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.

Powell of the Colorado Nevada State Historic Marker 37

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Powell of the Colorado Nevada State Historic Marker 37 is a marker commemorating the 1869 exploration of the Grand Canyon by Major John Wesley Powell. The historic landmark is located overlooking Lake Mead, Nevada.

Powell of the Colorado Nevada State Historic Marker 37- The 1871 Powell Expedition preparing to depart Green River. Photo NPS
The 1871 Powell Expedition preparing to depart Green River. Photo NPS

After 1867, Powell led a series of expeditions into the Rocky Mountain, Green River and Colorado rivers. In 1869, he set out to explore the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon as part of several trips. Along with ten men and equipped with four boats and food for 10 months, Powell set out from Green River, Wyoming, on May 24. Passing through dangerous rapids, the group passed down the Green River to its confluence with the Colorado River (then also known as the Grand River upriver from the junction), near present-day Moab, Utah, and completed the journey on August 30, 1869.

Powell retraced part of the 1869 route in 1871–72 with another expedition that traveled to the Colorado River from Green River, Wyoming to Kanab Creek in the Grand Canyon. Powell used three photographers on this expedition; Elias Olcott Beaman, James Fennemore, and John K. Hillers, who documented the journey.

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.

Nevada State Historic Marker Text

On August 30, 1869, Major John Wesley Powell landed at the mouth of the Virgin River, about 12 miles south of here, thus ending the first boat expedition through the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River.

The expedition left Green River City, Wyoming Territory, on May 24, 1869. For three months Powell and his men endured danger and hunger to explore, survey and study the geology of the canyons along the Green and Colorado Rivers.

Exhausted and near starvation, the Powell party was warmly greeted and fed by the hardy Mormon pioneers of St. Thomas, a small farm settlement about 11 miles north of here.

The original sites of St. Thomas and the junction of the Virgin and Colorado Rivers are now beneath the waters of Lake Mead.

This, and later Powell surveys, stimulated great interest in the water conservation problems of the Southwest.

Marker Summary

Nevada State Historic Marker 37
NamePowell on the Colorado
LocationLake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude36.3072, -114.4201

References

USGS

Tonopah Nevada

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Tonopah, Nevada, known as the “Queen of the Silver Camps,” is a small unincorporated town in Nye County with a rich history tied to the discovery of silver in 1900. Located midway between Las Vegas and Reno at the junction of U.S. Routes 6 and 95, Tonopah’s story is one of boom and bust, shaped by its mining heritage, cultural developments, and resilience. This report explores the town’s origins, its rise as a mining hub, significant historical events, and its modern identity as a historical and tourism destination.

Photograph of a panoramic view of the Tonopah Mining Park (now a historic site) and Mount Butler in the distance, Tonopah, Nevada, ca.1904. - - Pierce, C.C. (Charles C.), 1861-1946
Photograph of a panoramic view of the Tonopah Mining Park (now a historic site) and Mount Butler in the distance, Tonopah, Nevada, ca.1904. – – Pierce, C.C. (Charles C.), 1861-1946

Origins and Discovery of Silver (1900)

The story of Tonopah begins with the discovery of silver in May 1900 by Jim Butler, a rancher and part-time prospector. According to local legend, Butler stumbled upon a rich silver deposit while searching for his runaway burro near a rock outcropping. Frustrated, he picked up a heavy rock to throw at the animal, only to notice its unusual weight, which turned out to be silver ore. However, this tale is likely apocryphal. Butler, married to a local Paiute woman named Belle, was probably guided by her family to an area long known by indigenous peoples for its surface minerals. The Shoshone and Paiute word “Tonopah,” meaning “greasewood water” or “hidden spring,” was adopted for the settlement.

Butler’s samples were initially dismissed as iron by an assayer in Klondike, but his friend Tasker Oddie, later Nevada’s governor, had them re-assayed by Walter Gayhart in Austin. The results revealed ore worth up to $600 per ton, primarily in silver with significant gold. This discovery, confirmed in late 1900, sparked the second-richest silver strike in Nevada’s history, revitalizing the state’s mining industry after the decline of the Comstock Lode.

The Mining Boom (1900–1920)

The Belmont Mine, Tonopah, Nevada in 1913
The Belmont Mine, Tonopah, Nevada in 1913

The discovery triggered a rapid influx of prospectors, leading to the establishment of a camp initially called Butler City. By January 1901, the camp had 40 residents, and by summer, the population swelled to 650, with mines producing $750,000 in gold and silver. The town grew exponentially, reaching over 3,000 people by 1902 and nearly 10,000 at its peak. Infrastructure developed quickly, including a post office (opened April 10, 1901, renamed Tonopah in 1905), the Tonopah Bonanza newspaper (launched June 15, 1901), and a stagecoach line from Sodaville.

Tonopah became a hub of wealth and power. Prominent figures like George Wingfield, a poker player turned mining magnate, amassed fortunes. Wingfield partnered with Jack Carey to secure a gaming license and invested in the Boston-Tonopah Mining Company, becoming a millionaire by 1904. He later collaborated with banker George S. Nixon to establish the Nye County Bank and grub-stake miners, further consolidating wealth. The Tonopah Mining Company, formed in 1901 by Philadelphia capitalists who purchased Butler’s claims, drove large-scale production.

Wyatt Earp's Northern Saloon located in Tonopah, Nevada
Wyatt Earp’s Northern Saloon located in Tonopah, Nevada

By 1905, Tonopah replaced Belmont as Nye County’s seat, and a narrow-gauge railroad connected the town to the Carson & Colorado line. Upgraded to standard gauge and extended to Goldfield, the Tonopah & Goldfield Railroad facilitated freight and coal transport for mining operations. The town boasted modern amenities: five banks, an opera house, electric and water companies, and the luxurious Mizpah Hotel, built in 1907 for $200,000. The Mizpah, with steam heat, electric lights, and one of Nevada’s first elevators, was dubbed the “finest stone hotel in the desert.”

The mines produced $38.5 million annually at their peak before World War I, with a total output of $150 million by 1947. However, tragedies marked this era, including a 1903 riot against Chinese workers, which led to a Chinese boycott of U.S. goods, and the 1911 Belmont Mine fire, where 17 miners perished.

Tonopah,_Nevada 1913
Tonopah,_Nevada 1913

Decline of Mining and Economic Shifts (1920–1940s)

By 1910, gold and silver production began to decline, and by 1920, Tonopah’s population had dropped to less than half its peak. The Great Depression and World War II further curtailed major mining operations, with all significant mines closing by 1947. The local railroad ceased operations, and the town struggled economically. Ranching and highway trade became primary income sources, as Tonopah’s location on U.S. 95 made it a stopover for travelers.

The Tonopah Army Air Base, constructed in 1940 and operational by 1942, provided a temporary economic boost during World War II. As one of Nevada’s largest military operations, it trained B-24 and P-39 pilots. However, the base closed in 1948, leaving the town to seek new economic avenues.

Modern Tonopah: Tourism, Military, and Renewable Energy (1950s–Present)

Since the late 20th century, Tonopah has reinvented itself as a tourism and military-based community. The Tonopah Test Range, established in 1952 for nuclear testing and later used for F-117 Nighthawk development, remains a major employer. The nearby Nevada Test Site also supports the local economy. In 2014, the $980 million Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project, a cutting-edge solar thermal plant, was completed, signaling Tonopah’s entry into renewable energy.

Tourism has become a cornerstone of Tonopah’s identity. The Tonopah Historic Mining Park, spanning 113 acres of original mining claims, preserves the town’s heritage with restored buildings, mine shafts, and self-guided tours. The Central Nevada Museum showcases mining, military, and Western Shoshone history. Attractions like the Mizpah Hotel, voted America’s #1 haunted hotel due to its “Lady in Red” ghost, and the Clown Motel, dubbed “America’s scariest motel” for its clown collection and proximity to the Old Tonopah Cemetery, draw visitors seeking history and the paranormal. Tonopah’s dark skies, rated the best for stargazing in the U.S. by USA Today, attract astronomers to its Stargazing Park.

The town hosts events like Jim Butler Days and the Nevada State Mining Championships, celebrating its mining legacy. Outdoor activities, including off-roading, hiking, and rockhounding, leverage Tonopah’s desert landscape. Notable figures associated with the town include Wyatt Earp, who opened the Northern Saloon in 1902, boxer Jack Dempsey, who fought early bouts here, and Howard Hughes, who married Jean Peters at the Mizpah in 1957 and later purchased mining claims.

Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah Nevada. Photo by James L Rathbun
Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah Nevada. Photo by James L Rathbun

Social and Cultural Dynamics

Tonopah’s early years were marked by a structured society, with formal dinners and dances noted by the Works Progress Administration in 1940. The Western Shoshone, including the Yomba Band of the Yomba Reservation, have a significant historical presence, dominating the region during American settlement in the 1860s. However, racial tensions surfaced, as seen in the 1903 anti-Chinese riot. Today, Tonopah embraces its diverse heritage, with the Central Nevada Museum highlighting indigenous and pioneer contributions.

Challenges and Resilience

Tonopah has faced natural and economic challenges. A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck 35 miles west of town on May 15, 2020, the largest in Nevada since 1954, though it caused no injuries. Economically, the closure of major mines and the local McDonald’s symbolized decline, but Tonopah’s resilience is evident in its adaptation to tourism, military operations, and renewable energy.

Conclusion

From a silver mining boomtown to a modern hub of tourism and innovation, Tonopah, Nevada, embodies the boom-and-bust cycle of the American West. Jim Butler’s 1900 discovery transformed an indigenous campground into a thriving community that shaped Nevada’s economy and politics. Despite mining’s decline, Tonopah has leveraged its rich history, strategic location, and natural assets to remain a vibrant destination. Its historic sites, haunted landmarks, and starry skies continue to captivate visitors, ensuring the “Queen of the Silver Camps” endures as a testament to Nevada’s enduring spirit.

Tonopah Nevada Gallery

Wyatt Earp's Northern Saloon located in Tonopah, Nevada
Wyatt Earp’s Northern Saloon located in Tonopah, Nevada
The Belmont Mine, Tonopah, Nevada in 1913
The Belmont Mine, Tonopah, Nevada in 1913
Tonopah,_Nevada 1913
Tonopah,_Nevada 1913

wouldn’t die” remains a vibrant piece of American history.

Nevada State Historic Marker 15

Jim Butler, District Attorney of Nye County, is credited with the turn-of-century discovery, which ended a twenty-year slump in Nevada’s economy.  American Indians originally used the name Tonopah for a small spring in the nearby San Antonio Mountains, long before Butler camped in this area in May 1900.  Tonopah became the richest silver producer in the nation and replaced Belmont as the Nye County county seat in 1905.  The mines spawned a railroad, several huge mills, and a bustling population of approximately 10,000.

The mines faltered in the 1920s, but Tonopah achieved long-lasting fame because of the prominent financial and political leaders it produced.  Many camps and communities followed in the wake of Tonopah’s boom, most of which have become ghost towns.

NEVADA CENTENNIAL MARKER No. 15

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Tonopah Nevada is Nevada State Historic Marker #15. Photo by James L Rathbun
Tonopah Nevada is Nevada State Historic Marker #15. Photo by James L Rathbun
Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah Nevada. Photo by James L Rathbun
Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah Nevada. Photo by James L Rathbun
The beautiful lobby of the world famous Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada
The beautiful lobby of the world famous Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada

Tonopah Marker Summary

Nevada State Histori Marker15
NameTonopah
LocationNye County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude38.0670, -117.2291

The beautiful lobby of the world famous Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada
The beautiful lobby of the world famous Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada
Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah Nevada. Photo by James L Rathbun
Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah Nevada. Photo by James L Rathbun
Tonopah Nevada is Nevada State Historic Marker #15. Photo by James L Rathbun
Tonopah Nevada is Nevada State Historic Marker #15. Photo by James L Rathbun

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References

Ward Charcoal Ovens

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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

NameWard Charcoal Ovens
LocationWhite Pine County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.0369, -114.8463
Nevada State Historic Marker184

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.

Cherry Creek Nevada – Nevada State Historic Monument

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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

NameCherry Creek
LocationWhite Pine County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.9008, -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.

Piper’s Opera House – Nevada State Historic Marker

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Piper’s Opera House is Nevada State Historic Marker #235 and is located in Virginia City, Storey County Nevada. This building, the most significant vintage theatre in the West, was erected by John Piper in 1885.  Through business acumen and a political career, Piper would become one of the richest men in 1870s Virginia City. 

Piper sat on the City Council in 1865 and mayor of Virginia City in 1867. In 1874, Piper represented Storey County in the Nevada Senate. In an effort to raise money for Storey County to pay for railroad bonds, Piper managed to get the state senate to unanimously pass a bill that became law, removing the taxation limits on bullion in the county

The opera house is the third in a succession of theatres which he operated on the Comstock. The theater boasted original scenery, raked stage, and elegant proscenium boxes, is a remarkable survivor of a colorful era in American theatrical history.  Many popular nineteenth-century touring stars and concert artists appeared here.

Piper’s Opera House - NSHM #236, one of the largest venues for theater and performance on the Comstock. - - University of California, Davis. Dept. of Special Collections.
Piper’s Opera House, one of the largest venues for theater and performance on the Comstock. – – University of California, Davis. Dept. of Special Collections.

House Nevada State Historic Marker Text

This building, the most significant vintage theatre in the West, was erected by John Piper in 1885.  Third in a succession of theatres which he operated on the Comstock, Piper’s Opera House, with its original scenery, raked stage, and elegant proscenium boxes, is a remarkable survivor of a colorful era in American theatrical history.  Many popular nineteenth-century touring stars and concert artists appeared here.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 236
DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND ARCHEOLOGY
LOUISE Z. DRIGGS

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.

Nevada State Historic Marker Summary

Nevada State Historic Marker236
NamePiper’s Opera House
LocationVirginia City, Storey County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.3109, -119.6502

References