Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
The Times Review
The Tuscarora Times-Review was a significant publication in the small mining town of Tuscarora, Nevada, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Operating from 1887 to 1903, the newspaper served as a vital source of local, regional, and national news for a community centered around the silver and gold mining industry. This report explores the newspaper’s history, its role in the community, its publishers, and its legacy, drawing on available historical records.
Background and Establishment
The Tuscarora Times-Review was established in Tuscarora, Nevada, a town founded in 1867 after gold discoveries by brothers John and Steven Beard. The town’s name was inspired by a U.S. gunboat, itself named after the Tuscarora Indigenous people of North Carolina. A major silver strike in 1871 spurred the town’s growth, relocating it to its present site on the slopes of Mount Blitzen. By the 1880s, Tuscarora was a bustling mining community, necessitating a local newspaper to document its activities and connect residents with broader events.
The newspaper succeeded the Tuscarora Times and Mining Review (1883–1886) and began publication on January 3, 1887, under the editorship of O.L.C. Fairchild. It was published weekly, starting with volume 18, number 19, indicating continuity from its predecessor. The Times-Review ran until December 26, 1903, covering a 16-year period marked by the rise and decline of Tuscarora’s mining economy.
Publication Details
- Publication Period: January 3, 1887 – December 26, 1903
- Frequency: Weekly
- Volume Range: Vol. 18, no. 19 (Jan. 3, 1887) to Vol. 47, no. 35 (Dec. 26, 1903)
- Publishers:
- O.L.C. Fairchild (1887–unknown period)
- Bingham Bros. (June 15, 1887 – November 17, 1900)
- T.C. Plunkett & Son (November 20, 1900 – July 16, 1903)
- W.D. Plunkett (July 18, 1903 – December 26, 1903)
- Note on Errors: The newspaper was known to have frequent misnumbering of issues, a common issue in small-town publications of the era.
The Tuscarora Times-Review was a four-page newspaper, typical of frontier publications, featuring local news, mining reports, advertisements, and stories from the broader American West. Its rarity is noted, as newspapers west of the Mississippi before 1900 are scarce, making surviving issues valuable historical artifacts.
Role in the Community
The Tuscarora Times-Review played a crucial role in documenting life in Tuscarora during its mining boom. It covered topics such as:
- Mining Industry: Reports on silver and gold strikes, mine operations, and economic developments were central, reflecting the town’s primary industry. The newspaper’s proximity to the Tuscarora volcanic field, a hub for Eocene-era epithermal deposits, underscores its focus on mining news.
- Local Events: Social gatherings, community disputes, and daily life, including issues like “Trouble with Tramps,” were regular features.
- Wildlife and Environment: The newspaper occasionally reported on fish and game, reflecting the region’s natural resources and their importance to residents. References to these topics from 1884–1903 are preserved in the Fred Wright Collection at the University of Nevada, Reno.
- Advertisements: Local businesses, saloons, and services advertised in the paper, providing insight into the town’s economy and culture.
As one of the few communication channels in a remote area, the newspaper connected Tuscarora’s residents—miners, merchants, and families—to each other and the outside world. Its coverage of “cowboys, Indians, saloons, gold miners, and gunfights” captures the quintessential Old West atmosphere of the time.
Challenges and Decline
The Times-Review faced challenges typical of frontier newspapers, including limited resources, small staff, and reliance on a fluctuating local economy. The frequent change in publishers suggests financial or operational difficulties. By the early 1900s, Tuscarora’s mining industry began to wane, reducing the town’s population and economic vitality. This decline likely contributed to the newspaper’s cessation in 1903, as the community could no longer sustain a local publication.
Archival Preservation
Surviving issues of the Tuscarora Times-Review are held in various libraries and archives, as documented by the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America project. The newspaper is also referenced in the University of Nevada, Reno’s Special Collections, particularly for its wildlife-related content. Researchers can access these materials on-site, though some collections are restricted under state or federal law.
The Library of Congress provides a MARCXML record for the Times-Review, and Chronicling America offers digitized pages from 1756–1963, though not all issues may be available. The newspaper’s historical significance is enhanced by its inclusion in these collections, ensuring its availability for future study.
Legacy
The Tuscarora Times-Review remains a valuable primary source for understanding life in a late-19th-century Nevada mining town. Its reports offer insights into the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of Tuscarora, as well as the broader American West. The newspaper’s focus on mining aligns with the region’s geological significance, as evidenced by modern studies of the Tuscarora Au-Ag District.
Today, Tuscarora is a near-ghost town, with picturesque ruins and a functioning post office as remnants of its past. The Times-Review encapsulates the town’s vibrant history, preserving stories of a community shaped by the pursuit of precious metals. Its legacy endures through archival collections and the continued interest in Nevada’s mining heritage.
Conclusion
The Tuscarora Times-Review (1887–1903) was more than a local newspaper; it was a chronicle of a fleeting era in Tuscarora, Nevada. Through its pages, historians glimpse the triumphs and struggles of a mining community in the American West. Despite its short lifespan and operational challenges, the newspaper’s preserved issues remain a testament to the resilience and spirit of Tuscarora’s residents. As part of broader archival efforts, the Times-Review continues to inform and inspire research into Nevada’s rich historical tapestry.
Sources
- Chronicling America, Library of Congress
- Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
- University of Nevada, Reno, Special Collections Department
- ResearchGate, Tuscarora Au-Ag District
- Travel Nevada, Tuscarora History
North Pines Campground
North Pines Campground, nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley at 4,000 feet elevation, is one of three reservation-based campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, offering 81 single-family campsites. Open from April through October, it provides a slightly quieter alternative to the larger Upper Pines while maintaining close proximity to iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Situated along the Merced River and surrounded by towering pines, North Pines offers a balance of scenic beauty and accessibility, making it a favorite for campers seeking a central base in Yosemite Valley. However, its compact layout and high demand present challenges. This review details its setting, amenities, accessibility, and overall experience, complemented by a vivid description of the Yosemite Valley floor.
Description of Yosemite Valley Floor
Yosemite Valley, the stunning setting for North Pines Campground, is a glacial-carved masterpiece stretching approximately 7 miles long and 1 mile wide at 4,000 feet elevation. Encircled by dramatic granite cliffs, the valley floor is a breathtaking blend of natural wonders. The Merced River meanders through its center, its gentle flow reflecting the surrounding peaks and providing a serene backdrop to the campground. Iconic landmarks dominate the landscape: Half Dome’s sheer granite face rises prominently to the east, El Capitan’s massive monolith towers to the west, and Yosemite Falls, one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, cascades with peak flow in spring, visible from various vantage points.
The valley floor features a mix of lush Ponderosa pine, California black oak, and white fir forests alongside open meadows like Cooks Meadow, which burst with wildflowers in spring and early summer. These meadows attract wildlife such as mule deer, squirrels, and occasionally black bears, adding to the valley’s allure. Approximately 12 miles of paved bike paths and hiking trails crisscross the flat terrain, ideal for exploring by foot or bike. Landmarks like Glacier Point, reachable by a short drive, offer sweeping views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the Sierra Nevada. The valley’s beauty shifts with the light—golden hues bathe the cliffs at sunset, while morning mists create a mystical ambiance. Summer crowds, however, can congest trails and shuttle stops, particularly near Yosemite Village.
Campground Details
Location and Accessibility
North Pines Campground is located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near Curry Village (also known as Half Dome Village) and the Happy Isles trailhead, just across the Merced River from Upper and Lower Pines. Its prime location offers easy access to major trails like the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls and the Mirror Lake trail. The campground is reachable via Highway 41 from Fresno, Highway 140 from Merced, or Highway 120 from Manteca, with clear signage guiding visitors to Yosemite Valley. A free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance, connecting campers to key attractions like Yosemite Village, the visitor center, and trailheads, minimizing the need to drive.
The campground features paved roads and parking spurs, with five wheelchair-accessible sites (101, 104, 105, 108, and 109) equipped with extended-top picnic tables and nearby accessible restrooms. Check-in is required at the campground kiosk, with after-hours arrivals needing to complete registration the next morning to avoid cancellation.
Amenities
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (33”D x 45”W x 18”H). Flush toilets and drinking water are available throughout the campground, but there are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at individual sites. A free dump station is located near Upper Pines, a short walk or drive away. Showers and laundry facilities are accessible at Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp, approximately a 10–15-minute walk or short shuttle ride. Curry Village also offers a general store, restaurants, and an activities desk for groceries, dining, or booking guided tours.
Campsite Layout and Privacy
North Pines is organized into a single loop with sites nestled among Ponderosa pines and along the Merced River, creating a scenic but compact layout. The forested setting provides ample shade, but the close proximity of sites limits privacy. Riverfront sites (e.g., 101–110) are particularly sought after for their views and the calming sound of the river, though these book quickly. Some perimeter sites, like 123 or 144, offer slightly more seclusion. Campers often note the campground’s “cozy” feel, with one describing it as “intimate but crowded” (The Dyrt, 2021). Noise from neighboring sites or nearby Curry Village can disrupt the experience, especially during peak season.
RV and Tent Camping
North Pines accommodates tents, RVs up to 40 feet, and trailers up to 35 feet, though not all sites can handle maximum lengths, so checking site details on Recreation.gov is essential. Each site allows two vehicles (trailers excluded), with all wheels required to stay on paved surfaces. Generator use is restricted to 7–9 AM, 12–2 PM, and 5–7 PM to minimize noise. Overflow parking is available near Curry Village for additional vehicles.
Reservation and Cost
Reservations are required from April through October and are available up to five months in advance via Recreation.gov, opening on the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM PST. Sites cost $26–$36 per night, with double sites (7–12 people) at $36. Demand is fierce, especially in summer, with sites often booked within minutes. “You need to be online at exactly 7 AM or you’re out of luck,” warned a camper (Yelp, 2025). A waitlist is available in person at the campground office near Curry Village, with a few spots typically released daily due to cancellations. The campground closes from November to March, when Upper Pines becomes the primary valley campground.
Activities and Attractions
North Pines’ central location makes it a hub for outdoor adventures. Nearby trails include the easy 2-mile roundtrip to Mirror Lake, the strenuous 7-mile Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the challenging 14–16-mile Half Dome hike (permit required). The valley’s 12 miles of paved bike paths are perfect for car-free exploration, with bike rentals available at Curry Village. Rafting on the Merced River is popular in summer when water levels allow. Ranger-led programs, such as stargazing, campfire talks, and naturalist walks, are offered nearby, and Yosemite Village, a short shuttle ride away, houses a museum, art center, and visitor center. Curry Village provides a climbing school for those interested in Yosemite’s renowned rock climbing, and guided bus tours offer insights into the valley’s geology and history.
Wildlife and Safety
Yosemite Valley teems with wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and raccoons, requiring strict food storage protocols. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be stored in bear-proof lockers, not vehicles, to prevent bear encounters. “Bears visited our site twice in one night—lockers are a must!” reported a camper (Campendium, 2023). Rangers enforce compliance with citations for violations. Trash must be disposed of in bear-proof dumpsters, and recycling stations support the park’s zero-landfill initiative. The 4,000-foot elevation may affect those sensitive to altitude, and weather varies from warm summers (70–90°F) to chilly spring and fall nights (30–50°F). Check forecasts, as rain or early snow can occur in shoulder seasons.
Campground Map
Camper Feedback
Positives
- Location: Campers praise North Pines’ proximity to trails and attractions. “You’re a short walk from Mirror Lake and the Mist Trail—perfect!” (Hipcamp, May 2025).
- Scenery: The Merced River and views of Half Dome and El Capitan are standout features. “Riverfront sites are pure magic at sunrise,” noted a reviewer (The Dyrt, 2021).
- Amenities: Flush toilets and drinking water are generally well-maintained. “Bathrooms were clean, and the water stations were reliable,” said a camper (Yelp, 2025). Access to showers and stores at Curry Village is a plus.
- Staff: Rangers and camp hosts are attentive, quickly addressing issues like noise or wildlife concerns. “The staff was super helpful when we had a bear locker issue,” shared a camper (PerfectCamp, April 2025).
Negatives
- Crowding and Noise: The compact layout means limited privacy. “Sites are so close you can hear your neighbor’s conversations,” complained a camper (The Dyrt, 2020). Noise from Curry Village or groups can disrupt quiet hours (10 PM–6 AM).
- Bathroom Maintenance: While generally clean, peak-season crowds can strain facilities. “Restrooms got dirty by midweek,” noted a reviewer (Campendium, 2023).
- Reservations: Booking is highly competitive. “It took three months of checking daily to get a site,” said a camper (Tripadvisor, 2024). Cancellations on Recreation.gov are a camper’s best bet.
- Bear Activity: Frequent bear sightings require constant vigilance. “A bear was sniffing around at midnight—scary but manageable with lockers,” reported a camper (The Dyrt, 2021).
Tips for Campers
- Book Early: Reserve exactly five months in advance at 7:00 AM PST on Recreation.gov. Check daily for cancellations if you miss the initial window.
- Choose River Sites: Sites 101–110 along the Merced River offer scenic views and slightly more space. Verify site dimensions for RV or trailer compatibility.
- Bring Bikes: Bikes are ideal for navigating the valley’s paved paths. “Biking made exploring so easy and fun,” said a reviewer (Tripadvisor, 2025).
- Bear Safety: Store all scented items in bear lockers and consider a padlock for added security. Never leave food unattended.
- Plan for Crowds: Visit in April or October for fewer crowds and vibrant scenery (spring waterfalls or fall colors). Early mornings offer quieter trails.
- Weather Prep: Pack for variable weather, including rain gear and warm layers for cool nights, especially in spring or fall.
Overall Experience
North Pines Campground is a gem for campers prioritizing location and scenery over solitude. Its setting along the Merced River, with views of Half Dome and El Capitan, immerses visitors in Yosemite Valley’s iconic beauty. The campground’s proximity to trails, bike paths, and shuttle stops makes it a convenient base for exploring the park’s wonders. However, its small size and dense layout result in limited privacy and a communal atmosphere, with noise and crowds as common drawbacks. With careful planning—early reservations, riverfront site selection, and strict adherence to bear safety protocols—North Pines offers an unforgettable Yosemite experience. “The valley’s grandeur makes every inconvenience fade away,” summed up a camper (The Dyrt, 2021).
Sources: Recreation.gov, Yosemite.com, NPS.gov, The Dyrt, Yelp, Tripadvisor, Hipcamp, Campendium, PerfectCamp, CampsitePhotos.com
Ward Charcoal Ovens
The Ward Charcoal Ovens, located in the Ward Mining District of White Pine County, Nevada, approximately 11 miles south of Ely, are a remarkably preserved set of six beehive-shaped stone kilns built in 1876 to produce charcoal for the region’s silver smelting industry. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, these ovens represent a critical component of Nevada’s 19th-century mining boom and remain a significant historical and cultural landmark.
Background and Construction (1872–1876)
The Ward Mining District was established in 1872 following the discovery of silver by prospectors, leading to the founding of the town of Ward, named after prospector William Ward. By 1875, the district’s silver mines, including the Paymaster and Martin White mines, required substantial charcoal to fuel smelting furnaces, as wood alone was insufficient for the high temperatures needed to process ore. In 1876, the Martin White Company, a San Francisco-based firm, constructed six conical charcoal ovens in Willow Creek Canyon, seven miles south of Ward, to meet this demand. Designed by Italian masons (likely Swiss-Italian stonemasons from nearby communities), the ovens were built using locally quarried tuff, a lightweight volcanic rock, bonded with lime mortar.
Each oven stands 30 feet tall and 27 feet in diameter at the base, with walls 2 feet thick at the bottom, tapering to 1 foot at the top. The beehive shape, a common design for 19th-century charcoal kilns, maximized heat retention and airflow. Each oven featured a large arched doorway at the base for loading wood and unloading charcoal, a smaller upper door for air regulation, and internal iron rods for structural support. The ovens were strategically placed near pinyon pine and juniper forests, which provided the necessary timber, and close to Willow Creek for water access during construction.
Operation and Peak Use (1876–1880)
The Ward Charcoal Ovens operated primarily from 1876 to 1880, during the height of Ward’s silver mining boom. The charcoal production process involved loading each oven with 35 cords of wood (approximately 4,480 cubic feet), sealing the door with brick and mortar, and igniting the wood through the upper vent. Controlled burning over 12 to 14 days reduced the wood to charcoal, which was then cooled, removed, and transported by mule to Ward’s smelters. Each oven could produce up to 1,750 bushels of charcoal per cycle, with the six ovens collectively supporting the smelting of millions of dollars’ worth of silver ore.
At its peak in 1877, Ward was Nevada’s largest town, with a population of 1,500, boasting a post office, hotels, saloons, stores, a Wells Fargo office, and the White Pine News. The ovens were central to this prosperity, enabling the Martin White Company’s smelter to process ore efficiently. The district produced approximately $4 million in silver (about $120 million in 2025 dollars) during its active years, with the ovens playing a critical role in sustaining the smelting industry.
Decline and Abandonment (1880–1900)
By 1880, Ward’s silver deposits began to deplete, and the completion of the Nevada Northern Railway in 1906 shifted mining focus to copper in nearby Ely, diminishing the need for charcoal. The ovens fell into disuse as smelters adopted coke (derived from coal) and other fuels, which were more cost-effective and accessible via rail. By the late 1880s, Ward’s population had plummeted, and the town was largely abandoned by 1900. The ovens, no longer needed, stood idle but were remarkably preserved due to their remote location and sturdy construction.
During their post-mining years, the ovens served various secondary purposes. Local lore describes them as shelters for prospectors, hideouts for stagecoach bandits, and gathering spots for social events like dances. One tale recounts a family living in an oven during a harsh winter, surviving by burning fires inside. These uses, while anecdotal, highlight the ovens’ enduring presence in the landscape.
Connection to Nevada Northern Railway
Although the Ward Charcoal Ovens predate the Nevada Northern Railway (completed in 1906 under Mark Requa’s leadership, as noted in prior conversation), their operation was indirectly tied to the broader mining economy that the railway later supported. The railway’s Ore Line, connecting Ely to Ruth and McGill, facilitated the transport of copper and other minerals, marking a shift from silver to copper as White Pine County’s economic driver. While the ovens were no longer active by the time the railway was built, their legacy as part of the region’s mining infrastructure complements the railway’s role in sustaining White Pine County’s mining heritage.
Preservation and Modern Significance (1971–Present)
In 1956, local residents advocated for the ovens’ preservation, leading to their designation as a Nevada State Historic Site in 1969 and inclusion in Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park in 1994. The ovens were listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 28, 1978, for their significance in Nevada’s mining and industrial history. Restoration efforts in 1971 and the 1990s repaired mortar and stabilized the structures, ensuring their longevity. The Nevada Division of State Parks has maintained the site, adding interpretive signs, a picnic area, and restrooms to enhance visitor access.
Today, the ovens are a popular destination, located 11 miles south of Ely via U.S. Highway 93 and a graded gravel road (at coordinates 39°02’05.8″N, 114°50’52.8″W). Their picturesque setting in Willow Creek Canyon, near Great Basin National Park, attracts tourists, historians, and photographers. The ovens’ excellent condition—owing to the arid climate and durable tuff construction—makes them a rare surviving example of 19th-century charcoal kilns, often compared to similar structures in Death Valley and Utah.
Conclusion
The Ward Charcoal Ovens stand as a testament to White Pine County’s silver mining boom and the technological ingenuity of the 1870s. Built to fuel Ward’s smelters, they supported a vibrant community that briefly rivaled Nevada’s largest towns. Their decline mirrored the region’s shift to copper mining, facilitated by infrastructure like the Nevada Northern Railway. Preserved as a state historic park and National Register site, the ovens offer a tangible link to Nevada’s mining past, drawing visitors to explore their unique architecture and historical significance.
Nevada State Historic Marker 184
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.
Most of the markers across the state are large blue metal markers. However, there are a variety of other marker styles out there. For this guide they have been simplified into a few categories (blue, blue small, concrete, and stone). Sometimes, the markers are on buildings, fences, or metal stands.
These ovens were constructed during the mid 1870’s and are larger and of finer construction than most other ovens found in Nevada. They are 27 feet in diameter and 30 feet high with a capacity of about 35 cords of wood which was burned for a period of 12 days to produce about 50 bushels of good solid charcoal per cord.
The charcoal was used in the smelters at nearby Ward, about 30 to 50 bushels being required to reduce one ton of ore.
Each filling of one of these ovens required the total tree crop from 5 or 6 acres of land. During the late 1870’s the hills and mountains around many mining camps were completely stripped of all timber for a radius of up to 35 miles.
As railroads penetrated the west charcoal was replaced by coke made from coal, and the charcoal industry faded.
“The real worth of the old charcoal ovens is their historical function in reminding present day Americans of a now-vanished industry, without which the great silver and lead bonanzas of the early west could not have been harvested.” Nell Murbarger.
STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 184
NEVADA STATE PARK SYSTEM
Nevada State Historic Marker 184 Map
Nevada State Historic Marker Summary
| Name | Ward Charcoal Ovens |
| Location | White Pine County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.0369, -114.8463 |
| Nevada State Historic Marker | 184 |
Sources
- Nevada State Historical Marker No. 96, Ward Charcoal Ovens, Nevada Division of State Parks.
- Nevada Ghost Towns & Mining Camps by Stanley W. Paher (Nevada Publications, 1970).
- Romancing Nevada’s Past: Ghost Towns and Historic Sites of Eureka, Lander, and White Pine Counties by Shawn Hall (University of Nevada Press, 1994).
- National Register of Historic Places, Ward Charcoal Ovens, NRIS #78001724.
- Nevada State Parks, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, parks.nv.gov.
- Roadside History of Nevada by Richard Moreno.
- Western Mining History, Ward, Nevada.
Asa Merton Russell “Panamint Russ”
Asa Russell, also known as “Panamint Russ”, was a prospector and mine owner is the Butte Valley Area of Death Valley National Park, California.
Russell started his mining career in the 1930 working in the Butte Valley area of the Panamint Mountains. The miner found gold high up the side of old Manly and began mining operation. Asa Merton Russell first established a camp, known as “Russell’s Camp” for his mining operations and registered several claims in the area from 1933 to 1947. Russell developed the springs nearby into a water source to supply the camp with drinking water, irrigation for trees and even vines of Concord Grapes. A five hundred gallon water tank is added to the system in the late 1950’s or 1960’s
The concord grapes are doing well, too. Twenty-five years ago coming through Riverside, California, I stopped at a nursery and bought a half dozen bare-root size, wrapped them in a newspaper, laid them on the running board with a wet gunny sack and today they are 20 feet of beauty.
Life on the Desert – by Panamint Russ – Desert Magazine, April, 1955
Asa Merton Russell retired from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in May of 1960. This event probably coincided with the previously mentioned 500-gallon water tank and water system expansion. Upon his retirement, Russ moved full time to his “Russell’s Camp” located on the site of the Ten Spot Mill. The miner operated his “Lucky Strike” mine from 1930 to 1974.
References
Cherry Creek Nevada – Nevada State Historic Monument
The Cherry Creek area, located in northern White Pine County, Nevada, has a rich history tied to its mineral wealth and strategic location in the Steptoe Valley. Native Americans mined gold in nearby Egan Canyon as early as 1850, marking the region as one of Nevada’s oldest mining areas. In 1859, Major Howard Egan established a stage station in Egan Canyon for Woodward and Chorpenning’s California Mail Company. By 1860, the Pony Express used this station as a change point, and from 1861 to 1869, it served as an Overland Stage station. In 1863, soldiers from Fort Ruby discovered gold in Egan Canyon, leading to the formation of the Gold Canyon Mining District. By 1864, a five-stamp mill—the first in eastern Nevada—was built to process ore, and a small mining camp emerged.
Founding and First Boom (1872–1875)
Cherry Creek was officially founded on September 21, 1872, when prospectors Peter Corning and John Carpenter staked the Tea Cup claims, rich in gold and silver, at the mouth of Cherry Creek Canyon. The ore was assayed at over $6,000 per ton, sparking a rush of prospectors from the nearby White Pine district. By spring 1873, the town had a population of about 400, with a livery stable, blacksmith shop, a $2,000 hotel, boarding houses, restaurants, and over 20 saloons. Wells Fargo opened a station, and a post office began operating on June 11, 1873. The Thompson mill, with five stamps and a 25-ton capacity, was erected at the Tea Cup mine, and the Flagstaff mill soon followed. At its peak, the town may have had up to 6,000 residents, though estimates vary. However, by early 1874, the initial mineral claims began to play out, and by 1875, most mines and mills had closed, leading to a sharp decline in population and economic activity.
Second Boom and Peak Prosperity (1880–1883)
In 1880, new gold and silver discoveries revitalized Cherry Creek, triggering its most prosperous period. By the end of 1881, major mines like the Tea Cup and Star each employed over 200 workers, and Cherry Creek became the largest voting precinct in White Pine County. In 1882, the population reportedly reached 7,800, with 6,000 being transient mine workers. The town boasted 28 saloons, five mercantile stores, two clothing stores, a drug store, and a stagecoach route to Toano in Elko County. One mine alone produced over $1 million in gold bullion. Fraternal organizations, including the Odd Fellows (1880) and Masons (1882), established lodges, reflecting the town’s growth. However, the financial crash of 1883 halted operations, and a fire at the Star Mine in 1884, followed by another devastating fire in 1888 that destroyed much of the business district, deepened the decline. By 1890, only about 350 residents remained.
Revivals and Declines (1897–1940s)
Cherry Creek experienced several revivals. In 1897, renewed mining activity brought a modest boom that lasted into the early 1900s. In 1905, the Tea Cup (renamed Biscuit), Exchequer, and Star mines reopened, and the Nevada Northern Railway extended to Cherry Creek in 1906, boosting the population to around 450. However, this revival faded by 1910. Further activity occurred from 1917 to 1923, with a 100-ton flotation mill built in 1919, and from 1924 to 1940, when mines were intermittently active. Total production for the district from 1872 to the 1940s is estimated at $15–20 million, with significant output of gold, silver, and later tungsten. During World War II, mining slowed, and the town gradually declined.
Modern Era (Post-1940s)
Since the 1940s, Cherry Creek’s population has dwindled, with only 72 residents recorded in the 2010 census. The Barrel Saloon, the last operating business, closed in July 2010. Despite this, Cherry Creek remains a living community, not a true ghost town, with a small year-round population. Historic structures, including the 1872 schoolhouse (now a museum open by appointment), the post office building, and several cemeteries with wooden and marble tombstones, still stand alongside modern homes. A log cabin labeled “Jail” near the cemeteries adds to the town’s historic charm. The Cherry Creek Mining District continues to see occasional activity by leaseholders, and the town’s well-preserved remnants make it a prime destination for those exploring Nevada’s mining heritage. Visitors are urged to respect private property and avoid trespassing.
Nevada State History Marker 52
Cherry Creek
The town of Cherry Creek before you was part of a network of mining districts that operated in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including the Gold Canyon district in Egan Canyon, five miles to the south.
Peter Corning and John Carpenter helped start the town of Cherry Creek when they staked the Tea Cup gold claim in 1872, resulting in a boom and the development of a town. At the town’s peak in 1882, it boasted a population of over 1,800. While production fluctuated, Cherry Creek continued to produce gold and silver ore into the 1940s.
Egan Canyon to the south was part of the 1855 route established by Howard Egan and the Mormon Battalion, and surveyed for use in 1859 by the U.S. Army. By 1860, the Pony Express placed a change station at the west opening of the canyon. Between 1861 and 1869, Butterfield’s Overland Mail and Stage established a station here that grew into a small temporary town.
In 1863, soldiers from Fort Ruby discovered gold in the canyon, leading to the creation of the town of Egan and a mining district. By 1865 there were three stamp mills in Egan processing ore from the district. Like Cherry Creek, to the north, Egan boomed and busted into the 1920s before mining ceased.
STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 52
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
WHITE PINE PUBLIC MUSEUM INC.
Nevada State Historic Marker 52 Map
Summary
| Name | Cherry Creek |
| Location | White Pine County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.9008, -114.8851 |
| Nevada State Historic Marker | 52 |
Legacy
Cherry Creek exemplifies Nevada’s cyclical mining history, with its dramatic booms and busts driven by gold and silver discoveries. Its strategic location near Egan Canyon’s transportation routes and its enduring historic structures, such as the museum and cemeteries, preserve its legacy as one of White Pine County’s most significant mining towns. The town’s story is one of resilience, with periods of prosperity and decline shaping a community that remains a vital link to Nevada’s Old West past. For more information, visit the Cherry Creek Museum (775-289-3720) or http://www.greatbasinheritage.org/cherry-creek-nevada.