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Chloride Belt Newspaper
The Chloride Belt was a weekly newspaper published in Chloride, Nevada, a small mining town in Lincoln County, from December 10, 1890, to December 24, 1892. Named after the mineral-rich Chloride Belt mining district, the newspaper served a transient mining community during a period of intense silver and gold prospecting in southern Nevada. This report explores the historical context, publication details, content, and legacy of the Chloride Belt, drawing on archival records to provide insight into its role in a remote mining region.
Historical Context
Chloride, Nevada, was a minor mining camp established in the late 19th century, following the discovery of silver and gold deposits in the Chloride Belt mining district. Located in Lincoln County, near the present-day town of Caliente, Chloride was one of many small mining settlements that sprang up during Nevada’s silver boom. Unlike larger mining hubs like Candelaria or Tonopah, Chloride remained modest in size and influence, with a population likely numbering in the low hundreds at its peak. The town’s economy was driven by small-scale mining operations, which were highly sensitive to fluctuations in mineral prices and investor interest.
Newspapers in such mining towns were critical for disseminating information about mining claims, local events, and regional politics. They also served as promotional tools to attract investment and settlers. The Chloride Belt emerged during a period of optimism in the region, as miners and entrepreneurs sought to capitalize on the area’s mineral wealth. However, the town’s remote location and the eventual decline of mining activity limited the newspaper’s lifespan.
Publication and Operations
The Chloride Belt operated from December 10, 1890, to December 24, 1892, with issues published weekly. According to records from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Libraries, the newspaper’s complete run is preserved on microfilm, covering this two-year period. Specific details about the newspaper’s ownership, editors, or printing operations are scarce, as is common for short-lived publications in small mining towns. It is likely that the Chloride Belt was run by a small editorial team, possibly a single editor-publisher, typical of frontier newspapers. The newspaper’s office would have been located in Chloride, serving the immediate community and nearby mining camps.
The Chloride Belt was likely printed using a small press, a common setup for rural newspapers of the era, and distributed locally to miners, merchants, and residents. Its short publication run suggests it struggled to maintain financial viability, a common challenge for newspapers in mining towns dependent on fluctuating economic conditions.
Content and Role
As a mining-town newspaper, the Chloride Belt would have focused on topics relevant to its readership, including:
- Mining News: Reports on local mining activities, such as new claims, production updates, or discoveries in the Chloride Belt district. These articles were crucial for attracting investors and keeping the community informed about the industry’s prospects.
- Local News: Coverage of community events, such as town meetings, social gatherings, or incidents like mining accidents or legal disputes.
- Advertisements: Ads for local businesses, including general stores, saloons, assay offices, or mining equipment suppliers, which provided essential revenue for the newspaper.
- Regional and National News: Summaries of broader news, often reprinted from larger newspapers in cities like Carson City or Reno, to keep residents connected to the outside world.
- Editorials: Opinions on local issues, such as mining regulations or infrastructure needs, possibly reflecting the political leanings of the editor or the community’s interests.
The Chloride Belt likely served as a booster for the town, promoting Chloride as a promising mining destination to attract capital and settlers. Its role as a community hub would have been vital in a remote area with limited communication channels.
Archival Availability
Issues of the Chloride Belt from December 10, 1890, to December 24, 1892, are preserved on microfilm at the UNLV University Libraries. Researchers can access these microfilms on-site, with the ability to save images to a flash drive. The Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records may also hold copies, as it maintains an extensive collection of historical Nevada newspapers on microfilm, available for viewing during library hours. Additionally, the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America project includes bibliographic information on the Chloride Belt, confirming its publication dates and providing context within Nevada’s newspaper history. Some issues may be accessible through electronic databases, such as those available with a Nevada State Library card.
For detailed research, the Nevada Historical Society in Reno offers access to extensive newspaper collections, and researchers can contact them at 775-688-1190 or via email to inquire about specific issues or related materials.
Decline and Closure
The Chloride Belt ceased publication on December 24, 1892, likely due to the decline of mining activity in Chloride. The early 1890s saw a downturn in Nevada’s mining industry, driven by falling silver prices following the Sherman Silver Purchase Act’s repeal in 1893 and the exhaustion of easily accessible ore in smaller districts like Chloride. As the town’s population dwindled, the newspaper lost its readership and advertising base, making continued publication unsustainable. Chloride itself faded into obscurity, becoming a ghost town by the early 20th century, with little remaining today beyond remnants of mining activity.
Legacy
The Chloride Belt provides a snapshot of life in a minor Nevada mining camp during the late 19th century. Its coverage offers valuable insights into the economic hopes, community dynamics, and challenges of Chloride’s residents. As a primary source, it is a critical resource for historians, genealogists, and researchers studying Nevada’s mining history or the social fabric of small mining towns. The newspaper’s brief existence reflects the precarious nature of frontier journalism, where publications were closely tied to the fortunes of their communities.
The preservation of the Chloride Belt on microfilm ensures its accessibility for future research, contributing to the broader narrative of Nevada’s mining boom and bust cycles. It joins other short-lived newspapers, such as the True Fissure of Candelaria or the Tybo Sun of Nye County, in documenting the fleeting optimism of Nevada’s mining frontier.
Sources
- Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records: Newspapers, Periodicals, & Microfilm.
- UNLV University Libraries: Nevada Newspapers on Microfilm.
- The Library of Congress: Chronicling America, The Chloride Belt (Chloride, Nev.) 1890-1892.
- Nevada Historical Society: Newspapers and Microfilm.
- Lingenfelter, Richard E., and Karen Rix Gash. The Newspapers of Nevada: A History and Bibliography, 1854-1979. Reno: University of Nevada Press, 1984.
Conclusion
The Chloride Belt was a modest but significant voice for the mining community of Chloride, Nevada, during its brief run from 1890 to 1892. Despite its short lifespan, it captured the aspirations and challenges of a remote mining camp, serving as a vital link for residents and a promotional tool for the region. Its preserved issues remain an important resource for understanding Nevada’s mining history, offering a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of the state’s past.
True Fissure Newspaper
The True Fissure newspaper was a weekly newspaper published in Candelaria, Nevada, a mining town in Esmeralda County that thrived during the silver boom of the late 19th century. Operating from June 5, 1880, to December 4, 1886, the newspaper served as a vital source of information for the local mining community, reflecting the economic, political, and social dynamics of a bustling yet transient mining town. This report explores the historical context, content, ownership, and legacy of the True Fissure, drawing on available records to provide a comprehensive overview.
Historical Context
Candelaria emerged as a significant mining town in the 1860s and 1870s following the discovery of silver deposits. By the early 1880s, it was a hub of mining activity, with a peak population of around 1,500 residents, several saloons, general stores, and a post office. The town’s economy was heavily tied to silver mining, particularly the Northern Belle Mine, which drove local prosperity. However, like many Nevada mining towns, Candelaria’s fortunes were volatile, subject to the boom-and-bust cycles of the mining industry.
Newspapers played a critical role in such communities, serving as a medium for local news, mining updates, political discourse, and advertisements. The True Fissure, named after a mining term referring to a genuine vein of ore, embodied the spirit of Candelaria’s mining culture and its Republican political leanings. Its establishment coincided with a period of relative stability in Candelaria, though the town’s decline in the mid-1880s would ultimately lead to the newspaper’s closure.
Publication and Operations
The True Fissure began publication on June 5, 1880, as a weekly newspaper, with its final issue published on December 4, 1886. According to historical records, the newspaper was published every Saturday, providing regular updates to the community. It was housed in Candelaria, a town strategically located to serve miners, merchants, and residents of the surrounding region.
The newspaper’s owner and editor, John Dormer, was a prominent figure in Nevada’s political landscape. Dormer leveraged the True Fissure to promote Republican ideals, which resonated with many in the mining community. His editorial influence helped him secure election as Nevada’s Secretary of State in 1882, a position he held through reelection in 1886, coinciding with the newspaper’s final year. The True Fissure’s Republican stance made it a platform for political advocacy, likely featuring editorials and articles that supported Republican candidates and policies during state and local elections.
Content and Role
As a mining-town newspaper, the True Fissure likely covered a range of topics relevant to Candelaria’s residents, including:
- Mining News: Updates on local mining operations, such as production figures from the Northern Belle Mine, new claims, or technological advancements in ore processing.
- Local Events: Reports on community activities, such as social gatherings, town meetings, or incidents like fires or accidents, common in mining towns.
- Politics: Editorials and coverage of state and local politics, reflecting the newspaper’s Republican alignment and Dormer’s political ambitions.
- Advertisements: Ads for local businesses, such as general stores, saloons, or mining equipment suppliers, which were essential for the newspaper’s revenue.
- General News: Broader regional or national news, often reprinted from larger newspapers, to keep residents informed of events beyond Candelaria.
The True Fissure served as a booster for Candelaria, promoting the town’s economic prospects and encouraging investment in its mining industry, a common practice among Nevada newspapers of the era. Its role as a community anchor would have been particularly important in a remote mining town, where access to timely information was limited.
Archival Availability
Historical issues of the True Fissure are preserved on microfilm at institutions such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Libraries, which hold copies from January 1, 1881, to December 4, 1886. The Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records also maintains a microfilm collection of historical newspapers, including the True Fissure, available for viewing during library hours. Researchers can access these microfilms on-site and save images to a flash drive. Some issues may also be available through electronic databases, such as those accessible with a Nevada State Library card.
Additionally, the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America project includes bibliographic information on the True Fissure, confirming its publication run and providing context alongside other Nevada newspapers. Researchers interested in specific articles or issues can consult these archives or contact the Nevada Historical Society, which houses extensive newspaper collections.
Decline and Closure
The True Fissure ceased publication on December 4, 1886, as Candelaria’s economic fortunes waned. The decline of silver mining in the region, coupled with falling silver prices and the exhaustion of easily accessible ore, led to a population exodus. By the late 1880s, Candelaria was transitioning into a ghost town, unable to sustain businesses or institutions like the True Fissure. The newspaper’s closure reflects the broader challenges faced by mining-town newspapers, which were heavily dependent on local economic stability.
Legacy
The True Fissure is a valuable historical artifact for understanding life in Nevada’s mining towns during the late 19th century. Its coverage offers insights into the economic aspirations, political dynamics, and social fabric of Candelaria. The newspaper’s association with John Dormer highlights the role of editors in shaping local and state politics, a common phenomenon in frontier journalism. Furthermore, its preservation on microfilm ensures that researchers and genealogists can access its content to study Nevada’s mining history, local governance, and community life.
The True Fissure also exemplifies the transient nature of mining-town newspapers, many of which folded as their communities declined. Its story is part of Nevada’s broader journalistic tradition, characterized by colorful and influential publications like the Territorial Enterprise and the Reese River Reveille, which similarly documented the rise and fall of mining towns.
Conclusion
The True Fissure was more than a local newspaper; it was a reflection of Candelaria’s brief but vibrant existence as a silver-mining hub. Under John Dormer’s editorship, it played a significant role in promoting Republican politics and boosting the town’s image. Though its publication run was short, its preserved issues remain a critical resource for historians and genealogists. The True Fissure stands as a testament to the resilience and ambition of Nevada’s mining communities, capturing a fleeting moment in the state’s history before fading with the town it served.
Sources
- Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records: Newspapers, Periodicals, & Microfilm.
- UNLV University Libraries: Nevada Newspapers on Microfilm.
- A guide to Nevada’s strangest newspaper names.
- The True Fissure (Candelaria, Nev.) 1880-1886 | Library of Congress.
- History of Nevada Journalism | ONE.
- Preserving the past | NEVADA DIGITAL NEWSPAPER PROJECT.
Carrara Nevada – Nye County Ghost Town
Carrara Ghost town is a small ghost town and marble mine located about ten miles south of Beatty in Nye County, Nevada on the east side of US 95.
In 1904 first attempts to quarry the high quality marble at the Carrara site. These initial efforts failed with the inability to produce larger slabs from the highly fractured and unstable marble. More suitable deposits of marble are found in 1911. The American Carrara Marble Company laid out the Carrara town. The town was named for Carrara, Italy, which produced world class marble.
Origins and Establishment
The story of Carrara began with the discovery of marble deposits in Carrara Canyon, located in the Bare Mountains of Nye County. Initial prospecting in 1904 revealed marble, but the deposits were too fractured for commercial use. In 1911, new discoveries of higher-quality marble prompted the formation of the American Carrara Marble Company, which aimed to establish a major marble industry in the region. The company laid out the Carrara townsite on the valley floor below the quarry, strategically positioned near the Las Vegas & Tonopah Railroad to facilitate marble transport. By 1912, a spur line was constructed to connect the town to the nearby Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad, enhancing its accessibility.
Carrara was officially dedicated on May 8, 1913, with a grand celebration that included a ball, music from a Goldfield band, a baseball game, and swimming in the town’s pool. The event marked the town’s ambitious beginnings, with infrastructure such as a post office (established May 24, 1913), a store, a restaurant, a school district, and the modern Hotel Carrara, which boasted electric lights, running water, and telephones by 1914. The town’s population peaked at around 100–150 residents, reflecting optimism about the marble industry’s potential to transform the desert region into a thriving community.
Development and Economic Activity
Carrara’s economy centered on the marble quarry, which was touted as a source of “the world’s best marble.” The American Carrara Marble Company invested heavily in infrastructure to support quarrying operations. A key development was the construction of a three-mile unpowered railway in 1914, using a Lidgerwood cable system to transport marble blocks from the quarry to the townsite for shipment to Los Angeles. The first major shipment of six large marble blocks occurred on April 7, 1914, signaling the quarry’s operational success. The marble was marketed for use in construction and decorative applications, with hopes of competing with Italian imports.
The town’s social and cultural life was documented by the Carrara Obelisk, a weekly newspaper published from May 8, 1913, to September 1916. The newspaper covered local events, quarry progress, and community activities, serving as a promotional tool to attract investors and settlers. Carrara’s infrastructure, including the Hotel Carrara and a town swimming pool, reflected an attempt to create a stable, modern community in the remote desert. The school district catered to the families of quarry workers, and the town’s layout, with concrete foundations for buildings, suggested plans for long-term growth.
Decline and Abandonment
Carrara’s prosperity was short-lived due to the fundamental flaw in its economic foundation: the marble deposits were not as high-quality as initially believed. By 1916, it became clear that the marble was too fractured to yield consistent, large-scale production, undermining the quarry’s viability. The Nevada-California Power Company cut off electricity to the quarry in 1917, halting operations and triggering a rapid decline. The Las Vegas & Tonopah Railroad discontinued service in 1918, further isolating the town. As workers and residents left, Carrara’s population dwindled, and the post office closed on September 15, 1924, marking the town’s transition to a ghost town.
The Carrara Obelisk ceased publication in September 1916, unable to sustain itself without a viable community or industry. By the early 1920s, Carrara was largely abandoned, with only concrete foundations, the town fountain, and scattered ruins remaining. The failure of the marble quarry highlighted the challenges of sustaining remote mining towns, particularly when reliant on a single resource with unpredictable quality.
Brief Revival in the Late 1920s
In 1929, a short-lived gold rush at the nearby Gold Ace mine, northwest of Carrara, sparked a brief revival. This activity led to the publication of a new newspaper, the Carrara Miner, on July 11, 1929, aimed at promoting the gold prospects. However, the gold rush was fleeting, and most miners relocated to the nearby camp of Arista. The Carrara Miner likely ceased publication within a year or two, and the gold venture failed to revive Carrara’s economy. A later proposal in the 1940s to build a cement plant using crushed Carrara marble for white cement also failed, further cementing the town’s status as a ghost town.
Legacy
Today, Carrara, Nevada, is a ghost town with minimal physical remnants. The concrete foundations of buildings, the town fountain, and the railroad grades are among the few visible traces of its past. The quarry site in Carrara Canyon, accessible via dirt roads, contains scattered equipment and debris, while the townsite itself is largely reclaimed by the desert. The Carrara Obelisk and Carrara Miner newspapers, preserved in archives such as those at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the Nevada State Library, provide valuable insights into the town’s brief history and the aspirations of its residents.
Carrara’s story is a microcosm of the boom-and-bust cycle that defined many Nevada mining towns. Its ambitious attempt to emulate the Italian city of Carrara was thwarted by geological realities, yet it remains a point of interest for historians, geologists, and ghost town enthusiasts. The town’s history underscores the challenges of sustaining industrial ventures in remote regions and the fleeting optimism that drove early 20th-century mining communities in the American West.
Conclusion
Carrara, Nevada, was a short-lived marble quarrying town founded in 1913 with grand aspirations of becoming a major marble-producing center. Supported by the American Carrara Marble Company, the town developed infrastructure and a community centered on the quarry, documented by the Carrara Obelisk newspaper. However, the fractured nature of the marble deposits led to the quarry’s failure by 1916, triggering Carrara’s rapid decline and abandonment by the early 1920s. A brief gold rush in 1929 and the Carrara Miner newspaper failed to revive the town, and subsequent industrial proposals were unsuccessful. Carrara’s legacy as a ghost town reflects the transient nature of mining ventures in Nye County and serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by communities reliant on single-resource economies in the harsh Nevada desert.
Carrara Town Summary
| Name | Carrara Nevada |
| Location | Nye County, Nevada |
| Population | 150 |
| Post Office | May 5, 1913 – September 15, 2914 |
| Newspapers | Carrara Obelisk Feb 7, 1914 – Sept 9, 1916 Carrara Miner July 21, 1929 |
Carrara Trail Map
Carrara Nevada Newspapers
Carrara Miner NewspaperThe Carrara Miner was a brief newspaper published in Carrara, Nevada, a small ghost town in Nye County located approximately nine miles south of Beatty.… |
Carrara ObeliskThe Carrara Obelisk was a short-lived but significant weekly newspaper published in the early 20th century in Carrara, Nevada, a small marble quarrying town located… |
Resources
Goldome Mill
The Goldome Mill is an abandoned modern mill site in the New York mountains of San Bernardino, California just off of the Ivanpah Road. The site was abandoned in the 1998 following the formation of the Mojave National Preserve by the California Desert Protection Act in 1994 and has slowly fallen into a state of decay. The mill site is currently classified as a Superfund Site by the Environmental Protection Agency which means that the site is known to contain hazardous waste which is improperly contained.
The mill was named Goldome, meaning “an abnormal growth of gold” out of an optimism as to the fortunes of those who invested in this venture. The construction of the site is very modern and industrial in appearance. All of the buildings are of metal construction and probably built during the late 1970s or early 1980s. All of the milling equipment, such as the trommel and sluice boxes appear to silently rest in state. This site was likely the mill site of choice for near by mines of its era, such as the Morning Start Mine
Establishment and Operations
The Goldome Mill was constructed in the late 1970s or early 1980s, during a period of renewed interest in gold mining driven by economic factors and technological advancements. The mill’s modern, industrial design featured metal buildings, a stark contrast to the wooden stamp mills of earlier eras, such as the Lost Horse Gold Mill in Twentynine Palms. The facility was equipped with advanced processing equipment, including an ore dump and grizzly, a long conveyor to a giant ball mill, froth flotation cells, filters, and large cyanidation tanks for gold extraction. A control panel with a mimic board in the mill office allowed operators to oversee the entire operation.
The milling process began with ore being fed into the grizzly, transported via conveyor to the ball mill for grinding, and then processed through froth flotation to separate gold-bearing minerals. The resulting slurry was treated in cyanidation tanks, where cyanide leached gold from the ore, a common method in modern gold mining despite its environmental risks. The mill’s capacity was significant, making it one of the largest and most advanced milling operations in the region, capable of processing large volumes of ore. However, specific production figures for the Goldome Mill are not well-documented, likely due to its short operational period.
The mill was operated by a company, likely a corporate entity such as those common in San Bernardino County’s mining landscape (e.g., Castle Mountain Venture or PAN American Minerals Inc.), though exact ownership details are scarce. The name “Goldome,” meaning “an abnormal growth of gold,” reflected the optimism of investors hoping to capitalize on the region’s mineral wealth. The mill processed ore from nearby gold claims in the New York Mountains, an area with a history of small-scale prospecting but limited large-scale success.
Environmental and Regulatory Challenges
The Goldome Mill’s operations were curtailed by environmental and regulatory factors. The establishment of the Mojave National Preserve in 1994 restricted mining activities, as new claims were prohibited, and existing operations faced increased scrutiny. By 1998, the mill was abandoned, likely due to a combination of declining ore quality, rising operational costs, and regulatory pressures. The site’s designation as a Superfund Site by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that it contains hazardous waste, likely from cyanide used in gold extraction, which was improperly contained. The presence of half-full cyanidation tanks and other hazardous materials has made the site a concern for environmental cleanup efforts.
The harsh Mojave Desert environment has also contributed to the site’s deterioration. While the metal structures remain intact, the mill has been heavily vandalized and looted, with graffiti and scattered debris marking the site. Explorers have noted hazards such as a large beehive in the main building, which has deterred some from fully investigating the interior. Despite these challenges, the mill’s open layout and intact equipment make it a compelling site for historians and urban explorers.
Decline and Abandonment
The Goldome Mill ceased operations by 1998, a mere two decades after its construction, reflecting the transient nature of modern mining ventures in the region. Several factors contributed to its closure. First, the quality of gold ore in the New York Mountains may have been insufficient to sustain large-scale milling, as many San Bernardino County mines struggled with low-grade deposits. Second, the economic viability of the operation was likely undermined by fluctuating gold prices and high maintenance costs for the sophisticated equipment. Finally, the creation of the Mojave National Preserve imposed strict regulations, limiting access to new claims and increasing environmental compliance costs.
After abandonment, the mill fell into disrepair, with its tunnels sealed but the milling operation left accessible. The site’s isolation and lack of fencing have made it vulnerable to vandalism, yet its robust construction has preserved much of the infrastructure, including the ball mill, flotation cells, and cyanidation tanks. The absence of gates or fences along the access road has allowed explorers to visit, though the EPA’s Superfund designation underscores the need for caution due to hazardous materials.
In 2017, political vandals posing as “street artists” decided on their own to deface the site as part of their environmental message and forever changed the face of this site. The mill at Goldmine is heavily vandalized and at the time of our visit during the riots following the murder of George Floyd gave the site an uneasy felling. It is not too far a reach to understand that they vandals who defaced this site could be burning our cities down.
During our visit to the site, a large swam of bees built a hive in the main building. This prevented me from entering and exploring further, however, I will return to do so, at some point.
Goldome Mill Map
Recently, I discovered that a youtube channel called Jessie’s Drone Adventures referenced our site in the video 10 ABANDONED Places in California….You should NEVER Explore! in Jessie video, Golddoom is referenced as number four on this list.
Additional Reading
Carrara Miner Newspaper
The Carrara Miner was a brief newspaper published in Carrara, Nevada, a small ghost town in Nye County located approximately nine miles south of Beatty. Published on July 11, 1929, the Carrara Miner emerged during a short-lived revival of mining activity in the area, specifically tied to the Gold Ace mine, following the decline of Carrara’s original marble quarrying industry. This report examines the historical context, establishment, purpose, and legacy of the Carrara Miner, highlighting its role as a fleeting effort to document and promote a renewed mining venture in a nearly abandoned town.
Historical Context
Carrara, Nevada, was established in 1913 by the American Carrara Marble Company to exploit marble deposits discovered in Carrara Canyon, named after the renowned marble-producing city in Italy. The town initially thrived, boasting a population of around 100–150 residents, a post office (May 24, 1913–September 15, 1924), a hotel, a store, a restaurant, and a newspaper called the Carrara Obelisk (published May 8, 1913–September 1916). The town’s economy centered on a large marble quarry, supported by a three-mile cable railway connecting the quarry to the Las Vegas & Tonopah Railroad and later a spur to the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad. However, by 1916, the quarry’s marble was found to be too fractured for large-scale use, leading to the cessation of operations. The Nevada-California Power Company cut off electricity in 1917, and the railroad discontinued service in 1918, leaving Carrara a ghost town with only remnants like concrete foundations and the town fountain.
In the late 1920s, a brief resurgence of interest in the Carrara area occurred due to gold discoveries at the nearby Gold Ace mine, northwest of the original townsite. This small gold rush attracted a few miners to the region, prompting the establishment of the Carrara Miner newspaper in 1929. Unlike the earlier Carrara Obelisk, which focused on the marble industry and community life, the Carrara Miner was tied to this new mining venture, aiming to promote the gold prospects and sustain interest in the area.
Establishment and Operations
The Carrara Miner is documented as having at least one issue published on July 11, 1929, though its full publication run is unclear due to limited archival records. Given the short-lived nature of the gold rush at the Gold Ace mine, it is likely that the newspaper ceased publication within a year or two. The Carrara Miner was likely a small-scale operation, typical of mining camp newspapers, produced with minimal resources and distributed locally to miners, prospectors, and nearby communities such as Beatty. Archival records at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Libraries confirm the existence of at least this single issue, suggesting a limited circulation.
The newspaper was probably printed using a basic press, possibly in Carrara or a nearby town like Beatty, and relied on local advertisements and subscriptions for funding. Its editorial content likely focused on promoting the Gold Ace mine, reporting on mining activities, and encouraging investment in the region. The Carrara Miner emerged during a period when most of Carrara’s original infrastructure, including the Carrara Obelisk newspaper, had already shut down, indicating it was a distinct effort to capitalize on the renewed mining activity rather than a continuation of the earlier publication.
Content and Community Role
The Carrara Miner served as a promotional tool for the Gold Ace mine and the surrounding mining efforts. Its content likely included reports on gold discoveries, updates on mining operations, and advertisements for mining-related services or local businesses. Given the transient nature of the 1929 gold rush, the newspaper may have also covered news from nearby mining camps, such as Arista, where most miners relocated during this period. The Carrara Miner aimed to foster optimism about the region’s economic revival, much like the Carrara Obelisk had done for the marble industry a decade earlier.
As a community newspaper, the Carrara Miner would have addressed the needs of a small, temporary population of miners and prospectors. Unlike the Carrara Obelisk, which documented a more established town with social events and infrastructure developments, the Carrara Miner operated in a context of decline, with Carrara largely abandoned and its population significantly reduced. The newspaper’s role was likely limited to boosting morale among the remaining miners and attracting external interest in the gold prospects, though its reach was constrained by the area’s isolation and economic challenges.
Decline and Closure
The Carrara Miner ceased publication shortly after its inception, likely within a year or two, as the gold rush at the Gold Ace mine failed to sustain long-term economic activity. The brief revival of mining in the late 1920s did not produce significant yields, and most miners moved to the nearby camp of Arista, further diminishing Carrara’s relevance. By the early 1930s, the area saw little activity, and the Carrara Miner could not survive without a stable community or consistent mining success. The failure of a proposed cement plant in the 1940s, intended to use crushed Carrara marble for white cement, further underscored the region’s inability to support industrial ventures, cementing Carrara’s status as a ghost town.
Archival evidence suggests that only one issue of the Carrara Miner (July 11, 1929) is preserved, indicating its limited run and impact. The newspaper’s closure reflects the broader economic and environmental challenges of sustaining mining operations in the remote Nye County desert, where fractured marble and inconsistent mineral deposits thwarted repeated attempts at development.
Legacy
The Carrara Miner represents a fleeting chapter in Carrara’s history, capturing a brief moment of renewed hope during the late 1920s gold rush. Unlike the Carrara Obelisk, which documented a more vibrant community, the Carrara Miner was a modest endeavor tied to a short-lived mining venture. Its single documented issue, preserved at UNLV Libraries, serves as a historical artifact of the transient gold rush and the challenges of reviving a ghost town. The newspaper’s legacy lies in its reflection of the cyclical boom-and-bust nature of Nevada’s mining towns, where optimism often gave way to economic realities.
Today, Carrara remains a ghost town, with only concrete foundations, the town fountain, and railroad grades as reminders of its past. The Carrara Miner, though obscure, contributes to the historical record of Nye County’s mining heritage, illustrating the persistent allure of mineral wealth in the American West, even in the face of repeated failures. Researchers interested in the Carrara Miner can consult microfilm collections at institutions like the Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records or UNLV Libraries, where historical Nevada newspapers are preserved.
Conclusion
The Carrara Miner newspaper, published on July 11, 1929, was a short-lived attempt to document and promote a gold rush at the Gold Ace mine in Carrara, Nevada. Emerging over a decade after the collapse of the town’s marble industry and the closure of the Carrara Obelisk, the Carrara Miner sought to revive interest in a nearly abandoned community. Its limited run reflects the transient nature of the 1929 gold rush and the broader challenges of sustaining economic activity in Nye County’s remote desert. Though little remains of the Carrara Miner beyond a single archived issue, it serves as a testament to the fleeting optimism of Nevada’s mining history and the enduring struggle to transform mineral discoveries into lasting prosperity.
Sources
- UNLV University Libraries: Nevada Newspapers by City.
- Nevada Expeditions: Carrara.
- Destination4x4: Carrara Nevada.
- Ghosttowns.com: Carrara.
- Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records: Microfilm Collection.