Category: Points of Interest

Old Spanish Trail (Journey of the Dead Man)

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Old Spanish Trail (Journey of the Dead Man) is a Nevada State Historic Marker Number 139 located in Clark County, Nevada. This marker is one of several which tell the history of the Old Spanish Trail in Nevada.

The Old Spanish Trail is a 700 mile long historical trade route that connected the northern New Mexico settlements near Santa Fe, New Mexico with those of Los Angeles, California. The trail’s rugged terrain discouraged the use of wagons. It was always a pack route, mainly used by men and mules.

The routes and trails link California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. The Old Spanish Trail consists of a series and different trails and routes some of which are in service today.

Captain John C. Frémont, explorer first mapped Diamond Valley Nevada
Captain John C. Frémont, explorer first mapped Diamond Valley Nevada

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.

Nevada State Historic Marker 139 Text

Early Spanish traders named the fifty-five dry miles separating Las Vegas and the Muddy River the Journada Del Muerto (Journey of The Dead Man).  This longest stretch without water along the Old Spanish Trail was littered with the skeletons of animals and parts of wagons abandoned along the sandy desert.  Most experienced travelers made the trip at night.

John C. Frémont crossed the Journada in 1844 and commented: “We ate the barrel cactus and moistened our mouths with the acid of the sour dock. Hourly expecting to find water, we continued to press on to midnight, when after a hard and uninterrupted march of 16 hours, our wild mules began running ahead; and in a mile or two we came to a bold running stream (the Muddy River).” 

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 139
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Nevada State Historic Marker 139 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker Number 139 is located off Interstate 15 north of Las Vegas. The marker is located about 1/4 mile south of the I-15 in Nevada State Route 169.

Nevada State Historic Marker 139 Summary

NameOld Spanish Trail (Journey of the Dead Man)
LocationClark County, Nevada
Nevada State Historic Marker138
Latitude, Longitude36.5010, -114.7605

References


  

Death Valley Railroad

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The Death Valley Railroad (DVRR) was a historic 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge railroad that once operated in Death Valley. Built primarily to support mining operations in the remote and harsh terrains of the Death Valley region, it played a crucial role in the economic development of the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The line started in Death Valley Junction, CA and followed the modern California State Route 190 down the the mining camp of Ryan.

Locomotive No 1 Engine, Death Valley Railroad
Locomotive No 1 Engine, Death Valley Railroad

Early Days and Construction

The idea of constructing a railroad in the inhospitable terrain of Death Valley emerged during the late 19th century with the discovery of various valuable mineral deposits. Initially, the isolated mining communities were heavily dependent on mule teams and wagons for transportation, which was both slow and inefficient.

In 1904, the Pacific Coast Borax Company, recognizing the need for a more efficient transportation system, began the construction of the Death Valley Railroad. The railway was intended to connect the mining towns of Ryan, near Death Valley, to the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, which served the wider region.

A map of the Death Valley Railroad running from Death Valley Junction all the way up to the mines at Ryan near Colemanite
A map of the Death Valley Railroad running from Death Valley Junction all the way up to the mines at Ryan near Colemanite

Development and Operations

The construction of the railroad faced immense challenges due to the rugged landscape, extreme weather conditions, and the scarcity of resources in the area. The laborers encountered difficulties such as intense heat, lack of water, and treacherous terrain, but despite these challenges, the construction continued.

By 1914, the DVRR was fully operational, enabling the efficient transportation of borax, gold, silver, and other minerals from the mines to the broader market. The railroad significantly reduced transportation costs and facilitated the growth of mining operations in the area.

DVRR self propelled gasoline powered Brill Car
DVRR self propelled gasoline powered Brill Car

One train ran each day delivering food and water to the workers at the Ryan mine in the mourning. The same train bought ore back late in the afternoon. After better deposits of borax were discovered at Boron, the Death Valley Railroad tried to resort to tourist operations by bringing in a Brill railcar to transport tourists to the old mines which made up Furnace Creek. A Brill car is a self propelled gasoline rail vehicle.

California State Route 190 roughly follows the route of this railroad.

Decline and Closure

Eventually, with the Great Depression of the 1930s and the increased usage of automobiles and trucks for transportation. The narrow gage D V R R ceased its operations in 1931. The tracks were removed, and much of the equipment was sold off or abandoned, marking the end of an era for the railroad and the mining communities it had served.

Although the Death Valley Railroad’s existence was relatively short-lived, it played a pivotal role in the development of the Death Valley region, contributing significantly to the growth of the mining industry and the economic prosperity of the local communities during its operation. Today, remnants of the railroad’s route can still be found in the Death Valley National Park, serving as a testament to its historical significance and the challenges faced by early industrial pioneers in this unforgiving landscape.

Baby Gage Railroad, Old Borax Mine, Ryan Death Valley, California
Baby Gage Railroad, Old Borax Mine, Ryan Death Valley, California
D V R R tracks near Death Valley Junction, California
D V R R tracks near Death Valley Junction, California
Death Valley Railroad at Ryan, also known as Devar or Devair circa 1916
Death Valley Railroad at Ryan, also known as Devar or Devair circa 1916
Heisler locomotive No. 2 "Francis" on the wye track at Ryan (formerly Devar), circa 1916.
Heisler locomotive No. 2 “Francis” on the wye track at Ryan (formerly Devar), circa 1916.
Baldwin Locomotive No 1 Engine, D V R R
Baldwin Locomotive No 1 Engine, D V R R
DVRR self propelled gasoline powered Brill Car
DVRR self propelled gasoline powered Brill Car

Death Valley Railroad Summary

NameDeath Valley Railroad
LocationNye County, Nevada
Death Valley, California
GageNarrow Gage, 3 ft (914mm)
Length25 Miles
Years of Operation1914 – 1931

Death Valley Railroad Locomotives

LocomotiveManufacturerService
Heisler #2 “Francis”2-TruckStearns Manufacturing Locomotive Works1899 – 1925
Baldwin DVRR No 12-8-0Baldwin Locomotive Works
Baldwin DVRR No 22-8-0Baldwin Locomotive Works1916 –

References

Devil’s Gate – Nevada State Historic Marker 223

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Devil’s Gate, located in Lyon County, Nevada, is a striking natural landmark renowned for its rugged and otherworldly beauty. The geologic landmark is recognized as Nevada State Historic Marker number 223. Devil’s Gate is an impressive rock formation located along Nevada State Route 342 outside of Silver City, Nevada. The gate to Gold Canyon was carved by the forces of nature over thousands of years.

Devil's Gate near Silver City. This was a toll road on the way to Virginia City.
Devil’s Gate near Silver City. This was a toll road on the way to Virginia City.

Nevada State Historic Marker 223

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.

It gives … “a forcible impression of the unhallowed character of the place.” J. Ross Browne . 1860

This rugged reef of metamorphic rock was once one of the famous landmarks of the Nevada Territory.  In June of 1850, John Orr and Nicholas Kelly unearthed a gold nugget nearby, the first ever found in Gold Canyon.  For the next ten years, the can was the scene of placer mining and one of the first stamp mills in the Territory was erected just to the south of Devil’s Gate during the summer of 1860.

During the brief Paiute War of May, 1860, the people of Silver City built a stone battlement atop the eastern summit and constructed a wooden cannon for protection.

Devil’s Gate marks the boundary line between Storey and Lyon Counties.  Through this narrow gorge paraded thousands of the most adventurous souls of the mining West as they made their way to the gold and silver mines of the Comstock Lode.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 223

DIVISION OFHISTORIC PRESERVATION AND ARCHAEOLOGY

SPONSORED BY:

RENO CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN COLONISTS

Devil’s Gate Historic Marker Map

Nevada State Historic Marker number two hundred twenty three is location on the western side of Nevada State Route near the geologic feature. The marker is just north of Silver City, Nevada.

Devil's Gate as seen from the townsite of Silver City. State Route 342 goes through the "gate" on its way to Virginia City. Original view is circa 1866
Devil’s Gate as seen from the townsite of Silver City. State Route 342 goes through the “gate” on its way to Virginia City. Original view is circa 1866

Nevada State Historic Marker Summary

NameDevil’s Gate
LocationLyon County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.2667, -119.6419
GNIS222304
Nevada State Historic Marker 223

References

Copper Country – Nevada State Historic Marker 9

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Located in White Pine County, Nevada is Copper Country, Nevada State Historic Marker number 9.

Copper Country, Eureka pit / Copper Flat pi, Libery Pit, Robinson Mining District, White Pine County Nevada
Copper Country, Eureka pit / Copper Flat pi, Libery Pit, Robinson Mining District, White Pine County Nevada

The history of copper mining in White Pine County, Nevada, is a rich and storied tale that spans over a century. Copper mining in this region played a significant role in shaping the local economy and history. Copper was initially discovered in White Pine County during the late 1800s as miners and prospectors explored the vast wilderness of Nevada. Native Americans had long been aware of the presence of copper in the area, but it was the arrival of European settlers that led to more systematic exploration.

The town of Ely, founded in 1878, became a focal point for copper mining in White Pine County. The first significant copper deposit was discovered near Ely in the Robinson Mining District. These early mining operations were relatively small-scale and used traditional mining techniques.

In the early 20th century, advancements in mining technology and infrastructure development spurred the growth of the copper mining industry in the region. The Nevada Consolidated Copper Company (NCC) and Kennecott Copper Corporation became major players in the area.

The Kennecott Copper Corporation, which was owned by the Guggenheim family, acquired extensive copper mining interests in White Pine County. They developed the Bingham Canyon Mine near Ruth, which became one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world.

Nevada State Historic Marker 9 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 famed open-pit copper mines of eastern Nevada, including the Liberty Pit, largest in the state, are located two miles south of this point.  Through the first half of the twentieth century, this area produced nearly a billion dollars in copper, gold, and silver.  The huge mounds visible from here are waste rock, which was removed to uncover the ore.

Two miles east of here, near Lane City, was the Elijah, the first mine discovered in the Robinson Mining District.  Lane City, originally called Mineral City, was settled in 1869 and had a population of 400.  At Mineral City was the Ragsdale Station, one hotel, and a stage station.

CENTENNIAL MARKER No. 9
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Nevada State Historic Marker 9 Summary

NameCopper Country
LocationWhite Pine County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.2831, -114.9636
Nevada State Historic Marker9

References

Bliss Mansion – Nevada State Historic Marker 70

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Nestled in the heart of Carson City, Nevada, the Bliss Mansion stands as a testament to the state’s rich history and the enduring legacy of its early pioneers. This elegant mansion, with its Italianate architectural style and storied past, has played a pivotal role in the development of Nevada and remains a cherished symbol of the state’s heritage. With a history spanning over a century, the Bliss Mansion’s story is a compelling narrative of wealth, culture, and community that has left an indelible mark on the Silver State.

Bliss Mansion, Carson City Nevada, Photo Curtosry

Nestled in the heart of Carson City, Nevada, the Bliss Mansion stands as a testament to the state’s rich history and the enduring legacy of its early pioneers. This elegant mansion, with its Italianate architectural style and storied past, has played a pivotal role in the development of Nevada and remains a cherished symbol of the state’s heritage. With a history spanning over a century, the Bliss Mansion’s story is a compelling narrative of wealth, culture, and community that has left an indelible mark on the Silver State.

Duane L. Bliss

Duane Leroy Bliss was born in Connecticut in 1820 and was a man of considerable ambition. After spending some time in the Midwest, he ventured westward to California during the Gold Rush of 1849, but soon shifted his focus to Nevada as the Comstock Lode began to yield unprecedented silver deposits. Recognizing the immense potential of the region, Bliss established himself as a shrewd entrepreneur in the burgeoning mining industry.

By the early 1860s, Bliss had accumulated substantial wealth from his mining ventures and saw an opportunity to further solidify his legacy by constructing an opulent residence in Carson City. He hired architect Henry M. Bennet to design the mansion, opting for an Italianate style that was popular during the Victorian era.

The Construction of Bliss Mansion

Construction of the Bliss Mansion began in 1879 and took nearly two years to complete. The mansion was designed to reflect the grandeur and affluence of its owner, with ornate features such as intricate ironwork, decorative balconies, and a distinctive tower. The building’s sandstone façade added to its elegance, and it quickly became a local marvel.

The interior of the mansion was equally impressive, boasting lavish woodwork, stunning chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings. Bliss spared no expense in creating a residence that would not only serve as his family home but also as a statement of his success and stature in the community.

Bliss Mansion as a Social Hub

Upon its completion in 1881, Bliss Mansion became a hub of social activity in Carson City. Duane Bliss and his wife, Ella, were renowned for their hospitality, hosting grand parties, receptions, and events attended by the city’s elite. The mansion’s extensive gardens and well-manicured lawns provided a picturesque backdrop for these gatherings.

The Bliss family’s influence extended beyond their social engagements, as Duane Bliss was actively involved in various civic and philanthropic endeavors. He played a pivotal role in the development of Carson City, contributing to the construction of churches, schools, and other public institutions.

Changing Ownership and Uses

After Duane L. Bliss passed away in 1913, the mansion changed hands several times. It briefly served as the Nevada Governor’s Mansion in the early 1920s before being sold to private individuals. Over the years, the property was repurposed for various uses, including a restaurant, apartments, and even a fraternity house.

Despite these changes, Bliss Mansion managed to retain much of its original charm and architectural integrity. In 1964, the mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its status as a historic landmark and emphasizing its significance to the state of Nevada.

Restoration and Preservation

In the late 20th century, a concerted effort was made to restore Bliss Mansion to its former glory. A community-driven initiative, led by the Carson City Historical Society, raised funds to undertake extensive restoration work. The project aimed to meticulously preserve the mansion’s historic features, ensuring that future generations could appreciate its architectural and cultural significance.

Today, Bliss Mansion stands as a shining example of historic preservation, a monument to the dedication of those who recognized its value and worked tirelessly to protect it. It serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Bliss family and the history of Carson City.

Nevada State Historic Marker 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.

BUILT BY DUANE L. BLISS

LUMBER & RAILROAD MAGNATE

1879

In its time the most modern & largest home in Nevada.  Entirely constructed of clear lumber & square nails.  First home in Nevada entirely piped for gas lighting.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 70
STATE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION OFFICE
NEVADA LANDMARK SOCIETY

Bliss Mansion Map

Nevada State Historic Marker Summay

NameBliss Masion
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.1671, -119.7723
Nevada State Historic Marker Number70

References