennia, utilizing the land for foraging and survival. The modern history of Bernice began in the 19th century with the discovery of mineral resources in the Clan Alpine Range.
Silver mining in the Bernice area started as early as 1863, but it was not until 1881 that the Bernice Mining District was formally established, following discoveries by Wallace Goodell. The district’s name, Bernice, was adopted in 1883, reportedly inspired by a miner’s romantic interest. A post office, initially named Casket due to a mining claim shaped like a coffin, was established on June 7, 1882. The name changed to Bernice in July 1883, and the post office operated until June 1884, with some sources citing a closure in 1894.
Mining Boom and Economic Activity
The Bernice Mining District was primarily known for its antimony and silver deposits, though other minerals like gold, copper, lead, and zinc were also present. In the 1880s and 1890s, the district saw significant activity. W. W. Van Reed was the first to ship antimony ore to San Francisco’s Star & Mathews smelter, while W. W. Williams operated silver mines, constructing a 10-stamp mill and roaster to process ore. The Bothwell mill, nearing completion in July 1883, was expected to boost local ore processing.
The district’s antimony production was notable, with eight confirmed past-producing mines, including the Antimony King Mine, now part of Xtra Energy Corp.’s American Antimony Project. From 1893 to 1896, Sanders & Young made the last significant antimony shipments from the district. The area’s mineral wealth attracted prospectors and small-scale operations, but the lack of infrastructure and harsh environment limited sustained growth.
Community and Infrastructure
Bernice was a small settlement with limited amenities. The post office served as a central hub, with figures like Sarah K. Porter (appointed postmistress in 1880 at Salinas) and later Robert H. Parker and John L. Walker managing postal services. The community likely consisted of miners, their families, and support workers, living in modest accommodations typical of remote mining camps.
The Bernice Mining District lacked the large-scale infrastructure of boomtowns like Virginia City. However, efforts to preserve historical structures, such as those at the Bernice Mine in the Mojave National Preserve (a separate site in Southern Nevada), indicate a broader interest in maintaining Nevada’s mining heritage. In Bernice, Churchill County, no significant preserved structures are noted, reflecting the town’s transient nature.
Decline and Abandonment
By the late 1890s, Bernice’s mining activity had dwindled due to exhausted ore deposits and economic shifts. The closure of the post office, whether in 1884 or 1894, marked a decline in the town’s viability. The harsh desert environment, coupled with the small scale of operations, made sustaining a permanent settlement challenging. By the early 20th century, Bernice had become a ghost town, with only remnants of its mining past remaining.
The broader context of Nevada’s mining history, including the decline of smaller districts after major strikes like the Comstock Lode, contributed to Bernice’s fate. The district saw occasional exploration in later years, with modern efforts by companies like Xtra Energy Corp. focusing on antimony due to its use in batteries, semiconductors, and military applications.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Bernice represents the ephemeral nature of Nevada’s mining camps, where fortunes were sought but rarely sustained. The town’s name, tied to a romantic anecdote, adds a human element to its history. The presence of Native American tribes in the region underscores the layered history of the land, with the Washoe and Paiute maintaining cultural practices into the 20th century.
The Bernice Mining District’s antimony production highlights Nevada’s role in supplying critical industrial minerals. While not as famous as gold or silver, antimony was vital for various applications, and the district’s mines remain of interest for modern exploration.
Conclusion
Bernice, Nevada, encapsulates the rise and fall of a small mining community in the late 19th century. From its establishment in the 1880s to its decline by the early 20th century, Bernice reflects the challenges of sustaining remote settlements in Nevada’s arid landscape.
Midas Nevada – Elko County Ghost Town
Midas, Nevada, is a small unincorporated community in Elko County, celebrated for its historical significance as a gold mining town. Established in the early 20th century, Midas has experienced cycles of prosperity and decline, yet it persists as a “living” ghost town with a small, enduring population.
Early History and Founding
The story of Midas began in June 1907 when James McDuffy discovered gold at the base of the Owyhee Bluffs. Initially named Gold Circle, the town emerged as a bustling mining camp alongside a neighboring settlement called Summit. By April 1908, Gold Circle’s population surpassed 1,000 as prospectors flocked to the area. A post office opened in 1907 and operated until 1942, supporting the growing community.
In 1909, the federal government renamed Gold Circle to Midas, likely to distinguish it from other Nevada towns with “gold” in their titles, which had caused postal confusion. The name Midas, evoking the mythical king who turned everything to gold, aptly reflected the town’s raison d’être. However, early growth was hampered by the absence of local stamp mills to process ore, forcing miners to ship only the richest material to distant facilities. By late 1909, the population dwindled to 250, though the addition of six stamp mills that year laid the groundwork for future resurgence.
Mining Industry in Midas
Gold was the lifeblood of Midas, though the ore also yielded silver, copper, lead, and zinc. The Elko Prince Mine emerged as a key operation during the town’s early years. After the initial boom of 1907–1908, the lack of processing infrastructure led to a bust. A second boom from 1916 to 1921 was fueled by the stamp mills, which processed 119 tonnes of ore daily, revitalizing the economy.
Mining declined after the 1920s, and operations halted in 1942 amid World War II, reducing the population to a mere handful by 1950. A modern revival began in 1998 with the Midas Mine, operated by Hecla Mining. This underground facility employs advanced techniques to extract gold and silver, sustaining Midas’ mining legacy into the 21st century.
Social and Cultural Life
At its peak, Midas supported a lively community with saloons, restaurants, a jail, a town hall, and a schoolhouse built in 1927, which served until 1952. The school burned down in 2005, leaving behind playground remnants as a nostalgic relic. Social life included dances, elections, and occasional violence, such as murders on Main Street.
The Midas Bighorn Saloon, housed in a 120-year-old building, remains a cultural cornerstone, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Since 1994, the nonprofit Friends of Midas has preserved the town’s history through photographs, letters, and documents, ensuring its stories endure.
Current Status and Legacy
Today, Midas blends history with modest vitality. With an estimated population of 349 and a median age of 46.4, it hosts full-time residents and seasonal homeowners. Beyond mining, the town attracts hunters and recreationists drawn to its rugged surroundings and historic charm. Preservation efforts by Friends of Midas and the saloon’s continued operation keep the past alive.
Conclusion
Midas, Nevada, embodies the resilience of America’s mining frontier. From its Gold Circle origins to its modern mining renaissance, the town has navigated booms, busts, and reinvention. Though small, Midas remains a vibrant link to Nevada’s gold rush heritage, balancing history with a quiet, enduring present.
Town Summary
| Name | Midas, Nevada |
| Also Known As | Rosebud, Gold Circle |
| Location | Elko County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 41.2440709, -116.7967729 |
| GNIS | 845906 |
| Elevation | 1750 meters / 5742 feet |
| Post Office | 1908 – 1942 |
| Population | 2000 |
| Newspaper | Gold Circle Miner (The) Apr 11, 1908 Gold Circle News June 20 – Sept 26, 1908 Gold Circle Porcupine May 20, 1914 |
Midas Town Map
References
Jessup Nevada – Churchill County Ghost Town
Jessup, Nevada, is a ghost town in Churchill County with a brief but vibrant history tied to the mining boom of the early 20th century. Founded in 1908 following the discovery of gold and silver, Jessup quickly grew into a bustling mining camp before declining just as rapidly. Today, it stands as a reminder of the transient nature of resource-based economies in the American West.
Founding and Early History (1908)
Jessup’s story began in February 1908 when Frank Jessup and L.H. Murray discovered gold in the Trinity Range, located in Churchill County, Nevada. The town, initially named White Canyon, was quickly renamed Jessup in honor of its discoverer. Within a month of its founding, the population swelled to over 300 people as prospectors and settlers flocked to the area, drawn by reports of rich ore. The Jessup Mining District was swiftly established, and by April 1908, lumber was arriving by the carload, with wooden structures rapidly replacing the tents that had initially housed the miners. The town’s early infrastructure included grocery stores, saloons, lumber yards, and a meat market, reflecting its sudden growth.
Growth and Peak (1908–1909)
At its peak in 1909, Jessup supported a population of approximately 300 residents and boasted a variety of businesses essential to a mining community. These included:
- Three grocery stores
- Two lumber yards
- Seven saloons
- A meat market
Averaging one saloon for every 43 citizens, this highlights the town’s rough-and-tumble character. The post office, opened in 1908, further solidified Jessup’s status as an official settlement. Transportation was facilitated by the Southern Pacific Railroad, which provided access by stopping at nearby White Plains, allowing for the shipment of supplies and high-grade ore. The mines in the Jessup Mining District were highly productive, with carloads of ore assaying over $100 per ton shipped by rail from Huxley. At least eight active mines operated in the area, contributing to the town’s economic vitality.
Mining Operations
The Jessup Mining District was the heart of the town’s economy, with gold and silver as the primary commodities. Key mines included:
- Gold King: The original discovery claim.
- Valley King Group: Produced about 1,000 ounces of gold in 1908–1909.
Ore was initially hauled using automobiles—a novel method at the time—before being shipped by rail. Despite the early success, the mines’ output began to wane by the end of 1909, signaling the start of Jessup’s decline. In later decades, intermittent mining activity continued, with lessees conducting minor work, but the district never regained its former prominence. More recently, exploration in the 1980s and 1990s identified additional gold and silver resources, though these efforts were separate from the original mining boom.
Decline and Abandonment (1909–1910s)
Jessup’s boom was short-lived, with the town’s fortunes declining rapidly after 1909. The depletion of easily accessible ore, a common fate for mining towns, led to a sharp decrease in population and economic activity. By the end of 1909, the initial excitement had faded, and the town was slowly abandoned. The post office eventually closed, though the exact date is not recorded. By the 1910s, Jessup was largely deserted, with only sporadic mining efforts in the following decades. The harsh desert environment likely contributed to the town’s inability to sustain itself once the mining boom ended. Today, only a few dilapidated wooden buildings and abandoned mines remain.
Current Status and Legacy
Jessup is now a ghost town, located a few miles north of Interstate 80 between Fernley and Lovelock. The surrounding area, part of the Trinity Range, is still used for ranching, and modern radio towers, including Nevada’s tallest, stand nearby. While the town itself is abandoned, its history is preserved through remnants of its mining past. The Jessup Gold Prospect, a more recent mining venture, highlights the area’s continued potential for resource extraction, though it remains distinct from the original 1908 boom. Jessup’s rise and fall exemplify the boom-and-bust cycles that shaped many Western mining towns.
Chronological Table of Key Events
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1908 | Discovery of gold and silver | Frank Jessup and L.H. Murray discover gold in the Trinity Range |
| 1908 | Town founded, renamed Jessup | Population grows to over 300 within months |
| 1908 | Jessup Mining District established | At least eight active mines, ore shipped by rail from Huxley |
| 1909 | Peak population and activity | 300 residents, multiple businesses, post office operational |
| 1909 | Decline begins | Mining boom falters, population decreases |
| 1910s | Town largely abandoned | Only intermittent mining activity in subsequent decades |
| 1980s–1990s | Modern exploration | Jessup Gold Prospect identifies additional resources, but no major revival |
Conclusion
Jessup’s history is a microcosm of the American West’s mining frontier, characterized by rapid growth, brief prosperity, and swift decline. Founded on the promise of gold and silver, the town’s fortunes were tied to the mines that sustained it. While Jessup’s boom was fleeting, its story endures as a testament to the challenges and opportunities of Nevada’s mining heritage.
Town Summary
| Name | Jessup Nevada White Canyon, Nevada |
| Location | Churchill County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.948611, -118.875 |
| Elevation | 4550 Feet |
| Population | 300 |
| Post Office | March 1908 – July 1912 |
Jessup Nevada Trail Map
References
Boyer Nevada – Churchill County Ghost Town
Boyer, Nevada, is a ghost town located in northeastern Churchill County, Nevada, near the mouth of Cottonwood Canyon in Dixie Valley.
Establishment and Naming
Boyer was established in the early 1860s, with its post office opening on April 22, 1896, and operating until January 31, 1914. The town was named after Alva Boyer, a prospector and the first postmaster, who settled in the area and established the Boyer Ranch. Alva’s discovery of copper in the region marked the beginning of Boyer’s brief but notable history as a mining and ranching community. The town’s location, approximately 50 miles south of Lovelock, positioned it as a minor hub in Churchill County, connected to the Southern Pacific Railroad for shipping and banking purposes.
Economic Activities
Mining
Boyer’s economy was primarily driven by copper mining, which began in the early 1860s. The Boyer copper deposit, part of the Table Mountain Mining District, contained chalcopyrite and other copper sulfides found in fine fractures and amygdule fillings within mafic volcanic rocks. In 1861, several wagon-trains transported rich copper sulfide ore from Boyer to Sacramento, and subsequently to smelters in Swansea, Wales, indicating the high value of the ore extracted during this period. By 1907, mining activities were still significant, with reports of a proposed traction wagon road from Mill City to Goldbanks, including Boyer as a stop, highlighting its role in regional mining logistics. However, the lack of a local mill limited the processing of lower-grade ores, as only ore valued at $90 per ton or higher was economically viable for shipment.
Ranching
In addition to mining, Boyer supported a ranching community centered around the Boyer Ranch, established by Alva Boyer. The ranch served as a critical component of the town’s identity, providing agricultural support and serving as a base for the post office and mining operations. The 1907 Nevada Directory noted Boyer as a shipping point and banking town, with a weekly stage to Lovelock costing $3.00, underscoring its role in regional trade and communication.
Connection to Eagleville
Boyer was often associated with Eagleville, a mining area 11 miles northeast of Rawhide, approximately 50 miles from Boyer. Eagleville, active from the 1880s, had a post office from June 3, 1889, to March 13, 1913, and was known for placer mining between 1905 and 1908. Despite their proximity, the two towns were distinct, with a notable 1907 postal cover bearing both Boyer and Eagleville postmarks, suggesting some level of mail exchange or regional connectivity. The rarity of this cover, noted as unique in 2016, highlights the historical significance of Boyer’s postal operations.
Decline and Ghost Town Status
Boyer’s decline began in the early 20th century, culminating in the closure of its post office in 1914. Several factors contributed to this decline, including the exhaustion of easily accessible high-grade copper ore and the lack of infrastructure, such as a local mill, which made processing lower-grade ore uneconomical. The town’s remote location and reliance on distant markets for ore processing further limited its sustainability. By the mid-20th century, Boyer had become a ghost town, with only remnants of the Boyer Ranch and mining structures remaining, as documented in modern photographic records.
Churchill County Context
Churchill County, established on November 25, 1861, and named after Mexican-American War hero Brevet Brigadier General Sylvester Churchill, provided the broader historical and geographical context for Boyer. The county, with its seat in Fallon, was characterized by rugged terrain, including mountainous ridges and desert landscapes, which influenced the development of isolated communities like Boyer. The county’s economy benefited from reclamation projects like the Carson-Truckee Project (1903) and Lahontan Dam (1914), which transformed parts of the desert into agricultural land, but these developments primarily supported Fallon and other larger settlements, leaving remote areas like Boyer less impacted.
Conclusion
Boyer, Nevada, represents a quintessential example of a short-lived mining and ranching community in Churchill County. Named after Alva Boyer, the town thrived briefly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to copper mining and ranching activities. Despite its economic contributions, the lack of local processing infrastructure and the exhaustion of high-grade ore led to its decline, resulting in its current status as a ghost town. Today, Boyer serves as a historical reminder of Nevada’s mining heritage and the challenges faced by remote communities in sustaining economic viability.
Sources
- Nevada Expeditions, “Boyer”
- Mindat.org, “Boyer copper deposit”
- Uncovering Nevada, “Eagleville, 1907, Boyer Nevada”
- Wikipedia, “Churchill County, Nevada”
- Britannica, “Churchill County, Nevada”