Tag: Timothy H. O’Sullivan

Timothy H. O’Sullivan (1840–1882) was a pioneering American photographer renowned for his impactful work in the 19th century. Known for his compelling images of the American Civil War and the Western United States, O’Sullivan’s photographs captured both the brutal realities of conflict and the awe-inspiring landscapes of the American frontier. His ability to blend technical skill with artistic vision produced iconic images that continue to resonate today, offering a poignant glimpse into pivotal moments in American history and the rugged beauty of the untamed West.

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

Fort Halleck Military Reservation – Nevada State Historic Marker 47

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

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

Early Exploration and Settlement

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

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

The Need for Military Presence

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

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

Civil War and Fort Halleck

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

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

Life at Fort Halleck

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

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

Conflict with Native American Tribes

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

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

Post-Civil War Era

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

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

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

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

Nevada State Historic Marker 47 Text

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.

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

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

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

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

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

Nevada State Historic Marker Trail Map

Fort Halleck Marker Summary

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

References

Ragtown Nevada

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Ragtown Nevada is ghost town and Nevada State Historical Marker number nineteen. The town and Nevada State Historic Marker are located in the Churchill County, Nevada. The town was located about eight miles west of Fallon Nevada. Originally, the town was located near Leeteville, but later is relocated to its historic location. Today, nothing remains of the old settlement.

Ragtown Nevada
Ragtown, Nevada

The site which will become Ragtown started in 1854 as a station along the Humboldt Overland Trail. The station is located on a small ranch and the site is the first watering hole for travelers west of the dry alkali Forty Mile desert. The Forty Mile desert is one of the most notorious sections of the transit and the site of many tragedies. Travelers would rest and recoup from the journey along the northern bank of the Carson River before starting for the Sierra Nevada. The name Ragtown comes from the clothing hung to dry from the women doing their laundry.

During the late 1850’s, small structures are built from willow poles and canvas as temporary shelters for travelers. A summer seasonal population is comprised of traders, gamblers and those of less notable reputation. Samuel Clemmons visited Ragtown in 1861 on his way out west.

A flood in 1862 destroyed all of the structures and disinterred some 200 graves. The site is temporarily abandoned until the Reese River Excitement in 1863 started a renewal. By the late 1860s a post office is established and the small population of farmers worked the area. The location is bypassed with the establishment of the Central Pacific rail service.

Today, nothing remains of Ragtown beyond a historic maker.

Nevada State Historic Marker Text

Ragtown was never a town. Instead, it was the name of a most welcome oasis and gathering point. This mecca on the banks of nearby Carson River received its name from the appearance of pioneer laundry spread on every handy bush around.

The Forty Mile Desert, immediately to the north, was the most dreaded portion of the California Emigrant Trail. Ragtown was the first water stop after the desert. To the thirst- crazed emigrants and their animals, no sight was more welcome than the trees lining the Carson River.

Accounts tell of the moment when the animals first picked up the scent of water—the lifted head, the quickened pace, and finally the mad, frenzied dash to the water’s edge. Then, emigrants rested for the arduous crossing of the Sierra Nevada that lay ahead.

In 1854, Asa Kenyon located a trading post near Ragtown, offering goods and supplies to travelers during the 1850s and 1860s. Ragtown was one of the most important sites on the Carson branch of the California trail.

HISTORICAL MARKER No. 19
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICEC
HURCHILL COUNTY MUSEUM COMMITTEE

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.

Historic Photos

Desert Lake, near Ragtown, Western Nevada, ca. 1867 by Timothy H. O'Sullivan
Desert Lake, near Ragtown, Western Nevada, ca. 1867 by Timothy H. O’Sullivan

Pony Express

Townley identifies Ragtown as a station between Old River and Desert Wells. Like other stations on the “Stillwater Dogleg,” Ragtown probably functioned briefly as a Pony Express station in the summer and fall of 1861 and as an Overland Mail Company stage stop from 1861 to 1868. L. Kenyon and his family managed station operations at the site for nearly fifty years. The station’s name supposedly came from the common site of freshly washed travelers’ clothing spread out to dry on surrounding bushes.

Ragtown Summary

NameRagtown, Nevada
LocationChurchill County, Nevada
GNIS
PopulationTransitory, Seasonal, 50
Post Office186X –
Elevation4,029 feet
Nevada State Historic Marker19
Latitude, Longitude39.5057,-118.9215
NPS Pony Express Station160
Next Westbound StationDesert Wells Station
Next Eastbound StationNevada Station

Nevada State Historic Marker Map

References

Austin Nevada – Lander County

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Austin, Nevada, is a small unincorporated community in Lander County, often described as a “living ghost town” due to its well-preserved remnants of an early Nevada mining town. Located on the western slopes of the Toiyabe Range at an elevation of 6,575 feet, Austin was a significant hub during the silver boom of the 1860s. This report explores Austin’s history, from its founding and peak during the silver rush to its decline and current status as a historical site, drawing on key events, structures, and cultural significance.

Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Austin, Nevada, 1868, albumen silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase from the Charles Isaacs Collection made possible in part by the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment,
Timothy H. O’Sullivan, Austin, Nevada, 1868, albumen silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase from the Charles Isaacs Collection made possible in part by the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment

Founding and the Silver Rush (1862–1864)

Austin was founded in 1862 during a silver rush sparked by a discovery attributed to William Talcott, a former Pony Express rider. According to local legend, a Pony Express horse kicked over a rock in Pony Canyon, revealing silver ore. Assays confirmed the richness of the vein, and news spread rapidly. By July 1862, the Reese River Mining District was organized, attracting hundreds of prospectors. By summer 1863, Austin and the surrounding area boasted a population exceeding 10,000, primarily European Americans seeking wealth. The town was named after Alvah Austin, a partner of David Buell, who mapped out the settlement during the American Civil War, when the Union sought precious metals to fund the war effort.

In 1863, Austin became the county seat of Lander County, a role it held until 1979 when the seat shifted to Battle Mountain. The town’s strategic location along the Pony Express route and later U.S. Highway 50 facilitated its rapid growth. By January 1864, Austin was incorporated as a city, merging the camps of Clifton, Austin, and Upper Austin. The same year, Reuel Colt Gridley, a local merchant, launched a famous fundraising drive, repeatedly auctioning a sack of flour to raise over $250,000 for wounded Civil War veterans, an event that gained national attention.

Boom Years and Development (1864–1887)

Austin’s peak in the 1860s and 1870s was marked by significant infrastructure and cultural development. The town became a staging point for prospectors exploring central Nevada, leading to new mining camps and discoveries. By late 1863, Austin had over 7,000 residents, and by 1864, it established a police force, fire department, and daily newspaper, the Reese River Reveille. Brick buildings, schools, and gas-lit streets reflected its prosperity. The International Hotel, originally built in Virginia City in 1859 and partially relocated to Austin in 1863, became a central landmark and is considered Nevada’s oldest hotel. It continues to serve meals and drinks today.

Religious institutions also flourished. Four churches were built, three of which remain significant: the Catholic St. Augustine’s (1866), now a cultural center; the Methodist Church (1866), now a community center; and St. George’s Episcopal Church (1878), still in regular use and often called the prettiest frontier church standing. These churches are listed as Nevada Historical Marker 67.

The Nevada Central Railroad, completed in 1880, connected Austin to the transcontinental railroad at Battle Mountain, reducing reliance on costly mule trains. The Austin City Railway, nicknamed “The Mule’s Relief,” was built in 1880 to transport freight 2.8 miles from Clifton to Austin’s mining district, overcoming steep grades with a Baldwin steam locomotive. However, a tragic accident in 1882 killed the engineer, and the railway ceased operations in 1893 as mining declined.

Stokes Castle and Other Landmarks (1897)

One of Austin’s most iconic structures is Stokes Castle, a three-story granite tower built in 1897 by Anson Phelps Stokes, a wealthy New York capitalist with interests in local mines. Modeled after a medieval Italian tower Stokes admired near Rome, the castle was constructed with hand-hewn granite blocks raised by a hand winch. It featured three floors with fireplaces, plate-glass windows, balconies, and a battlemented terrace. The Stokes family occupied it briefly in June and July 1897, after which it fell into disrepair. Today, it stands as a testament to Austin’s mining wealth and architectural ambition.

Other notable structures include the Austin Cemetery (established 1863), listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Austin Historic District, a 748-acre area listed in 1971. The district encompasses the Austin City Hall, the Austin Masonic and Odd Fellows Hall, the Gridley Store, and the former Lander County Courthouse, among others. Toquima Cave, a nearby archaeological site with ancient Shoshone petroglyphs, adds to the area’s historical significance.

Decline and Transition (1887–1938)

Austin’s silver boom waned by 1887 as major production ceased, though a brief revival occurred in the 1910s. The White Pine mining excitement of 1869 drew many prospectors away, causing a temporary slump. The city was disincorporated in 1881, reflecting its declining population. The Nevada Central Railroad, vital to Austin’s economy, faced challenges with the rise of motor vehicles and stage lines in the 1920s. By 1937, the railroad’s owners, including J.G. Phelps Stokes, decided to abandon it, and the tracks were removed in 1938.

By the early 20th century, Austin’s population dwindled. The 1920 census reported fewersomewhere around 200 residents, and by 2020, the census-designated place had only 167 residents. Despite this, Austin remained a cultural and historical hub, preserving its past through the Austin Historical Society Museum, opened in 2006 on Main Street during the annual Gridley Days festival. The museum houses artifacts from mining, ranching, railroads, Native American tribes, schools, and churches, including vintage furniture, mining equipment, and pre-Shoshone grinding stones.

Austin Today

Today, Austin is a quiet mountain town with a population of approximately 167, nestled in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest along U.S. Route 50, dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America.” It attracts tourists for its historical sites, outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and hunting, and natural attractions like Spencer Hot Springs. Eleven historic sites, including Stokes Castle and the churches, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Greater Austin Area Chamber of Commerce promotes the town as a base for exploring the Toiyabe Range and nearby ghost towns. The Austin Historical Museum continues to educate visitors, open from April to October, and the town’s preserved buildings offer a glimpse into Nevada’s mining frontier.

Conclusion

Austin, Nevada, encapsulates the rise and fall of a classic Western mining town. From its explosive growth during the 1862 silver rush to its quiet existence today, Austin’s history reflects the boom-and-bust cycles of the American frontier. Its preserved structures, like Stokes Castle, the International Hotel, and its historic churches, along with its museum and archaeological sites, make it a valuable window into Nevada’s past. As a living ghost town, Austin continues to draw visitors seeking history, adventure, and the stark beauty of central Nevada.

Nevada State Historic Marker #8

Austin sprang into being after William Talcott discovered silver at this spot on May 2, 1862.  Talcott came from Jacobsville, a stage stop six miles to the west on the Reese River. He was hauling wood out of Pony Canyon, directly below, when he made the strike that set off the famous “Rush to Reese.”

A town called Clifton flourished briefly in Pony Canyon but fast growing Austin soon took over and became the Lander County seat in 1863. Before the mines began to fail in the 1880s Austin was a substantial city of several thousand people.  From Austin, prospectors fanned out to open many other important mining camps in the Great Basin.

CENTENNIAL MARKER No. 8 – STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Austin Historic Images

Austin, Nevada
Austin, Nevada
Stokes Castle - Julie Nicoletta, "Stokes Castle", [Austin, Nevada], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/NV-01-CE10.
Stokes Castle – Julie Nicoletta, “Stokes Castle”, [Austin, Nevada], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/NV-01-CE10.
Golden Club, Austin Nevada
Golden Club, Austin Nevada
Austin, Nevada - 1865
Austin, Nevada – 1865

Austin Nevada Map

Town Summary

NameAustin Nevada
LocationLander County, Nevada
Also Known AsJacobsville, Jacobs Station, Jacobs Springs
Latitude, Longitude39.4919, -117.0703
GNIS858766
Elevation2,025 meters / 6,644 feet
Population7,000
Nevada Historical Marker8
NewspaperReese River Reveille May 23, 1863 – 1993 (missing: June 27, July 1, 8, 11, 15, 18, Aug 12, 26, 29, Sept 9, 16, 23, 26,1863)
Daily Morning Democrat Aug 9, 1882 – July 8, 1883
Peoples Advocate Dec 3, 1890 – Jan 31, 1893
Nevada Progressive Dec 31, 1924 – Oct 2, 1926
Austin Sun Sept 2, 1933 – June 23, 1934

Nevada State Historic Markers in Austin Nevada

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

Reul Colt Gridley

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,…
Stokes Castle - Julie Nicoletta, "Stokes Castle", [Austin, Nevada], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/NV-01-CE10.

Stokes Castle

Stokes Castle is a point of interest and Nevada Start Historic Marker number fifty nine located in Lander County, Nevada. The granite rock tower is…

References

Fort Ruby

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Fort Ruby, also known as Camp Ruby is an old U. S. Army post which was built in 1862 during the American Civil War, The post is located in the “wilderness of eastern Nevada.” and protected the overland mail coaches and Pony Express, in order to maintain links and communication between residents of California and the Union states to the East.

Photo of Fort Ruby as it appeared in 1868, when famed western photographer Timothy Sullivan captured this image.
Photo of Fort Ruby as it appeared in 1868, when famed western photographer Timothy Sullivan captured this image.

The fort operated from 1862 to 1869 and was a small outpost in the land of the Western Shoshone tribes. The outpost is built prior to the signing of the Treaty of Ruby Valley in which the United States and the Western Shoshone agreed to allow access and mineral rights to the land in exchange for $5,000 a year for twenty years. These payments was supposed to be delivered in goods and livestock for the tribe. Sadly, only the first payment is delivered.

“Ruby Valley is a bleak, inhospitable place — no forage, nor lumber to build with, and as far as the Indians are concerned, entirely unnecessary to keep troops there,” 

Col. Patrick E. Conner

Col. Patrick E. Conner lead the expedition to the site in 1862 and along with 600 men from the 3rd Regiment of California Volunteers, built the fort from stone and wood from the nearby mountains. Fort Ruby was comprised of fourteen buildings including living quarters, stables, corrals and store houses. Water is supplied by the Fort Ruby Spring located close to the fort. Just one month after initial construction of the fort, the men prepared the fort for winter. Upon doing so, the majority of the soldiers packed up and left for Salt Lake City to establish Fort Douglas. In 1864, the California troops were replaced by the Nevada Volunteers, Company B, 1st Nevada Infantry.

The outpost is located in a vast remote location about halfway between Carson City, Nevada and Salt Lake City Utah. The main threat to the men after the treaty is boredom. Aside from a brief action known as the Goshute War with the local natives, there is nothing for the Troops to keep busy after the treaty is signed.

The camp is decommissioned on September 20th, 1869. As the troops left the outpost, ranch families waved goodbye. Fort Ruby and its soldiers had become a welcome part of the valley. the closing of the fort was a social and economic blow to the local ranchers.

Fort Ruby was salvaged by local ranchers and today, no much remains at the site aside from several graves and a historic marker.

Fort Ruby Summary

NameFort Ruby
LocationWhite Pine County, Nevada
Also Known AsCamp Ruby, Old Camp Ruby, Old Fort Ruby
Latitude, Longitude40.0677778, -115.5294444
GNIS1681469
Elevation1826 meters / 5991 feet
National Historic Landmark66000460

Fort Ruby Map

Resources