Tuscarora Nevada

Tuscarora, Nevada, is a small unincorporated community in Elko County, nestled at the base of Mount Blitzen on the eastern slope of the Tuscarora Mountains, approximately 50 miles northwest of Elko. Once a bustling mining town with a population exceeding 3,000, it is now a near-ghost town with about 120 residents, known for its historical significance and the internationally renowned Tuscarora Pottery School. The town’s history is a vivid tale of gold and silver booms, cultural diversity, and resilience, shaped by prospectors, Chinese laborers, and modern-day artists.

Origins and Gold Discovery (1867–1871)

Tuscarora’s story began in 1867 when a Shoshone Indian revealed the presence of gold to a trader along the Humboldt River. The trader shared this information with brothers John and Steven Beard, who, along with six other prospectors from Austin, Nevada, ventured to the west side of Independence Valley. By July 1867, they organized a mining district and named it Tuscarora after the USS Tuscarora, a Union warship on which one miner, Charles M. Benson, had served during the Civil War. The name also reflects the Tuscarora people, an Iroquoian Native American tribe originally from North Carolina.

The initial camp formed on McCann Creek, about two miles southwest of the present townsite, where placer mining yielded approximately $12 per miner per day. As news spread, nearly 300 miners rushed from Austin, prompting the construction of a four-room adobe fort for protection against potential Native American raids. In 1868, a four-stamp mill was relocated from Austin, but it proved inefficient. By 1869, the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad left many Chinese laborers unemployed, and over 100 of them arrived in Tuscarora, taking over abandoned placer claims on Beard Hill. By 1870, the census recorded 105 Chinese residents compared to 15 whites, highlighting the significant Chinese presence.

Silver Boom and Town Development (1871–1884)

In 1871, W.O. Weed discovered rich silver lodes on the east side of Mount Blitzen, two miles northeast of the Beard claims, shifting the focus from gold to silver. These discoveries, including the Mount Blitzen silver veins, led to the platting of the current Tuscarora townsite below the new finds. The original McCann Creek site became known as “Old Town,” primarily worked by Chinese miners, while Euro-American miners developed the new silver mines. The Tuscarora Mining District boomed between 1872 and 1884, producing an estimated $10 million to $40 million in silver and gold.

Photograph of Grand Prize Mill, Tuscarora, Nevada, 1891 - Elbert Edwards Photo Collection - University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries
Photograph of Grand Prize Mill, Tuscarora, Nevada, 1891 – Elbert Edwards Photo Collection – University of Nevada, Las Vegas University Libraries

By 1877, Tuscarora’s population swelled to 3,000–4,000, including several hundred Chinese residents. The town boasted a vibrant infrastructure with saloons, restaurants, general stores, a post office (established in 1871), two newspapers (the Tuscarora Times and Review, which merged into the Times-Review in 1878), Methodist and Catholic churches, a public school, and fraternal lodges like the Masons and Odd Fellows. Six mills with 80 stamps processed ore from major mines such as the Grand Prize, Navajo, Independence, and Argenta. The Grand Prize alone yielded over $1.39 million in its first year.

The Chinese community, concentrated in “Chinatown” along McCann Creek, operated placer mines, sold goods like tea and silks, and ran opium dens, gambling houses, and a richly decorated joss house. Chinese laborers also constructed two ditches to bring water from Six Mile Canyon and upper McCann Creek, ensuring a reliable water supply. The Tuscarora Water Company, formed in 1877, further improved water access, reducing fire risks. Toll roads connected Tuscarora to railheads in Elko, Carlin, Battle Mountain, and Winnemucca, with over 200 oxen hauling freight wagons. The 52-mile route to Elko was bustling with stagecoaches and freight, costing 2–3 cents per pound.

At its peak, Tuscarora was a cultural hub with Plunkett’s Hall hosting dances, plays, and operas on a tilting floor that could transform into an amphitheater. Social events included Fourth of July celebrations with shooting matches, baseball games, and parades led by the Tuscarora Guard. The town had progressive elements, including a polytechnic institute, skating rinks, a ballet school, and an elocution teacher. However, violence was common, with Cornish miners (“Cousin Jacks”) known for knife fights and claim-jumping disputes, such as the 1908 fatal shooting of Edward Fannoff by Joseph McGowan over a mining claim.

Decline and Bust (1885–1917)

The boom began to fade in the early 1880s as silver production declined. By 1881, Grand Prize stock plummeted from $940 to 5 cents per share. Production fell below $50,000 annually by 1895, and many mines, including the Young America, closed in the early 1890s. The 1880 census recorded 1,400 Americans in Tuscarora, with ten mines and three mills still operating, but new discoveries elsewhere drew miners away. By 1908, the Tuscarora News suspended publication as residents left for a strike at Gold Circle. In 1917, most mining equipment was sold for scrap, marking the end of major operations.

Revival Attempts and Modern Era (1987–Present)

Tuscarora remained dormant until 1987, when Fischer-Watt and Horizon reopened the Dexter Mine using open-pit methods. This operation, located south of town, threatened Tuscarora’s historic structures, but resident resistance and the mine’s unprofitability halted it by the early 1990s. Total production from 1867 to 1990 included over 500,000 ounces of gold and 7,632,000 ounces of silver.

In 1966, Dennis and Julie Parks moved to Tuscarora, establishing the Tuscarora Pottery School in a historic two-story hotel. The school, now led by Ben Parks, gained international fame, offering summer workshops that attract artists worldwide. The Friends of Tuscarora and Independence Valley, formed in the 1990s, restored the Tuscarora Society Hall, completed in 2013, as a community center and historical exhibit.

Today, Tuscarora has about 120 residents, a post office, a bar and grill, two schools, and a library branch. Visitors can explore picturesque ruins, the historic cemetery, and mine remnants, though caution is advised. The town’s high desert setting, surrounded by sagebrush, aspen, and public lands, offers hiking, biking, and a swimming hole. Tuscarora’s resilience is evident in its survival through busts, modern mining threats, and environmental challenges like Mormon cricket invasions.

Legacy

Tuscarora’s history reflects the boom-and-bust cycle of Nevada’s mining towns, enriched by its diverse population and cultural contributions. From its Shoshone origins to its silver-fueled heyday and artistic revival, Tuscarora remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. Its cemetery, with wooden markers and restored headstones, and the Pottery School stand as reminders of a town that, as locals say, “never died.”

Nevada State Historic Marker No 48

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.

Tuscarora

This colorful historic camp originated with an 1867 discovery of placer gold by John and Steve Beard.  In 1871, W.O. Weed discovered the rich Mount Blitzen silver lodes, two miles northeast of the Beard claims.  These and other mines made up the Tuscarora Mining District, which experienced its boom between 1872 and 1884 and ultimately produced between $10 million and $40 million.  

At its peak, Tuscarora boasted a population of over 3,000, which included several hundred Chinese.  The Chinese mostly conducted placer mining at the Beard discovery site, later called Old Town while the main camp developed at the present location of Tuscarora, platted in 1871.  Toll roads, crowded with stage coaches and long strings of heavy freight wagons, serviced the camp from railheads at Elko, Carlin, Battle Mountain and Winnemucca.  Tuscarora residents shifted their work between mining gold and silver, and ranching in Independence Valley.

By 1895, Tuscarora’s production had diminished greatly from its boom days to below $50,000 annually.  The camp struggled until 1917, when most of the mining equipment was sold for scrap.  This ended operations at Tuscarora until 1987, when Fischer-Watt and Horizon re-opened the Dexter Mine.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 48

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

NORTHEASTERN NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Nevada State Historic Marker No 48 Map

Summary

NameTuscarora, Nevada
LocationElko County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude41.2805, -116.1138
Nevada State Historic Marker 48

Sources

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.

In 1907, the settlement of Midas, was called Gold Circle, because the mining area encircled the camp. - Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970)
In 1907, the settlement of Midas, was called Gold Circle, because the mining area encircled the camp. – Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970)

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.

Midas, 1908 - Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North,
Midas, 1908 – Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North,

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

NameMidas, Nevada
Also Known As Rosebud, Gold Circle
LocationElko County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude41.2440709, -116.7967729
GNIS845906
Elevation1750 meters / 5742 feet
Post Office1908 – 1942
Population2000
NewspaperGold Circle Miner (The) Apr 11, 1908
Gold Circle News June 20 – Sept 26, 1908
Gold Circle Porcupine May 20, 1914

Midas Town Map

References

Jarbidge Nevada

Jawbidge, Nevada is a small town located in the northeastern part of the Nevada in Elko County. The discovery of gold and silver in the region brought an influx of miners and prospectors to the area, and Jawbidge quickly became a center of mining activity. “Jarbidge” is a name derived from the Shoshone language meaning “devil”. Native American Tribes believed the nearby hills were haunted.

Jarbidge, Nevada
Jarbidge, Nevada

Jarbidge, Nevada is a small town located in the northeastern part of the state with a rich mining history. The discovery of gold and silver in the region brought an influx of miners and prospectors to the area, and Jarbidge quickly became a center of mining activity.

The first miners in the area were individual prospectors who panned for gold along the Jawbidge River and its tributaries. The early miners found small deposits of gold, but it was not until the 1870s that larger deposits were discovered. These deposits were located in the hills and mountains surrounding the town.

In 1874, a group of miners discovered a rich vein of silver in the nearby Jarbidge Mountains. The discovery sparked a mining rush, and thousands of miners flocked to the area. The miners established camps and small settlements along the rivers and streams that ran through the region. The Jarbidge River, which runs through the town, was a particularly rich source of gold and silver.

The mining industry in Jawbidge was characterized by a boom-and-bust cycle. In the early days, the mining was done using simple tools like pickaxes and shovels. The miners worked long hours in dangerous conditions, and many of them died from accidents or from diseases like silicosis. Despite the dangers, the lure of gold and silver kept the miners coming.

In the 1880s, the mining industry in Jarbidge underwent a period of rapid expansion. New mines were opened, and new technologies were introduced that allowed for more efficient extraction of gold and silver. One of the most important innovations was the introduction of the stamp mill. This machine used heavy steel stamps to crush the ore, which was then separated from the waste material. The stamp mill allowed for large-scale mining operations, and it became the backbone of the mining industry in Jarbidge.

Jarbidge, Nevada photo 1909
Jarbidge, Nevada photo 1909

During this period, the town of Jarbidge grew rapidly. New businesses were established to support the mining industry, including supply stores, saloons, and boarding houses. The town’s population grew, and it became a center of commerce in the region.

In the 1890s, the mining industry in Jarbidge began to decline. Many of the mines had exhausted their deposits of gold and silver, and the cost of extracting the remaining ore became too high. The decline of the mining industry had a ripple effect on the town’s economy. Many businesses closed, and the population began to shrink.

Despite the decline of the mining industry, a few mines continued to operate in the area. In the early 1900s, a new mineral was discovered in the Jawbidge Mountains – tungsten. Tungsten was used to make steel alloys, and it became a valuable commodity during World War I. Several tungsten mines were opened in the area, and they helped to sustain the local economy.

In the 1920s, a new mining boom began in Jarbidge. This boom was fueled by the demand for copper, which was used in the construction of electrical wiring and other products. Several large copper mines were opened in the area, and they brought new jobs and prosperity to the town.

During World War II, the mining industry in Jarbidge played a critical role in the war effort. The mines produced copper, tungsten, and other minerals that were used to build weapons and other military equipment. The town’s population swelled as miners and other workers were brought in to support the war effort.

After the war, the mining industry in Jarbidge began to decline once again. The demand for copper dropped, and the mines began to close. The town’s economy shifted toward tourism and other industries.

Nevada State Historic Marker Text

As early as 10000 years ago, Native American hunting parties camped near horn to hunt game.  About a thousand years ago, Shoshone-speaking people entered the region, where they continue to live today.  The name Jarbidge comes from a Shoshone word meaning “a bad or evil spirit”.

Dave Bourne discovered gold in this isolated area in 1909 and production eventually totaled 59 million.  Population size varied, but in the early l920s, the Jarbidge district replaced fading Goldfield as the premier gold-producing area in Nevada.  The Jarbidge mines railed beginning in the tale 1920s.

On a stormy December 5, 1916, the last stagecoach robbery and murder in the history of the West took place in Jarbidge Canyon, ¼ mile south of the town.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO.  69
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
NORTHEASTERN NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Jarbidge Trail Map

Jarbidge Town Summary

NameJarbidge, Elko County, Nevada
Other NamesJa-ha-bich
LocationElko County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude41.8728, -115.4446
Elevation1932 meters / 6339 feet
GNIS860185
Nevada State Historic Marker69

References

Fort Halleck Military Reservation – Nevada State Historic Marker 47

Fort Halleck Military Reservation is nestled in the remote northeastern corner of Nevada in Elko County, and stands as a testament to the turbulent history of the American West. This modest military outpost, established during the height of the Civil War, played a crucial role in safeguarding emigrant routes, maintaining peace with Native American tribes, and protecting the interests of the Union. With a history spanning over a century, Fort Halleck’s story reflects the changing tides of American expansion, conflict, and settlement.

Fort Halleck (1879-1886; U. S. Army . First established as Camp Halleck in (1867-1879), to protect the California Trail and the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. – Photograph by Timothy O’Sullivan

Early Exploration and Settlement

Long before Fort Halleck’s establishment, this region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Northern Paiute. Their presence in the area dates back thousands of years, with these indigenous peoples adapting to the harsh conditions of the Great Basin. As Euro-American settlers pushed westward during the 19th century, they came into contact with these native communities.

The first significant wave of Euro-American exploration in the region occurred in the 1820s and 1830s, with famed frontiersmen like Jedediah Smith and Peter Skene Ogden leading expeditions through what would become Nevada. However, it was the discovery of gold and silver in the 1850s that truly transformed the area. Thousands of prospectors and settlers flooded into Nevada, searching for their fortune.

The Need for Military Presence

With the influx of settlers came an increase in tension and conflict. As mining camps and trading posts sprang up, conflicts between the newcomers and native populations escalated. This prompted the need for a military presence to maintain order and protect the interests of the United States government.

In 1860, Captain Thomas Duncan was tasked with establishing a military post in the Ruby Valley, where Fort Halleck would later be built. The fort was named in honor of Major General Henry W. Halleck, who served as the Union Army’s chief of staff during the Civil War. Construction began in the spring of 1862, with soldiers and civilian laborers working tirelessly to erect the fort’s wooden structures.

Civil War and Fort Halleck

The Civil War was in full swing when Fort Halleck was established. Although the conflict primarily raged in the eastern United States, its effects were felt across the nation, including in the remote reaches of Nevada. Fort Halleck served as an important link in the western chain of forts that helped maintain control over the vast expanse of territory.

During the Civil War, Fort Halleck’s primary role was to protect the emigrant routes and telegraph lines that passed through the region. These routes were vital for communication and transportation, and their security was essential for maintaining Union control of the Western frontier. Additionally, Fort Halleck served as a supply depot for other forts in the area, including Fort Ruby and Fort Churchill.

Life at Fort Halleck

Life at Fort Halleck was challenging, reflecting the harsh realities of frontier military outposts. Soldiers stationed there faced extreme weather conditions, from blistering summer heat to bitter winter cold. They also had to contend with the isolation of the fort, which was located far from major population centers.

Despite the challenges, Fort Halleck offered some amenities. The fort boasted a hospital, a commissary, officer quarters, and barracks for enlisted men. It also had a small cemetery where soldiers and their families were laid to rest.

Conflict with Native American Tribes

One of the most significant challenges faced by Fort Halleck was its proximity to Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Northern Paiute. Tensions between these tribes and Euro-American settlers often flared, leading to skirmishes and conflicts.

In 1865, the Snake War erupted, pitting the U.S. Army against the Shoshone tribes of the Great Basin. Fort Halleck played a critical role in this conflict, serving as a base of operations for military expeditions into the surrounding areas. The war was marked by violence and tragedy on both sides, but it ultimately resulted in the suppression of Native American resistance in the region.

Post-Civil War Era

With the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865, the need for military outposts like Fort Halleck diminished. Troop numbers were reduced, and the fort’s role shifted to that of a supply depot and administrative center for the surrounding region. Fort Halleck continued to play a vital role in maintaining order on the frontier, as tensions with Native American tribes persisted.

In 1880, the fort underwent significant renovations, with many of its wooden structures replaced with more durable stone and brick buildings. This renovation effort was a testament to the enduring importance of Fort Halleck in the region.

As the 19th century drew to a close, the American West underwent rapid changes. Railroads crisscrossed the region, making transportation more accessible, and settlements expanded. With these changes, the need for remote military outposts like Fort Halleck waned.

In 1886, Fort Halleck was officially closed, and its remaining personnel were transferred to other posts. The fort’s structures were abandoned, and the land was eventually sold off to private individuals.

Nevada State Historic Marker 47 Text

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.

On July 26, 1867, Captain Samuel Smith established what became Fort Halleck twelve miles to the south near Soldier Creek.  In concert with Fort Ruby fifty miles further south, the Army intended the Fort to protect the California Emigrant Trail, the Overland mail route and construction work on the Central Pacific Railroad during conflicts with Goshute and Western Shoshone in that decade.

The camp was named for Major General Henry Wager Halleck, a prominent general who served as general-in-chief to the Army from 1862 to 1865.  In May 1868, Camp Halleck became a two-company post and the headquarters for the Nevada Military District when Fort Churchill, near Yerington, was abandoned.  By 1877, the Fort contained about 20 buildings of wood, adobe, and stone arranged around a rectangular parade ground.

Troops from the Fort participated in action against the Modoc Indians in Northern California in 1873; against the Nez Perce uprising in Idaho in 1877; against the Bannocks in Oregon in 1878; and against the Apaches in Arizona in 1885.  However, by the 1880s, the need for military stations throughout the American West was much diminished and the Army closed the Fort in December 1886.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 47
NEVADA STATE PARK SYSTEM
NORTHEASTERN NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Camp Halleck in 1871 - Photograph by Timothy O'Sullivan
Camp Halleck in 1871 – Photograph by Timothy O’Sullivan

Nevada State Historic Marker Trail Map

Fort Halleck Marker Summary

NameFort Halleck Military Reservation
Also KnownCamp Halleck
LocationElko County, Nevada
Longitude, Latitude40.9561, -115.4655
Nevada State Historic Marker47

References

West End of Hastings Cutoff – Nevada State Historic Marker 3

The West End of Hastings Cutoff is Nevada State Historic Marker number 3 and located on Interstate 80 in Elko County, Nevada.

Perhaps to most notorious story in the western expansion of the United States is that of the Donner Party. The Donner party was a wagon train which was bound for California, when running behind schedule, the became snow bound in the High Sierras. Notoriously, after several weeks of starvation they fell into despair and cannibalism.

The Emigrants' Guide to Oregon and California, written by Lansford Hastings, and published in 1845 - West End of Hastings Cutoff
The Emigrants’ Guide to Oregon and California, written by Lansford Hastings, and published in 1845

One of the reasons the Donner Party was behind schedule is their use of the Hastings Cutoff, which a short cut along the California Trail. The route was not any shorter and dramatically more difficult and cost a lot of valuable lost time for the party. Following the Donner Party, and Hastings Cutoff soon goes unused and becomes a footnote to one of the most notorious tragedy’s of the west.

Nevada State Historic Marker 3 Text

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.

Across the Humboldt Valley southward from this point a deeply incised canyon opens into a valley.  Through that canyon along the South Fork of the Humboldt River ran the disaster-laden route called the Hastings Cutoff.  It joined the regular Fort Hall route running on both sides of the Humboldt here.

The canyon was first traversed in 1841 by the Bartleson-Bidwell Party, the earliest organized California emigrant group.  In 1846, Lansford Hastings guided a party through this defile of the South Fork and out along the Humboldt.  The ill-fated Reed Donner Party followed later the same year.

By 1850, the dangers of the cutoff route were recognized and it was abandoned.

CENTENNIAL MARKER No. 3
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

West End of Hastings Cutoff Marker Summary

NameWest End of Hastings Cutoff
LocationElko County, Nevada
Longitude, Latitude40.7661, -115.9198
Nevada State Historic Marker3

West End of Hastings Cutoff Trail Map

References