Category: Points of Interest

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

Palisade Nevada

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Located along the banks of the Humboldt River in Eureka County lies the remains of a railroad town critical to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The townsite was named for Palisade Canyon and located west of town. The narrow canyon is a major barrier in the construction of the railroads. The townsite was plotted in 1868 and served as a train station for the Central Pacific Railroad. Soon the town became a transportation hub which served Mineral Hill, Eureka, Hamilton and other mining camps in the region.

Palisade, Nevada in the 1870's. A busy railroad town. Two separate ox teams can be seen resting in the street. There were scheduled runs of the teams, hauling supplies to mining camps nearby. - Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North, p 192, John Zalac collection
Palisade, Nevada in the 1870’s. A busy railroad town. Two separate ox teams can be seen resting in the street. There were scheduled runs of the teams, hauling supplies to mining camps nearby. – Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North, p 192, John Zalac collection

A Railroad Town

In May, 1870, the town establishes a Post Office. Shortly thereafter, in 1874, the Eureka and Palisade Railroad in established. Following the formation of this transportation conduit to Eureka, the population of Palisade flourished. By the end of the 1870’s the town boasted commercial stores, houses, two churches, a school along with a multitude of hotels and saloons.

Although the town has a low crime rate and a sheriff, it did maintain the pretext of the wild western town. It is common, when a train arrived, the the residents would stage “gunfights” and “bank robberies” in order to boost tourism. In 1885, the town builds a new train telegraph office and train station, which services both railroads.

Tracks of the Central Pacific Railroad and two story station seen in downtown Palisade. - Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North, p 192, John Zalac collection
Tracks of the Central Pacific Railroad and two story station seen in downtown Palisade. – Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North, p 192, John Zalac collection

Nearby, the mines in Eureka begin to fail in 1885. As the mines declined so did the railroads, jobs and population.

In 1908, the Western Pacific Railroad travels through the town and serviced Northern Nevada. Following flooding of the Humboldt River in 1910, all three railroads are damaged and the town never recovers to its previous acclaim.

President Hoover Assassination Attempt

Rail Watchman Shot as He Fights 2 Men With Dynamite at Nevada Bridge

Both Suspects Escape

17 Sticks of Explosive are Found on Right of Way

Elko, Nev. November 8, 1932 – What Southern Pacific officials said they believed was an attempt to wreck President Hoover’s special train was frustrated near Palisade, west of here, last night, when a watchman surprised and frightened away two men carrying sticks of dynamite near the railroad right-of-way.

New York Times – November 9, 1932 

Palisade Nevada Map

Palisade Nevada lies along the banks of the Humboldt River just west of Nevada State Route 278. The town site is about 10 miles (16 km) south of Carlin, and about 33 miles (53 km) southwest of Elko.

Nevada State Historic Marker 65

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 Nevada State Historic Marker is located near the intersection of Nevada Route 278 and Palisade Ranch Road.

Located in the tank-like depths of Palisade Canyon, Palisade—first named Palisades—was surveyed and laid out by the Central Pacific Railroad in February 1870.  During the 1870s, it rivaled Elko and Carlin as a departure point on the Central Pacific for wagon, freight, and stage lines to Mineral Hill, Eureka, and Hamilton.

In October 1875, with completion of Eureka and Palisade Railroad, Palisade became the northern terminus and operating headquarters for this little, ninety-mile narrow-gauge line stretching southward to Eureka.  Between 1875 and 1930, the town was the principal transfer and shipping point on the Central Pacific (which later became the Southern Pacific) and on the Western Pacific Railroad after its 1909 completion.

At its peak, the town boasted a population of 300.  It was a self-contained community, and railroading was its business.  There were passenger and freight stations, sidings on both the Southern Pacific and Western Pacific Railroads, and a large ore transfer dock between the narrow gauge and standard gauge lines.  All Eureka and Palisade (Eureka-Nevada after 1912) headquarters facilities were situated here.

After the narrow-gauge line ran its last train in September 1938, Palisade went into a long decline.  The post office was finally closed in 1962.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO.  65
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
NORTHWESTERN NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Town Summary

NamePalisade Nevada
Also Known byPalisades, 10-Mile Canyon, 12-Mile Canyon
LocationEureka County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude40.6102, -116.1986
Elevation4,850 feet
GNIS847450
Nevada State Historic Marker No65
Population300
Post OfficeMay 1870 – 1961

References

Eureka Nevada

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Eureka, Nevada, a picturesque town nestled within the vast and rugged landscape of the American West, has a rich and colorful history that dates back to the mid-19th century. Located in Eureka County, this once-thriving mining town was born from the silver boom of the late 19th century, and its history is intertwined with the rise and fall of the mining industry that defined the region.

Eureka Nevada
Eureka Nevada

Eureka’s history can be traced back to 1864 when silver ore was discovered in the nearby Ruby Mountains. This discovery ignited a rush of prospectors and miners to the area, hoping to strike it rich. The town itself was officially founded in 1869, and it was named after the Greek word “eureka,” which means “I have found it,” reflecting the optimism and excitement of the time.

The silver boom in Eureka was propelled by the rich deposits of silver and other precious metals found in the area. The Eureka Mining District became one of the most productive silver mining regions in the United States, attracting thousands of fortune seekers from all over the country. The district’s mines, including the Ruby Hill Mine and the Eureka and Palisade Mine, produced millions of dollars worth of silver, lead, and gold.

As silver mining operations expanded, Eureka flourished. The town quickly developed into a thriving community with a population that swelled to over 9,000 residents at its peak. Eureka boasted a robust economy, with numerous businesses, saloons, and even an opera house. It also became known for its well-maintained streets, impressive buildings, and a sense of cultural refinement uncommon in many frontier towns.

Eureka was not just a mining town; it was also a hub of innovation. The Eureka and Palisade Railroad, completed in 1875, connected the town to the Central Pacific Railroad hub in nearby Palisade, Nevada. The rail connection facilitated the transport of ore and supplies. The town also had its own newspaper, the Eureka Sentinel, which documented the local events and served as a source of news for the region.

Historic American Buildings Survey, Nevada Professional and Service Projects June 1940 - Eureka Sentinel Building, Monroe Street, Eureka, Eureka County
Historic American Buildings Survey, Nevada Professional and Service Projects June 1940 – Eureka Sentinel Building, Monroe Street, Eureka, Eureka County

The late 19th century brought both prosperity and challenges to Eureka. The Silver Panic of 1893, combined with falling silver prices, led to a significant economic downturn in the region. Many mines closed, and the population dwindled as miners left in search of new opportunities. However, some mining operations persisted, and Eureka continued to be a center of commerce and trade.

Nevada State Historic Marker 11 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.

“Eureka!” a miner is said to have exclaimed in September, 1864, when the discovery of rich ore was made here–and thus the town was named. Eureka soon developed the first important lead-silver deposits in the nation and during the furious boom of the 80’s had 16 smelters, over 100 saloons, a population of 10,000 and a railroad, the colorful Eureka and Palisade that connected with the main line 90 miles to the north.

Production began to fall off in 1883 and by 1891 the smelters closed, their sites marked by the huge slag dumps seen at both ends of Main Street.

Nevada State Historic Marker 11 Trail Map

Town Summary

NameEureka, Nevada
LocationEureka County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.5003, -115.9582
Nevada State Historic Marker11

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