Tag: Nevada

Nevada, often referred to as the “Silver State,” is located in the western United States. Renowned for its vast deserts and striking mountain ranges, the state boasts a diverse landscape that includes the arid Mojave Desert in the south and the forested Sierra Nevada mountains in the west. The state is famously home to Las Vegas, a vibrant city known for its bustling casinos, entertainment venues, and nightlife. Beyond the glitz of Las Vegas, Nevada offers rich history in its ghost towns, a legacy of the 19th-century mining boom. The state also features significant natural attractions, such as Lake Tahoe and Great Basin National Park, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Nevada’s economy is driven by tourism, mining, and, increasingly, technology, making it a dynamic state with a blend of natural beauty and modern attractions.

Nevada Northern Railway – Nevada State Historic Marker 100

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Nevada Northern Railway
Nevada Northern Railway

The Nevada Northern Railway (NN) was established to serve the burgeoning copper mining industry in White Pine County, Nevada, following the discovery of large porphyry copper deposits near Ely in the early 20th century. In 1902, Mark Requa, president of the Eureka & Palisade Railroad, purchased two of the region’s largest mines, including the Robinson Mine. Recognizing the need for efficient transportation to exploit these resources, Requa organized the White Pine Copper Company. Surveys determined that a standard-gauge railroad connecting Ely to the national rail network was the most cost-effective solution, leading to the incorporation of the Nevada Northern Railway on June 1, 1905.

Mark Lawrence Requa
Mark Lawrence Requa

Construction, undertaken by the Utah Construction Company, began on September 11, 1905, starting at Cobre, where the railway connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad, and proceeded southward to Ely. The 140-mile line was completed in just over a year, with the symbolic final spike—crafted from local copper—driven by Requa in Ely on September 29, 1906, celebrated as Railroad Day. A grand ball was held in the unfinished Northern building to mark the occasion.

Expansion and Operations (1907–1941)

In 1907–1908, the railway expanded to support the local mining industry with the construction of the “Ore Line,” a critical trackage network. This included a route bypassing Ely to the north, extending west through Robinson Canyon to the copper mines at Ruth, and the “Hiline” branch east of Ely to Nevada Consolidated’s new copper smelter and concentrator at McGill. The Ore Line became the busiest segment of the Nevada Northern, handling dozens of daily ore trains. As a subsidiary of the Nevada Consolidated Copper Company, the railway’s primary role was transporting copper ores and products, though it also carried other freight and operated a daily passenger train, known as the Steptoe Valley Flyer, between East Ely and Cobre until 1941.

The railway’s infrastructure, including the East Ely Depot built in 1907 in the Mission Revival style, supported both freight and passenger services. The railway also ran a “school train” for McGill students attending Ely High School until 1941, when passenger services ceased. By 1967, the Nevada Northern reported 40 million net ton-miles of revenue freight across its 162 miles of track.

Decline and Closure (1970s–1983)

The Nevada Northern thrived until the late 1970s, when declining copper prices led to operational challenges. The Nevada Consolidated Copper Company was acquired by the Kennecott Copper Corporation, which managed the railway until the early 1980s. By 1978, the last mine closed, and the McGill smelter shut down in 1983, eliminating the railway’s primary purpose. With no further need for commercial operations, the Nevada Northern ceased as a common-carrier railroad in 1983 after 78 years of service.

Preservation and Museum (1986–Present)

In 1986, Kennecott donated the Ore Line, along with the East Ely yard and shop facilities, to the White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation, which established the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. The museum operates a heritage railroad on the Ely-to-Ruth and Ely-to-McGill segments, using historic steam and diesel locomotives, including the Nevada State Locomotive #40 (a 4-6-0 built in 1910) and #93 (a 2-8-0 built in 1909). The museum’s collection also includes an electric locomotive, diesel-electric locomotives, and historic freight and passenger cars, all dating to the early 20th century.

The East Ely yard, with over 70 buildings and structures, escaped modernization due to its remote location and the decline of the mining industry, making it one of the best-preserved railroad complexes in the United States. In 2006, the East Ely shops complex was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its completeness and authenticity. The Smithsonian Curator Emeritus described it as the “best preserved, historic railroad bar none.”

The museum offers passenger excursion trains, hands-on experiences like the “Be the Engineer” program, and special events such as the Haunted Ghost Train, Polar Express, and Sunset, Stars, and Champagne Trains. In 2021, a $10 million federal grant was announced to extend the heritage line to McGill, with plans to potentially restore the entire mainline for tourism. The disused Cobre-to-Ely line, acquired by the city of Ely in 2006, remains under consideration for future revival.

Legacy

The Nevada Northern Railway played a pivotal role in Nevada’s copper industry, connecting remote mines to national markets and facilitating economic growth in White Pine County. Today, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum preserves this legacy, offering a living history experience that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Its pristine locomotives, original rolling stock, and well-preserved facilities provide a unique glimpse into the steam railroad era, ensuring the railway’s story endures for future generations.

Nevada State Historic Marker 100

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.

Mark Requa’s Nevada Consolidated Copper Company laid 150-mile of track from Cobre, on the Southern Pacific line, to Ely in 1905-06 to haul ore from the Copper Flat mines west of Ely.

Ore was loaded into railroad gondolas at Copper Flat for the trip to the smelter at McGill, over a double-track trestle that was 1720 feet long.  The trestle burned in 1922 and was replaced with an earth-fill span.

Passenger service and the “school train” carrying McGill youth to Ely High School ended in 1941.  With the closing of local copper mines in 1983, the railroad ceased operations.  Currently, part of the line serves the Nevada Northern Railway Museum for live steam rides.  The East Ely shop complex for the Railway was listed as a National Historic Landmark District in 2006. 

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO.  100

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Nevada State Historic Marker 100 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 100 Summary

NameNevada Northern Railway
LocationEly, White Pine County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.2526, -114.8781
Nevada State Historic Marker 100

References

The Humboldt Canal

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Humboldt County, Nevada
Humboldt County, Nevada

The Humboldt Canal, often referred to as the Old French Canal, was an ambitious engineering project conceived in 1862 by A. Gintz and Joseph Ginaca in Humboldt County, Nevada. The canal was designed to harness water from the Humboldt River to serve multiple purposes: powering over 40 stamp mills for mining operations near Mill City, enabling barge traffic, and providing irrigation for agricultural development. The planned waterway was to stretch 66 miles from Preble, near Golconda, southwestward to Mill City, with dimensions of 15 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and a fall of 35 feet to facilitate water flow. The estimated cost was $160,000, largely funded by French capital, reflecting the significant involvement of French immigrants in the project.

Construction and Challenges (1863–1870s)

Construction began in 1863, with Louis Lay, a French emigrant from California, subcontracting the initial segment. Frank Baud, a key figure in Winnemucca’s founding, contributed as a teamster. Approximately $100,000 was spent to extend the canal to the Winnemucca area. However, the project faced significant obstacles due to engineering miscalculations and environmental challenges. Severe seepage issues, particularly at Rose Creek Pass where water disappeared into the sandy soil, prevented the canal from being completed or used between Winnemucca and Mill City. These technical difficulties ultimately rendered the canal non-functional for its intended purposes.

Impact and Legacy

Despite its failure to reach Mill City, the Humboldt Canal played a crucial role in stimulating early economic growth in Winnemucca. The construction effort attracted workers and investment, contributing to the town’s development as a regional hub. Remnants of the canal remain visible today in the Golconda area, various sections of Winnemucca, and at Rose Creek, south of the city, serving as historical markers of this 19th-century endeavor. The project is commemorated by Nevada Historical Marker No. 21, which highlights its significance and the challenges that led to its abandonment.

Historical Context

The Humboldt Canal was part of a broader wave of infrastructure projects in Nevada during the 1860s, driven by the mining boom and the need for water management in the arid Great Basin. While the canal itself was not successful, it reflects the era’s optimism and ambition to transform the desert landscape for industrial and agricultural purposes. The Humboldt River, which the canal was meant to tap, was a vital lifeline for explorers, emigrants, and settlers, guiding the California Trail and later the transcontinental railroad and Interstate 80. The canal’s story underscores the challenges of water management in Nevada, a theme that continues to resonate in contemporary debates over groundwater and surface water use in the Humboldt River Basin.

Nevada State Historic Marker 21 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.

The Humboldt Canal, sometimes termed the Old French Canal, coursed southwestward from Preble, near Golconda, toward Mill City. The present highway crossed it at this point, from whence it ran southerly toward the Humboldt County Courthouse on Bridge and West Fifth Streets.

The canal was conceived in 1862 by A. Gintz and Joseph Ginaca. The waterway with a projected cost of $160,000 was to be sixty-six miles long, fifteen feet wide and three feet deep, and with a fall of thirty-five feet. Its primary purpose was to supply water for over forty stamp mills planned at and above Mill City, but it was also designed for barge traffic and some irrigation water supply.

Construction of the canal began in 1863. Louis Lay, a French emigrant from California, sub-contracted the first segment. Winnemucca city founder Frank Baud, another Frenchman, came on the project as a teamster.

About $100,000, largely French capital, was expended in building the Humboldt Canal to the Winnemucca area. Because of engineering errors and severe seepage problems between Winnemucca and Mill city, that section was never finally completed or used.

Nevada State Historic Marker 21 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 21 Summary

NameThe Humboldt Canal
LocationHumboldt County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude40.9817, -117.7269
Nevada State Historic Marker21

Schellbourne Nevada – Nevada State Historic Marker

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Schellbourne, located in the Schell Creek Range in White Pine County, Nevada, approximately 43 miles north of Ely, is a well-preserved ghost town with a rich history tied to the Shoshone people, the Pony Express, military outposts, and a brief but vibrant mining era. Once a bustling hub along the Central Overland Route and the original Lincoln Highway, Schellbourne’s historical significance is marked by Nevada Historical Marker No. 51 and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, with boundaries expanded in 1977. This report explores Schellbourne’s evolution from a Native American village to a key stopover in the American West and its eventual decline into a ghost town.

Prehistoric and Native American Roots

Long before European settlers arrived, the Schellbourne area was a Shoshone village site, with the Kusiutta (Goshute) people living in harmony with the harsh Great Basin environment. The Goshute relied on resources like pinyon pine nuts, thriving despite the arid desert and extreme temperatures. Their presence in the region predates recorded history, and their cultural connection to the land persisted through centuries of change. The arrival of trappers and explorers in 1827 disrupted Goshute life, restricting access to traditional hunting and gathering sites and sparking tensions that culminated in a treaty in 1863, establishing reservations for the Skull Valley and Deep Creek Goshute bands.

Early Exploration and the Overland Routes (1859–1861)

In 1859, Captain James Simpson scouted Schellbourne as part of an effort to find a shorter route across the Great Basin. That same year, an Overland Stage and Mail station was established, marking the beginning of Schellbourne’s role as a critical stopover. Named Schell Creek Station, it served George Chorpenning’s Jackass Mail and later became a Pony Express station in 1860. The Pony Express, operational for only 18 months, relied on Schellbourne for mail delivery and stock exchange, with riders like Elijah Nichols “Uncle Nick” Wilson braving dangers such as Paiute raids. In June 1860, after a raid killed the stationmaster and two attendants, the U.S. Army established a small military post, later named Fort Schellbourne after Major A.J. Schell, to protect the stage and mail lines from conflicts with the Newe (Goshute and Western Shoshone) people. The Overland Telegraph arrived in 1861, further cementing Schellbourne’s role as a communication hub. The fort was abandoned in 1862 as tensions with local tribes subsided, and the Overland Stage ceased operations in 1869 after the Central Pacific Railroad’s completion to the north.

The Mining Boom and Bust (1871–1885)

In 1871, prospector James McMahon discovered silver ore in the mountains east of Schellbourne, leading to the creation of the Aurum Mining District. The town, officially named Schellbourne, grew rapidly, boasting a population of over 500 by 1872. The community featured four or five saloons, a Wells Fargo office with heavy steel doors, two law offices, a livery stable, two boarding houses, two restaurants, three stores, and a five-stamp mill. The Schell Creek Prospect newspaper published its first edition in July 1872 but folded within seven months, reflecting the town’s fleeting prosperity. At its peak, nearly 400 residents lived around the old Pony Express station. However, richer silver deposits discovered in nearby Cherry Creek in late 1872 triggered a mass exodus, with mining equipment and buildings relocated across Steptoe Valley. By 1885, the ore was largely depleted, and Schellbourne’s population dwindled to around 50, effectively ending its mining era.

Transition to Ranching and Modern Preservation

After the mining bust, “Uncle Billy” and Eliza Burke acquired the Aurum Mining District and adjacent valley, transforming Schellbourne into a ranch headquarters. The Schellbourne post office, operational from December 1871 to October 1925, served the ranching community. Today, Schellbourne operates as a private ranch, with some original buildings preserved, though many have been razed, to the dismay of local historians. A small cemetery, protected under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, remains near the ruins. The Schellbourne Rest Area on U.S. Highway 93, located four miles west of the original townsite, features interpretive panels and a silhouette of a Pony Express rider, providing visitors with historical context.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Schellbourne’s multifaceted history encapsulates the dynamic changes of the American West in the 19th century. From a Shoshone village to a Pony Express and military outpost, a booming mining camp, and finally a ranching hub, it reflects the region’s economic and cultural shifts. Its designation as Nevada Historical Marker No. 51 and inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places underscore its importance. The site’s connection to the Goshute people, the Pony Express National Historic Trail, and the Lincoln Highway highlights its role as a crossroads of Native American heritage, westward expansion, and early American infrastructure.

Conclusion

Schellbourne, Nevada, stands as a testament to the transient nature of frontier towns, shaped by Native American resilience, the rapid pace of the Pony Express, military protection, and the boom-and-bust cycle of mining. Though now a quiet ghost town on private land, its historical markers and preserved remnants ensure its story endures. Visitors to the Schellbourne Rest Area can glimpse this legacy, connecting the past to the present in the remote Schell Creek Range.

Nevada State Historic Marker 51

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.

Schellbourne was a mail station and town, located approximately four miles east of this marker in Stage Canyon, nestled in the Schell Creek mountain range.  The Pony Express established a mail station and corral there in 1860, providing mail service to the region until 1861, when the Overland Stage company took over the route.  A small military post known as Fort Schellbourne joined the station until 1862, protecting the stage line during the conflicts between whites and the Newe (Goshute and Western Shoshone) Indians.

Prospectors discovered silver ore in the mountains immediately to the east of Schellbourne in the early 1870s, and created the Aurum Mining District in 1871.  An active mining camp developed with a population of over 500 people.  By 1885, the ore had been mostly depleted, with other mining towns like Cherry Creek drawing residents away.  The district and adjacent valley were acquired by Uncle Billy” and Eliza Burke as a ranch and hotel.  Schellbourne has subsequently operated as the headquarters for various ranches since that time.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 51

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

WHITE PINE PUBLIC MUSEUM INC.

Nevada State Historic Marker Map

Summary

NameSchellbourne
LocationWhite Pine County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.7969, -114.7419
Nevada State Historic Marker51

Sources

  • Nomadic Niko. (2023). Schellbourne, Nevada (Rest Area on US Highway 93).
  • Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. Schellbourne.
  • Historical Marker Database. Schellbourne.
  • HistoryNet. (2018). Ghost Towns: Schellbourne, Nevada.
  • White Pine County NVGenWeb. Schellbourne Nevada History and Photos.
  • Historical Marker Database. Schellbourne: Gateway to the Goshute Nation.
  • The USGenWeb Project. Schellbourne Nevada History.
  • GhostTowns.com. Schellbourne – Nevada Ghost Town.
  • Great Basin Heritage Area. Schellbourne Station, Nevada.
  • NoeHill Travels in Nevada. National Register #72000768: Fort Schellbourne, Nevada.
  • FortWiki. (2022). Fort Schellbourne.
  • YouTube. (2024). Fascinating Story of Schellbourne Nevada: Pony Express, Frontier Fort, Ghost Town, Mining Town.

Pershing County – Nevada State Historic Marker 17

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Perching County, Nevada
Perching County, Nevada

Pershing County, located in north-central Nevada, is a rural county with a population of approximately 6,192 as of 2025, making it the 11th largest county in the state. Covering 6,067 square miles, it is characterized by vast open spaces, with 6,037 square miles of land and only 0.5% water. The county seat is Lovelock, named after early settler George Lovelock, and the county itself is named for General John J. Pershing, a World War I hero. Established on March 18, 1919, as Nevada’s last county, it was carved from Humboldt County.

The county’s landscape includes the prominent Star Peak, the tallest mountain at 9,840 feet, and part of the Black Rock Desert, famous for hosting the Burning Man festival. Historically, Pershing County was a key stop on the Humboldt Trail, known as Big Meadows, where 19th-century emigrants rested before crossing the Forty Mile Desert. Mining, dating back to the 1850s, and cattle ranching remain economic staples, with modern agriculture focusing on alfalfa and wheat production.

Demographically, the 2020 census reported a racial makeup of 77.69% White, 5.35% Black, 3.42% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.22% Pacific Islander, 9.38% other races, and 3.30% multiracial, with 19.33% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is $72,007, with a per capita income of $42,694 and a poverty rate of 8.05%. Housing is sparse, with 2,389 units at a density of 0.39 per square mile, and most residents own their homes.

Politically, Pershing County leans heavily Republican, with the last Democratic presidential candidate to win it being Lyndon Johnson in 1964. The county has a low incidence of natural disasters compared to the U.S. average, though it experiences significant earthquake activity. Public schools are above average, and the county supports a conservative community lifestyle. Key locations include Lovelock, the largest city, and smaller communities like Imlay and ghost towns such as Seven Troughs, tied to early 20th-century gold mining.

Nevada State Historic Marker 17

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.

Pershing County 1964

Here was a key point on Nevada’s earliest road, the famed Humboldt Trail that brought 165,000 emigrants west in the 1840’s and 50’s. Travelers named this rich valley The Big Meadows and stopped for water and grass before continuing south to cross the dreaded 40-Mile Desert, the most difficult lap on the trail to California.

Mining, still an important industry, began here in 1850’s. George Lovelock, merchant, rancher and prospector, gave his name to the county seat. The coming of the railroad in 1869 brought new growth to the area. Pershing County, established in 1919, was previously part of Humboldt County.

Nevada Centennial Marker No. 17

Nevada State Historic Marker 17 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker Summary

NamePershing County
LocationPershing County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude40.1803, -118.4769
Nevada State Historic Marker17

American Robin ( Turdus migratorius )

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The American Robin (Turdus migratorius), a member of the thrush family is a migratory songbird commonly found across North America. Recognized for its bright orange-red breast, this species is a member of the thrush family, Turdidae. It is often considered a harbinger of spring due to its early arrival from migration and its prominent presence in backyards and gardens.

An American Robin ( Turdus migratorius ) pearched high in the branches of a pine tree.
An American Robin ( Turdus migratorius ) pearched high in the branches of a pine tree.

Physical Description

The American Robin measures about 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) in length with a wingspan of 12-16 inches (31-41 cm). Adults display a striking coloration: a reddish-orange breast, a dark gray to black head, back, wings, and tail, and a white lower belly and undertail. Their bill is yellow with a slight curve, and their eyes are surrounded by white rings, giving them a distinctive appearance.

Habitat and Distribution

More details Approximate range/distribution map of the American Robin (Turdus migratorius). - Ken Thomas
More details Approximate range/distribution map of the American Robin (Turdus migratorius). – Ken Thomas

American Robins are highly adaptable birds that inhabit a wide range of environments. They are found in woodlands, farmlands, urban areas, and suburban gardens. Their distribution extends from the northern parts of Canada to Central America. During breeding season, they prefer habitats with abundant trees and shrubs, while in the winter, they may flock to areas with ample fruit-bearing trees.

Behavior and Diet

American Robins are known for their characteristic behaviors, such as running and stopping on lawns while foraging for food. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting mainly of insects, earthworms, and fruits. In the spring and summer, they predominantly feed on invertebrates, switching to a fruit-heavy diet in the fall and winter. Robins play a significant role in controlling insect populations and seed dispersal.

Reproduction

Breeding season for American Robins starts in early spring and can continue through late summer. They typically have two to three broods per year. Nests are built by the female using grass, twigs, and mud, and are often located in trees, shrubs, or on man-made structures. The female lays 3-5 blue eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents are involved in feeding the nestlings, which fledge approximately two weeks after hatching.

Migration

American Robins are partial migrants. Northern populations migrate southward in the fall to escape harsh winter conditions, while southern populations tend to be more sedentary. Migration patterns are influenced by food availability and weather conditions. Robins migrate in flocks and can travel considerable distances, often returning to the same breeding grounds each year.

Vocalization

The American Robin is known for its melodious song, which consists of a series of clear whistles and phrases. Their song is often described as “cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up.” Males sing to establish and defend their territories and to attract mates. Robins are also known for their “tut-tut-tut” alarm calls when threatened.

Conservation Status

The American Robin is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population is stable and widespread, benefitting from their adaptability to human-modified environments. However, they face threats from pesticide use, habitat loss, and window collisions.

Cultural Significance

American Robins hold a significant place in North American culture, often symbolizing renewal and the arrival of spring. They appear in various folklore and literature, celebrated for their vibrant appearance and cheerful song. The robin is also the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin, reflecting its widespread recognition and admiration.

The American Robin is a resilient and versatile bird that plays an important role in ecosystems across North America. Its striking appearance, melodious song, and adaptability have made it a beloved bird among birdwatchers and the general public. Ongoing conservation efforts ensure that this iconic species continues to thrive in its natural habitats.

References