Big Bear, CA
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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
Onion Valley Campground – Inyo National Forest
Onion Valley Campground is a scenic, high-elevation campground in the Inyo National Forest, located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near Independence, California.
At approximately 9,200 feet (about 2,800 meters) in elevation, it offers a pristine alpine setting tucked near the end of Onion Valley Road. The campground sits alongside a creek (Independence Creek), surrounded by lodgepole pines, aspens, rugged granite peaks, wildflower meadows in early summer, and nearby waterfalls.
Its proximity to the John Muir Wilderness and the Kearsarge Pass Trailhead (just ¼ mile away) makes it a popular basecamp for backpackers, hikers, and those seeking solitude in one of California’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. The campground typically operates from mid-May to mid-October, depending on snow conditions.
Detailed Amenities
Onion Valley Campground has 29–30 single-family campsites (some sources list slight variations), which are generally private with scenic views. Key amenities include:
- Campsites: Picnic tables and fire rings/grills at each site. Sites can accommodate tents and smaller RVs/trailers (up to about 25–30 feet).
- Bear Safety: Mandatory bear-proof food storage lockers at every site due to high bear activity. Bear-proof trash receptacles are also provided.
- Restrooms: Vault toilets (no flush toilets or showers).
- Water: Potable water is available in some descriptions, though official Forest Service info often notes it may not be (confirm current status when reserving).
- Firewood: Available for sale in the campground.
- Other: No hookups, no dump station, no cell service. Campsites are primitive but well-maintained.
Reservations are recommended and can be made through Recreation.gov, especially during peak summer months.
Activities
The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts:
- Hiking & Backpacking — Primary draw. The Kearsarge Pass Trail leads into the John Muir Wilderness and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. Popular destinations include Robinson Lake, Gilbert Lake, Flower Lake, and beyond to Kings Canyon/Sequoia areas. Day hikes and multi-day trips are common.
- Fishing — Excellent trout fishing (rainbow, brown, brook, and others) in nearby Independence Creek, Robinson Lake, and other alpine lakes.
- Wildlife Viewing & Photography — Stunning mountain scenery, wildflowers, waterfalls, and dark skies for stargazing.
- Horseback Riding — Equestrian-friendly trails in the area.
- Other — Nature viewing, relaxing by the creek, mountain biking (on select routes), and exploring the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape.
Wildlife in the Area
The high Sierra environment supports diverse wildlife. Campers should practice proper food storage and bear awareness.
- Mammals: Black bears (frequent visitors—use lockers!), mule deer, mountain lions (rarely seen), pine martens, and pikas (cute, rabbit-like animals common in rocky talus slopes).
- Birds: Various species typical of alpine and subalpine forests.
- Fish: Trout in streams and lakes.
- Other: Occasional smaller mammals and reptiles; wildflowers attract pollinators in summer.
Tips: Bring layers for cool nights even in summer, prepare for afternoon thunderstorms, and follow Leave No Trace principles. The drive up Onion Valley Road is steep and winding but offers beautiful views.
This campground provides a peaceful, immersive high-country experience perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Always check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions, fees, and alerts before your trip.
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”
Grays Meadows Campground
Grays Meadows Campground (often referred to as part of the Grays Meadows complex) is a scenic campground in Inyo National Forest, located in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.
It sits at an elevation of about 6,100 feet along Independence Creek, roughly 6 miles west of the small town of Independence, California. The campground offers a beautiful mix of sunny and shaded sites in a high-desert landscape dominated by oak groves, with the dramatic peaks of Mt. Williamson and Mt. Whitney (the highest in the contiguous U.S.) providing stunning backdrops.
Lower Grays Meadows features 52 campsites (the overall Grays Meadows complex includes an adjacent Upper section with additional sites). It is popular with hikers, anglers, and those seeking a peaceful base for exploring the nearby John Muir Wilderness. The campground typically operates seasonally from late April through mid-October, though dates can vary with weather.
Amenities
- Campsites: Individual sites with picnic tables, fire rings/grills, and bear-proof food storage lockers (essential due to frequent bear activity).
- Restrooms: Vault toilets (generally kept clean by camp hosts).
- Water: Potable water available seasonally (confirm current status before visiting).
- Other: Camp hosts on-site, firewood for purchase, and parking for vehicles (most sites accommodate smaller RVs or trailers up to about 40 feet; not ideal for large RVs). No showers, hookups, or dump stations.
- Pets are allowed (two per site, must be leashed).
- Some sites are reservable via Recreation.gov; others may be first-come, first-served.
Activities
- Fishing — Independence Creek is regularly stocked with trophy-size rainbow trout. The early trout season (starting in March) is a big draw.
- Hiking & Backpacking — Excellent access to trails into the John Muir Wilderness. The challenging Shepherd Pass Trail (leading to alpine lakes and high peaks) is nearby. Other options include day hikes and longer backpacking trips.
- Wildlife Viewing & Nature Appreciation — Abundant opportunities to observe local animals and birds.
- Other — Picnicking, photography, mountain biking (on certain roads/trails), and relaxing by the creek. In spring, it can serve as a base for skiers and snowboarders accessing higher terrain.
Wildlife in the Area
The eastern Sierra location supports diverse wildlife:
- Mammals — Black bears (common; proper food storage is mandatory), mule deer, mountain lions, pine marten, and pika.
- Birds — Numerous species typical of the Sierra Nevada and high-desert transition zone.
- Fish — Rainbow trout in Independence Creek, plus other native and stocked species.
- Other — Occasional sightings of smaller mammals and reptiles. Raccoons are also reported by campers.
Bear safety is emphasized: always use provided lockers, keep a clean camp, and never leave food unattended.
This campground is ideal for those who enjoy a semi-primitive experience with easy access to town (Independence is about 15 minutes away) while being immersed in dramatic mountain scenery. Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months. Always check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions, fire restrictions, and availability.
Hot Creek Geologic Site
Hot Creek Geologic Site is located near Mammoth, Lake just off the 395 Highway in Mono County, California. The stream originates from Twin Lakes in Mammoth and continues on to Lake Crowley. The site is located near and a beautiful cold water stream which is located over a geothermal vent. Warm water is heated from a magma chamber located about three miles below the earths surface and bubbles up into the steam warming the water.
The Hot Creek does offer excellent fishing opportunities and popular among fly fisherman. Fishing used to be limited to barbless hooks.
No Swimming
The stream is now closed to swimming becuase “Earthquakes can cause sudden geyser eruptions and overnight appearances of new hot springs at Hot Creek. Water temperatures can change rapidly, and so entering the water is prohibited. ” Reports of hot water geysers up to 6 feet tall in 2006 and rapidly fluctuating temperatures apparently caused the closure of the stream to swimming.
My grandfather used to point out that some hot water vents where not in the same locations as when he was a child. Perhaps, within my life the hot springs area has become too dangerous to swim.
J Rathbun
As a child and young adult, the stream was open to swimming and my family did this routinely on almost every trip. I recall active conversations about the possibility of an geyser eruption which would kill us and we understood the risk of swimming. However, we also understood the possibility of an such an event was very remote when one considers the geologic time tables. My grandfather used to point out that some hot water vents where not in the same locations as when he was a child. Perhaps, within my life, the area has become too dangerous to swim.
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