Tonopah is a ghost town located in Nye County, Nevada. Tonopah is also designated Nevada State History Marker number fifteen. The rock marker is locate just off the highway in a park.
Tonopah, Nevada, located in Nye County, has a rich and storied history that dates back to the late 19th century. The town’s origins can be traced to 1900 when prospector Jim Butler stumbled upon silver-rich ore while chasing after his wayward burro. This discovery sparked a mining rush, leading to the founding of Tonopah and the development of numerous mines in the area. Tonopah quickly grew into one of the most important silver mining towns in Nevada, earning it the nickname “Queen of the Silver Camps.”
The Tonopah Mining Company was established in 1901, further fueling the town’s growth and attracting miners, entrepreneurs, and families seeking their fortunes. The discovery of gold in the nearby Mizpah Mine in 1904 only added to the town’s prosperity.
By the early 20th century, Tonopah boasted a bustling downtown lined with businesses, hotels, saloons, and homes. The town became a hub of activity, with its mines producing millions of dollars’ worth of precious metals.
Tonopah’s significance extended beyond its economic impact. It served as a vital stop along the railroad, connecting mining operations in the region to markets across the country. Additionally, Tonopah played a role in Nevada’s history as the site of the state’s first-ever aerial combat mission during World War II, when a Japanese balloon bomb exploded prematurely near the town in 1945.
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 Marker Summary
| Nevada State Histori Marker | 15 |
| Name | Tonopah |
| Location | Nye County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 38.0670, -117.2291 |