Tag: Nevada State Historic Markers

Nevada State Historic Markers are a series of plaques and monuments that commemorate significant sites, events, and individuals in the history of Nevada. These markers, scattered throughout the state, provide educational insights into Nevada’s rich and diverse heritage, from its Native American origins and the era of westward expansion to the development of mining towns and modern-day landmarks. Each marker offers a glimpse into the past, detailing historical narratives and cultural milestones that have shaped Nevada’s identity. They serve as accessible, public resources for residents and visitors alike, fostering an appreciation for the state’s historical journey and its contributions to the broader tapestry of American history.

Stillwater Nevada

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Stillwater, Nevada, is a ghost town in Churchill County with a rich history tied to the early settlement of the American West. Once a bustling stage station and county seat, it played a significant role in Nevada’s development before declining into obscurity.

Maint Street of Stillwater, Nevada, 1907 - - Stanley W Paher, "Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell-North Books, William Kornmayer collection, p 91
Maint Street of Stillwater, Nevada, 1907 – – Stanley W Paher, “Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell-North Books, William Kornmayer collection, p 91

Early History (1862–1868)

The area that became Stillwater was originally home to the Northern Paiute, who thrived in the marshy environment of the Carson Sink, relying on its resources for fish, waterfowl, and vegetation. In July 1862, the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company established a stage station named after the Stillwater Slough—a deep, sluggish waterway. This station served as a vital stop for travelers and mail routes, including the Pony Express. J.C. Scott became the first non-native settler in autumn 1862, followed by others in spring 1863, drawn by the fertile valley and agricultural potential. These early settlers built irrigation ditches and fences, and by 1865, a post office opened, marking Stillwater’s formal establishment as a community.

Growth as County Seat (1868–1904)

In December 1868, Stillwater was designated the county seat of Churchill County, a role it held until 1904. This period marked its peak, with a population reaching about 150 by 1868. The town developed significant infrastructure, including a wooden courthouse (completed in 1869 and replaced in 1881), the Sanford Hotel (built in 1870), and a grammar school (1872). Agriculture flourished, supported by one of Nevada’s earliest irrigation systems, which enabled farmers to supply produce to nearby mining camps. By 1880, Stillwater boasted a variety of businesses—stores, saloons, hotels, an ice house, restaurants, a hay yard, and a school—reflecting a vibrant, self-sustaining community at its height.

Decline and Factors (1904–Present)

Stillwater’s decline began with the Newlands Project, launched in 1903, which redirected irrigation efforts to the Lahontan Valley near Fallon. The Southern Pacific Railroad’s extension to Fallon in 1907 further shifted economic activity, prompting the county seat’s relocation to Fallon in 1904. By this time, Stillwater’s population had dwindled to around 30. Natural disasters compounded the town’s woes: a major flood in 1907 inundated the valley, and earthquakes in the 1930s and 1950s caused extensive damage to remaining structures. Over time, buildings like the courthouse and school were dismantled for lumber, leaving little of the town intact.

Current Status and Legacy

Today, Stillwater is a ghost town, though the surrounding area remains sparsely populated by ranches. A significant legacy of the region is the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1949, which preserves 163,000 acres of wetlands and serves as a haven for wildlife and a point of interest for visitors. Personal stories, such as those from Nathan Bailey Jr., whose family has owned property there since 1955, highlight the area’s quiet persistence despite its faded past.

Chronological Table of Key Events

YearEventDetails
1862Stage station establishedCentral Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company, named after Stillwater Slough
1862–1863Early settlers arriveJ.C. Scott first, followed by others for farmland
1865Post office openedFormalized town establishment
1868Became county seatPopulation about 150, courthouse built in 1869
1880Population peakedVarious businesses, irrigation system developed
1903–1904County seat moved to FallonDue to Newlands Project and railroad growth in Fallon
1907Major floodInundated town and valley
1930s, 1950sEarthquakesCaused extensive damage to remaining structures
1949Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge establishedPreserves 163,000 acres of wetlands

Conclusion

Stillwater’s history encapsulates the rise and fall of many Western towns, from its origins as a stage station to its prominence as a county seat and its eventual decline. While the town itself has faded, its story endures through the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and the ranches that dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into Nevada’s historical and environmental evolution.

Nevada State Historic Marker 216

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

Stillwater

Stillwater’s beginning predates Nevada’s advent to statehood by two years. Named for large pools of tranquil water nearby, the town originated as an overland stage station in 1862; was granted a post office in 1865; and became Churchill’s third county seat in 1868.

Farmers developed one of the state’s first irrigation systems to supply booming mining camps with produce. The community population peaked in 1880, and when the county seat was removed to Fallon in 1904, barely three dozen residents remained.

The National Wildlife Refuge of 22,000 acres of wetland habitat, natural breeding and feeding grounds for waterfowl, was created in 1948. The Stillwater Indian Reservation adjoins the reserve.

Although their community center has disappeared, the valley’s lush fields and abundant crops attest to the untiring efforts of Stillwater’s pioneer ranchers and their descendants who met the desert’s challenge with dedication and determination. To those who survived and to those who did not we pledge our remembrance.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO 216

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAN COLONISTS

RENO CHAPTER

Nevada State Historic Marker Map

Key Citations

Hiko Nevada

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Hiko, Nevada, is a small, agrarian community located in the Pahranagat Valley of Lincoln County, along State Route 318. Known for its brief but vibrant history as a silver mining hub in the 1860s, Hiko has transitioned into a quiet farming and ranching area. Despite its small population and semi-ghost town status, Hiko’s historical significance lies in its early settlement, mining boom, and role as the first county seat of Lincoln County. This report explores Hiko’s origins, development, decline, and current state, drawing on historical records and accounts.

Ruins in Hike, Lincoln County, Nevada
Ruins in Hike, Lincoln County, Nevada

Early Settlement and Origins (1853–1865)

The first permanent settlement in Hiko was established in 1853, marking the beginning of European-American presence in the Pahranagat Valley. The area’s abundant water sources, including Hiko Springs and Crystal Springs, made it attractive for early settlers. The name “Hiko,” sometimes spelled “Hyko,” is derived from a Shoshone term meaning “white man” or “white man’s town,” reflecting the cultural interactions between Native Americans and settlers.

By 1865, prospectors, guided by local Native Americans, discovered silver in the Pahranagat Valley, sparking interest in the region. This discovery laid the foundation for Hiko’s growth as a mining camp, as word of the silver deposits spread to nearby towns like Austin, Nevada.

The Mining Boom and Development (1866–1871)

In the spring of 1866, William H. Raymond, a prominent entrepreneur, laid out the townsite of Hiko and purchased several of the 26 small silver mines in the Pahranagat Valley. Raymond’s vision was ambitious: he invested nearly $900,000 in infrastructure, including roads, dwellings, and a five-stamp mill to process Pahranagat ores. The mill, a significant feat of logistics, was shipped via the Colorado River to Callville and hauled 140 miles by oxen to Hiko, where it began operations in November 1866.

Hiko’s growth was rapid. By late 1866, the town attracted a few hundred residents, drawn by the promise of silver and the establishment of a post office on June 24, 1867. In March 1867, Hiko became the first county seat of Lincoln County, solidifying its regional importance. The town’s economy was bolstered by support industries, such as salt and lumber mining, and the availability of water from Hiko Springs, Crystal Springs, and Ash Spring, which supported both mining and agriculture.

However, Hiko’s prosperity was marred by lawlessness. The Pahranagat Valley was notorious for cattle rustling, horse theft, and gunfights, with violent incidents like the 1868 stabbing of Frank Pitt by Jake Colburn highlighting the rough-and-tumble nature of the mining camp.

Mill of Hiko Silver Mining Co. in 1871 - Timothy H. O'Sullivan - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Mill of Hiko Silver Mining Co. in 1871 – Timothy H. O’Sullivan – U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Decline and Transition (1870–1880s)

Hiko’s fortunes began to wane in 1869 when Raymond’s enterprise failed, and the five-stamp mill was dismantled and moved to Bullionville in 1870. The decline in mining activity led to a population exodus, and Hiko’s status as county seat was revoked in February 1871, with Pioche taking its place. By this time, the town’s importance had significantly diminished, and it appeared on several ghost town lists despite retaining a small population.

A brief glimmer of hope emerged in the early 1880s when surveyor Jay Gould proposed extending the Eureka & Colorado Railroad through Hiko, potentially connecting San Francisco to Southern Utah. This prospect attracted artist Walter S. Long, who painted watercolor scenes of Hiko in 1879 and 1880. However, the railroad was never built, and Hiko’s revival never materialized.

Hiko in the 20th Century and Beyond

After the mining boom, Hiko transitioned into a small agricultural community, sustained by its reliable water sources. The Hiko and Crystal Springs continued to irrigate farms and ranches, supporting a population of around 100–120 residents by the 21st century. The town’s post office, operational since 1867, closed on January 29, 2011, marking the end of a significant historical institution.

Today, Hiko is a census-designated place with a population of 123 as of July 1, 2024. Remnants of its mining past include a cemetery, mill ruins, and the J.F. Murphy Store, a red rock building from 1901 that once served as a general store. Hiko’s historical significance is recognized by Nevada State Historical Marker No. 206, dedicated in 1976. The town’s proximity to the Extraterrestrial Highway has also drawn attention from UFO enthusiasts, adding a modern cultural layer to its identity.

Environmental and Cultural Context

Hiko’s location in the Pahranagat Valley, with its Mid-latitude steppe climate (BSk), features mild springs and summers but cold winters. The valley’s water resources, including Hiko Springs, which flows for about 5 miles, have been critical to its agricultural endurance and support habitats in the nearby Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area. The area is also seismically active, with significant earthquake activity recorded in the region, though no major damage to Hiko has been noted.

Culturally, Hiko reflects the resilience of Nevada’s rural communities. Its history as a mining town and its current status as a farming enclave embody the state’s boom-and-bust cycles. The town’s sparse population, primarily white with a small Native American presence, and its lack of industrial activity underscore its quiet, rural character.

Conclusion

Hiko, Nevada, is a testament to the fleeting prosperity of Nevada’s silver mining era and the enduring adaptability of its rural communities. From its founding in 1853 and peak as Lincoln County’s seat in the late 1860s to its decline after 1871, Hiko’s history encapsulates the challenges and aspirations of the American West. Today, its remnants and historical markers offer a window into a bygone era, while its farms and ranches sustain a small but resilient population. Hiko’s story, though modest, is a vital chapter in Nevada’s rich historical tapestry.

As early as 1865, a camp was established here, and during the spring of 1866, W. H. Raymond and others laid out the townsite.  The name Hiko is apparently based on a Shoshone term for “white man” or ‘white man’s town.  Raymond purchased a five-stamp mill and had it shipped via the Colorado River to Callville and then hauled by oxen the 140 miles to this site.  In November 1866, milling began on Pahranagat ores and soon after, Hiko became the first county seat of Lincoln County.  In March 1867, Raymond spent nearly $900,000 developing the region before the enterprise failed.  The mill was moved to Bullionville in 1870.  Hiko consequently declined in population and importance, which accelerated following the removal of the county government to Pioche in February 1871.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO.  206, STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE, NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Town Summary

NameHiko
LocationLincoln County, Nevada
GNIS845862
Latitude, Longitude37.5969036, -115.2241887
Elevation3,869 feet (,179m)
Nevada Historical Marker206

Hiko Town Map

References

Jackrabbit Nevada – Lincoln County Ghost Town

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Jackrabbit, Nevada, is a ghost town and former silver mining camp located in Lincoln County, on the eastern slopes of the Bristol Range. Originally named Royal City, the settlement was established in 1876 following the discovery of silver ore and became a modest but active mining community. Known for its colorful origin story and brief periods of prosperity, Jackrabbit’s history reflects the boom-and-bust cycle typical of Nevada’s 19th-century mining towns. This report explores the town’s origins, development, decline, and historical significance, drawing on primary sources, historical markers, and secondary accounts.

Jackrabbit Nevada - (Theron Fox Photo) Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps
Jackrabbit Nevada – (Theron Fox Photo) Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps

Origins and Early Development (1876–1878)

The Jackrabbit Mining District was founded in 1876 by prospector Isaac Newton Garrison. Local legend attributes the discovery of silver to Garrison picking up a rock to throw at a jackrabbit, only to find it contained high-grade silver ore. This tale, while possibly apocryphal, gave the district and its primary mine their name. The camp, initially called Royal City, quickly attracted miners and settlers due to the promise of rich silver deposits.

By late 1876, Royal City had developed into a small but functional settlement. The town included:

  • A general store
  • A saloon
  • A boarding house
  • A restaurant
  • A blacksmith shop

Early mine production was significant, with the Jackrabbit Mine yielding approximately ten tons of ore per day. The ore, carrying native silver in flakes, averaged $40 per ton but could reach as high as $2,000 per ton in richer veins. Ore was transported to nearby Bristol and Pioche for milling, as Jackrabbit lacked its own processing facilities. A post office operated briefly from 1878 to 1879, reflecting the town’s early optimism and activity. Total production for the district during this period is estimated at $2,000,000 to $6,000,000 (roughly $60,000,000 to $180,000,000 in 2025 dollars).

Peak and Challenges (1879–1891)

Jackrabbit’s early years were marked by steady mining activity, but the town never grew into a major hub like nearby Pioche. By the early 1880s, mineral production began to decline as the richest veins were exhausted. The lack of local milling infrastructure and the high cost of transporting ore to Bristol or Pioche limited profitability. The town’s population remained small, likely numbering fewer than 100 residents at its peak, and its role as a minor stopover was cemented by its designation as the “last whiskey stop” for southbound stages to Pioche.

Despite these challenges, Jackrabbit maintained a modest community. The Day and Jackrabbit mines continued to produce ore, and the town’s businesses catered to miners and travelers. Newspaper clippings from the late 1870s and 1880s, such as those preserved by the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism, note ongoing prospecting in the area, with miners hoping to uncover new strikes similar to the Jackrabbit and nearby Mayflower mines. However, the town struggled to compete with larger, better-connected mining centers.

Revival and the Narrow-Gauge Railroad (1891–1893)

A brief revival occurred in 1891 with the construction of a 15-mile narrow-gauge railroad, known as the “Jackrabbit Road,” connecting the Jackrabbit Mine to Pioche. This railroad, built to reduce transportation costs, spurred a temporary increase in mining activity. The improved access allowed for more efficient ore shipment, and production rose as new workings were opened. During this period, the town was officially renamed Jackrabbit, reflecting the prominence of the mine and its origin story.

The revival was short-lived, however. By 1893, the mines again became unprofitable due to depleted high-grade ore and falling silver prices, exacerbated by the Panic of 1893. The railroad ceased operations, and the town’s population dwindled as miners left for more promising prospects.

Final Activity and Abandonment (1906–1914)

Jackrabbit saw two brief periods of renewed activity in the early 20th century. In 1906–1907, small-scale mining resumed, possibly driven by technological improvements or temporary spikes in silver demand. Another attempt in 1912–1914 included the construction of an aerial tramway connecting the Jackrabbit Mine to the Bristol Mine, but these efforts failed to sustain the town. By the mid-1910s, Jackrabbit was effectively abandoned, with only occasional prospecting in the surrounding district.

Archaeological and Historical Significance

Today, Jackrabbit is a ghost town with minimal physical remains. Located approximately 14 miles north of Pioche and one mile west of U.S. Highway 93, the site includes remnants such as mine headframes, building foundations, and scattered debris. Visitors are cautioned to avoid climbing on old structures or entering mining tunnels due to safety hazards. The Nevada State Historical Marker No. 204, erected by the Nevada State Park System and Nevada Historical Society, stands near the site, commemorating its history.

Archaeological evidence provides insight into Jackrabbit’s modest scale and industrial focus. The site’s remote location and lack of significant infrastructure distinguish it from larger boomtowns like Virginia City or Tonopah. Historical records, including Stanley W. Paher’s Nevada Ghost Towns & Mining Camps and James Gamett’s Nevada Post Offices: An Illustrated History, document the town’s brief existence and its role in Lincoln County’s mining history.

Legacy

Jackrabbit, Nevada, exemplifies the transient nature of small-scale mining camps in the American West. Its colorful origin story, modest prosperity, and eventual decline reflect the challenges of sustaining resource-dependent communities in remote regions. The town’s connection to the broader silver mining economy, particularly through its railroad link to Pioche, underscores its place in Nevada’s industrial history. While overshadowed by larger mining centers, Jackrabbit remains a point of interest for historians, ghost town enthusiasts, and those exploring Lincoln County’s high desert landscape.

Conclusion

From its founding in 1876 as Royal City to its abandonment by the early 20th century, Jackrabbit, Nevada, was a fleeting chapter in the state’s mining saga. Its silver mines, small community, and brief railroad era highlight the ambition and impermanence of Nevada’s frontier settlements. Though little remains of Jackrabbit today, its story endures through historical markers, archival records, and the rugged beauty of the Bristol Range.

Nevada State Historic Marker

Local legend attributes the discovery to the locator picking up a rock to throw at a jackrabbit and finding himself holding high grade silver. Located on the eastern slope of the Bristol Mountains, the Jack Rabbit District, named for the mine, was located in 1876 by Isaac Newton Garrison. Within months the camp, at one time named Royal City, had a store, saloon, boarding house and restaurant. Early mine production was about ten tons per day, carrying native silver in flakes, yielding about $40 per ton — sometimes as high as $2000 per ton. Total production of the District is estimated at about $2,000,000 to $6,000,000. Mine production declined during the 1880’s, but when a fifteen-mile narrow gauge railroad was opened in 1891 between the Jackrabbit mine and Pioche, mineral production soon increased. After 1893 the mines fell silent except for several short periods of activity in 1906-07 and 1912-14.

Nevada State Historic Marker

Town Summary

NameJack Rabbit
LocationLincoln County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude38.094009, -114.595399
Nevada State Historic Marker204
Elevation6330
Population
Post OfficeOctober 15, 1878 – January 26, 1879 – (Royal City)

Directions

The ghost town of Jackrabbit Nevada is about 14 miles north of Pioche and one mile west of the US 93.

Jackrabbit Trail Map

References

Columbus Nevada State Historic Marker #20

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Columbus, Nevada, was a short-lived but significant mining boomtown in Esmeralda County, located on the edge of the Columbus Salt Marsh. Established in 1865, the town emerged as a hub for silver, gold, and borax mining, reaching its peak in the mid-1870s before declining into a ghost town by the 1880s. This report explores the town’s origins, economic activities, peak prosperity, decline, and lasting legacy, drawing on historical records and archaeological evidence.

Columbus Nevada Late 1870s
Columbus Nevada Late 1870s

Origins and Early Development (1863–1871)

The history of Columbus began in 1863 when Spanish prospectors discovered silver in the region. Two years later, in 1865, American settlers established the Columbus mining camp to exploit nearby gold and silver deposits. The town’s strategic location, with access to sufficient water for milling operations, made it an ideal site for a stamp mill, which was relocated from Aurora in 1866. By this time, Columbus had approximately 200 residents and a post office, marking its early growth as a mining settlement. The discovery of salt in the adjacent alkali flat also contributed to the town’s early economy.

Rise to Prosperity (1871–1875)

The discovery of borax in 1871 by William Troop at the nearby Columbus Salt Marsh transformed the town’s fortunes. Borax, a valuable mineral used in detergents and industrial processes, attracted significant investment. By 1873, four companies, including the prominent Pacific Borax Company, were actively mining and shipping borax from the area. The Pacific Borax Company constructed facilities approximately five miles south of the town, further boosting economic activity.

By 1875, Columbus reached its zenith, with an estimated population of 1,000. The town boasted a range of amenities, including:

  • A post office
  • A weekly newspaper, The Borax Miner
  • An adobe school
  • An iron foundry
  • General stores and other businesses

The town’s infrastructure and services reflected its status as a thriving mining center. During this period, Columbus competed with other regional hubs for freight traffic, with a wagon road built by Carson City residents to connect the town to the state’s only railroad line. However, competing routes, such as the Wadsworth road, often diverted traffic, highlighting the competitive dynamics of Nevada’s mining economy.

Decline and Abandonment (1875–1899)

The prosperity of Columbus was short-lived. In 1875, the Pacific Borax Company relocated its operations to a larger plant in Fish Lake Valley, 30 miles south, triggering the town’s decline. By 1880, the population had plummeted to around 100, supporting only a dozen businesses. Mining and milling activities ceased entirely by the mid-1880s, and the town was largely abandoned.

Efforts to sustain the town included horse racing organized by the Columbus Jockey Club, which built a track and grandstand, and a soap factory established in 1881. However, these ventures failed to reverse the decline. The post office, a symbol of the town’s viability, closed on March 2, 1899, marking the end of Columbus as a functioning community. Sporadic mining activities continued in the area, including operations at Calmville (seven miles south) in the 1890s and a cyanide plant in the 1950s, but these did not revive the town.

Archaeological and Historical Significance

Today, the remnants of Columbus lie on the edge of the Columbus Salt Marsh, approximately five miles southwest of U.S. Highway 95. Archaeological evidence, including foundations and tanks from later mining operations, provides insight into the town’s industrial past. The Nevada State Historical Marker No. 20, though difficult to locate, commemorates Columbus’s history. The site is also noted for its geological significance, with the Columbus Salt Marsh recognized as a physical feature in Esmeralda County.

Historical records, such as those from the Nevada State Archives and the Nevada Historical Society, preserve documentation of Columbus’s role in Nevada’s mining history. The town’s brief prominence is further documented in works like Stanley W. Paher’s Nevada Ghost Towns & Mining Camps and Hugh A. Shamberger’s The Story of Candelaria and Its Neighbors.

Legacy

Columbus, Nevada, exemplifies the boom-and-bust cycle characteristic of 19th-century Western mining towns. Its rapid rise and fall reflect the volatile nature of resource-dependent economies, particularly in the arid Great Basin region. The town’s contributions to borax mining, a precursor to Nevada’s broader mineral industry, underscore its historical importance. While little remains of Columbus today, its story continues to inform studies of Nevada’s frontier history and the environmental and economic challenges faced by early settlers.

Conclusion

Columbus, Nevada, was a fleeting but vibrant chapter in the state’s mining history. From its founding in 1865 to its peak in 1875 and subsequent decline, the town encapsulated the aspirations and hardships of Nevada’s early mining communities. Its legacy endures through historical records, archaeological sites, and its role in shaping the region’s economic and cultural landscape.

Nevada State Historic Marker 20 Text

The remnants of Columbus are located on the edge of the Columbus salt marsh, five miles to the southwest.

The town was initially settled in 1865, when a quartz mill was erected at the site.  This was a favorable location for a mill, because it was the only spot for several miles around where water was in sufficient quantity for operation.

The full importance of Columbus was not recognized until 1871, when William Troop discovered borax in the locality.  Shortly thereafter, four borax companies were actively engaged in working the deposits on the marsh.

Columbus probably enjoyed its most prosperous time in about 1875, when the population was reported to have reached 1,000.  That year, the town had many kinds of business establishments, including a post office and a newspaper, The Borax Miner.

In 1881, about 100 people were left after the borax operations had practically ceased.  All mining and milling stopped entirely shortly after that time.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 20
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Nevada State Historic Marker Map

Nevada State Historic Marker Summary

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. Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost of damaged.

ID20
NameColumbus, Nevada
LoctaionEsmeralda Couty, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude38.1496,-117.9472

References

Reul Colt Gridley

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Reul Colt Gridley was a shop owner in Austin Nevada who gained national fame through an extraordinary act of philanthropy.

Reuel Colt Gridley (January 23, 1829 – November 24, 1870)
Reuel Colt Gridley (January 23, 1829 – November 24, 1870)

Early Life and Background

Reuel Colt Gridley was born on January 23, 1829, in Hannibal, Missouri, to Amos Gridley and Sarah (Thompson) Gridley. His family, of New England descent, included connections to the prominent Colt family, known for manufacturing firearms. Growing up in Hannibal, Gridley lived near Samuel Clemens, later known as Mark Twain, and the two attended school together, forming a friendship that would later influence Gridley’s legacy through Twain’s writings. Gridley had three sisters, one of whom, Clarissa, was among the earliest white children born in northwest Missouri. At age 17, Gridley joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in Hannibal, reflecting his lifelong commitment to Christian values.

Military Service and Early Career

In 1847, at age 18, Gridley enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), stationed in Taos, New Mexico. After the war, he returned to Missouri, where he married Susan (Susannah) Snyder on September 19, 1850, in Louisiana, Missouri. Susan, born April 9, 1831, became his lifelong partner. The couple soon had four children: Amos Brice, Clara E., Josephine, and Mary.

In 1852, drawn by the California Gold Rush, Gridley traveled to California via the Panama Overland Short-Cut. His family joined him in 1854. In California, he explored various professions, including journalism, banking, and operating a mail express service. From 1860 to 1862, Gridley ran an express route from Oroville to Honey Lake Valley, connecting with Wells Fargo & Co. at Oroville.

Life in Nevada and the Famous Flour Sack

By 1863, Gridley had settled in Austin, Nevada, following the discovery of silver. There, he became a senior partner in the general store Gridley, Hobart & Jacobs. In 1864, Gridley gained national fame through an extraordinary act of philanthropy. A supporter of the Democratic candidate for mayor in Austin, he made a bet with a Republican friend that the loser would carry a 50-pound sack of flour through town. When Gridley lost, he carried the sack a mile and a quarter, accompanied by the town band. At the end of the procession, someone suggested auctioning the sack to raise funds for the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a precursor to the Red Cross that aided wounded Civil War soldiers.

The auction sparked a phenomenon. The sack was repeatedly sold and re-donated, raising significant sums across Nevada and California. Gridley toured the country, including a notable auction at the St. Louis Sanitary Fair in 1864, ultimately raising over $250,000 (equivalent to approximately $5 million in 2024). His efforts were chronicled by Mark Twain in a chapter of Roughing It (1872), cementing Gridley’s legacy. However, the tour depleted Gridley’s personal savings, and his health deteriorated, possibly due to rheumatism.

Later Years and Death

After the silver boom in Austin waned, Gridley’s store struggled, and he faced financial hardship. In 1868, he moved his family to Paradise, Stanislaus County, California, where he operated a general store and served as postmaster. His health continued to decline, and on November 24, 1870, Gridley died at age 41, nearly destitute. At his request, he was buried in Stockton, California, in the Stockton Rural Cemetery, initially in a plot reserved for Mexican War veterans. His infant daughter, who died in 1868, was later buried beside him. In 1882, the Grand Army of the Republic’s Rawlins Post No. 23 moved his remains to a prominent location in front of a monument erected in his honor. Susan Gridley was laid to rest beside him in 1912.

Legacy and Honors

Gridley’s monument, dedicated on September 9, 1887, in Stockton Rural Cemetery, depicts him with his iconic sack of flour. Funded by the Rawlins Post and Stockton citizens, it stands 20 feet tall and cost $1,775. Inscribed with “The Soldier’s Friend,” it became a California Historical Landmark in 1965. The Gridley Store in Austin remains a National Register of Historic Places listing, and the original flour sack is preserved by the Nevada Historical Society. Each June, Austin celebrates “Gridley Days,” and Stockton holds annual Memorial Day services at the monument.

Gridley was a devout Methodist, a Knights Templar Mason, and an Odd Fellow, embodying values of charity and community. His daughter Josephine, born in Nevada in 1864, married William H. Wood. Two daughters, Clara and Mary, died in the 1870s or 1880s, while Amos lived until 1936. Despite his financial struggles, Gridley’s selfless contributions to Civil War soldiers earned him enduring recognition as a humanitarian hero.

Nevada State Historic Marker

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.

This simple stone structure, opened to the public in late 1863, was originally operated as a general merchandise store by the firm of Gridley, Hobart, and Jacobs.  Gridley is best remembered for his 1864 wager that prompted the auctioning of a sack of flour for donations to the “Sanitary Fund,” the Civil War forerunner of the American Red Cross.  The flour was sold again and again throughout Nevada and California, then taken east and eventually auctioned at the St. Louis Sanitary Fair in 1864. In all, it raised about $275,000 for the fund.  Gridley died almost penniless six years later.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 119

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

LANDER COUNTY CIVIC & HISTORIC SOCIETY

Nevada State Historic Marker Summart

NameReuel Colt Gridley “Citizen Extraordinaire”
LocationAustin, Lander County, Nevada
Nevada State Historic Marker No119
Latitude, Longitude39.4893, -117.0631

Nevada State Historic Marker Map

References