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Hiko Nevada
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.
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.
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
| Name | Hiko |
| Location | Lincoln County, Nevada |
| GNIS | 845862 |
| Latitude, Longitude | 37.5969036, -115.2241887 |
| Elevation | 3,869 feet (,179m) |
| Nevada Historical Marker | 206 |
Hiko Town Map
References
Fay Nevada – Lincoln County Ghost Town
Fay, Nevada, is a ghost town located in Lincoln County, approximately 10 miles northeast of Alamo. Once a small but active mining community, Fay has faded into obscurity, leaving behind only traces of its brief existence. This report explores the history of Fay, its establishment, economic activities, population, and eventual decline, drawing on available historical records to provide a comprehensive overview.
Establishment and Early Development
Fay was established in the late 19th century during a period of intense mining activity in Nevada. The discovery of mineral deposits, likely silver or gold, spurred prospectors to settle in the area. The town was officially recognized with the opening of the Fay post office in September 1900, which served as a critical link for communication and supply in the remote region. The post office remained operational until July 1924, marking a 24-year period of activity.
The town’s name, “Fay,” may have been inspired by a person or a term common in mining communities, though specific origins are unclear due to limited records. Like many Nevada mining towns, Fay’s early development was tied to the boom-and-bust cycles of the mining industry, with its fortunes dependent on the productivity of local mines.
Economic Activity
The primary economic driver of Fay was mining. Lincoln County, rich in mineral resources, saw numerous small mining camps like Fay emerge during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Miners in Fay likely extracted silver, gold, or other metals, though specific details about the mines or their output are scarce. The town’s remote location meant that supplies had to be transported over long distances, making the post office a vital hub for receiving goods and sending out ore or correspondence.
In addition to mining, some residents may have engaged in ancillary activities such as small-scale farming or ranching to support the community. However, the arid climate and rugged terrain of Lincoln County limited agricultural potential, reinforcing mining as the economic backbone.
Population and Community
Fay was never a large settlement. According to the 1910 U.S. Census, the Fay precinct had a population of 99 residents. This small population reflects the transient nature of mining towns, where communities often consisted of miners, their families, and a few service providers such as merchants or postmasters. The demographic likely included a mix of Euro-American settlers and possibly some Native American or immigrant laborers, though specific records are unavailable.
One notable figure associated with Fay is Darr H. Alkire, a United States Air Force general born in Fay during its active years. Alkire’s birth in the town highlights its role as a small but functioning community capable of supporting families, at least temporarily.
The community would have centered around essential services like the post office and perhaps a general store or saloon. Social life in Fay likely revolved around mining activities, with residents sharing the challenges of living in a remote, harsh environment. However, no records of schools, churches, or other institutions have been found, suggesting that Fay remained a rudimentary settlement.
Decline and Abandonment
Fay’s decline began in the early 20th century as the local mines became less productive. By the time the post office closed in July 1924, the town was likely already in decline. The exhaustion of mineral resources, combined with the high costs of sustaining a remote community, drove residents to seek opportunities elsewhere. Many moved to larger towns like Alamo or Caliente, or left Lincoln County entirely.
By the mid-20th century, Fay had become a ghost town, with its buildings abandoned and left to deteriorate. Today, little remains of Fay beyond scattered ruins, possibly including foundations or mining debris. The site is rarely visited, and its obscurity is compounded by the lack of detailed historical documentation.
Historical Significance
Fay’s history is emblematic of the many short-lived mining towns that dotted Nevada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These communities played a critical role in the state’s economic development, contributing to Nevada’s reputation as a hub of mineral wealth. Fay’s small size and brief existence underscore the challenges of sustaining remote settlements in an arid, resource-scarce environment.
The town’s story also reflects broader themes in Nevada’s history, including the transient nature of mining booms, the resilience of early settlers, and the impact of geographic isolation. While Fay itself left little mark on the historical record, its existence adds to the tapestry of Nevada’s mining heritage.
Conclusion
Fay, Nevada, was a fleeting chapter in the state’s history, born from the promise of mineral wealth and extinguished by the realities of an unforgiving landscape. Its 24 years of activity, centered around a small mining community, offer a glimpse into the lives of those who sought fortune in Nevada’s rugged interior. Though now a ghost town, Fay remains a testament to the ambition and impermanence of the mining frontier.
Town Summary
| Town | Fay Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 37.9080190,-114.0699775 |
| Elevation | 6926 Feet |
| Postoffice | 1901 – 1924 |
| Population | 99 (1910 Census) |
Fay Trail Map
Resources
Delamar Nevada – Lincoln County Ghost Town
Delamar, Nevada, known as “The Widowmaker,” is a ghost town in Lincoln County, located in the Delamar Valley approximately 30 miles southwest of Caliente. Its history is a compelling narrative of a mining boomtown that flourished briefly but left a lasting legacy due to its significant gold production and tragic health consequences. This report chronicles the rise, peak, and decline of Delamar, drawing on historical accounts to provide a comprehensive overview.
Early Discovery and Establishment (1889–1894)
The story of Delamar begins in 1889 when prospectors John Ferguson and Joseph Sharp discovered gold near Monkeywrench Wash on the west slope of the Delamar Mountains. By 1890, farmers from the nearby Pahranagat Valley identified additional gold deposits, leading to the formation of the Ferguson Mining District in 1892. The initial mining camp, named Ferguson after one of the prospectors, attracted miners from nearby Pioche with reports of ore assays valued between $75 and $1,000 per ton. Temporary settlements such as Golden City and Helene emerged, but the camp’s trajectory changed in April 1894 when Captain Joseph Raphael De Lamar, a Montana-based speculator and mining financier, purchased the principal claims for $150,000. De Lamar renamed the camp Delamar in his honor, marking the beginning of its transformation into a significant mining hub. That same year, the Delamar Lode newspaper began publication, and a post office opened, signaling the camp’s growing permanence.
Boom Years and Prosperity (1895–1900)
From 1895 to 1900, Delamar emerged as Nevada’s leading gold producer, accounting for approximately half of the state’s mineral production during a period of economic depression in the region. The town’s population swelled to over 3,000 by 1897, supported by a robust infrastructure that included a hospital, an opera house, churches, a school, numerous stores, saloons, and professional services. Entertainment flourished with brass bands, dance orchestras, and stage performances at the opera house. Most buildings were constructed from native rock, many of which remain partially standing today, distinguishing Delamar’s ruins from other Nevada ghost towns.
De Lamar’s investment facilitated significant development, including the construction of a 50-ton mill in 1895, later upgraded to a 400-ton mill in 1903. The April Fool mine received a 10-stamp mill in 1896 to meet production demands. The mines produced an estimated $13.5 million in gold between 1895 and 1900, with total production reaching approximately $25 million by 1909. Ore was processed at a rate of up to 260 tons daily, and the district yielded around 650,000 ounces of gold and 420,000 ounces of silver through 1933. Water was sourced from Meadow Valley Wash, 12 miles away, via a pipeline with three booster stations, while supplies and bullion were transported by mule teams over 150 miles of mountainous terrain to the railroad head in Milford, Utah.
The Delamar Company also made headlines for minting its own aluminum and tin coins in New York, which were used to pay workers and circulated locally in southern Nevada and Utah. This practice led to legal scrutiny in 1895 when the U.S. District Attorney intervened, forcing the company to withdraw the coins after the manager’s arrest, though he was later released.
The Widowmaker: Health Hazards and Tragedies
Delamar’s prosperity came at a devastating cost. The gold was embedded in quartzite, and the dry milling processes used before wet methods were introduced produced a fine silica dust, known as “Delamar Dust.” Inhaled by miners, townsfolk, and even animals, this dust caused silicosis, a fatal lung disease. Poor ventilation in the mines and mills exacerbated the problem, leading to hundreds of premature deaths. Local legend claims that at one time, over 400 widows resided in Delamar, earning the town its grim nickname, “The Widowmaker.” The dust’s impact was so severe that it affected not only workers but also women, children, and livestock, cementing Delamar’s reputation as a deadly place to live.
In 1900, Delamar faced additional challenges. A typhoid epidemic swept through the town, followed by a fire that destroyed half of its structures. These events, combined with the health crisis, marked the beginning of the town’s decline.
Decline and Abandonment (1900–1914)
In 1902, Captain De Lamar sold his holdings, which had produced an estimated $8.5 million in gold, to Simon Bamberger. The new owners continued operations, but the ore bodies were shallow and rapidly depleted. By 1909, the Delamar mine, the district’s primary producer, closed, having contributed significantly to the total output of $12,854,600 through 1933. The town’s population dwindled as residents relocated, and many wooden buildings were dismantled or moved. By 1914, Delamar was largely abandoned, though a post office operated intermittently from 1894 to 1914 and again from 1933 to 1941.
A brief revival occurred in the 1930s, driven by the Great Depression, which spurred renewed mining activity. The Caliente Cyaniding Co. treated mill tailings in 1931, and operations persisted until 1934, producing an additional $600,000. However, these efforts were insufficient to restore Delamar’s former glory, and the town remained largely deserted thereafter.
Legacy and Modern Exploration
Today, Delamar is one of Nevada’s most well-preserved ghost towns, with extensive ruins including stone buildings, mill foundations, tailings piles, and two historic cemeteries. The Catholic cemetery, noted for its deterioration, and the town’s isolation contribute to its eerie atmosphere, attracting ghost town enthusiasts, photographers, and historians. Visitors are advised to use high-clearance or 4×4 vehicles due to the rough 11.2-mile dirt road from U.S. Highway 93, and to exercise caution around unstable mine shafts and structures. The site is partly on private property, and abandoned mines pose significant safety risks.
In recent decades, the Delamar district has seen renewed exploration. Beginning in the 1980s, companies such as Homestake, FMC Gold Company, and Phelps Dodge conducted drilling and resource assessments. In 2019, Integra Resources filed an NI 43-101 Technical Report, updating the mineral resource estimate for the Delamar Project, which includes the nearby Florida Mountain deposits. The report incorporated 30,000 meters of new drilling and over 250,000 meters of historical data, indicating significant remaining resources, with 90% classified as measured and indicated. This suggests that Delamar’s mineral wealth may yet contribute to future mining endeavors.
Delamar, Nevada, encapsulates the boom-and-bust cycle characteristic of late 19th-century mining towns. Its rapid rise as Nevada’s premier gold producer from 1895 to 1900, driven by Captain De Lamar’s investments, was overshadowed by the deadly silica dust that claimed countless lives, earning the town its haunting nickname. Despite its decline by 1914 and brief revival in the 1930s, Delamar’s legacy endures through its well-preserved ruins and ongoing exploration efforts. The town stands as a testament to the ambition, hardship, and tragedy of Nevada’s mining frontier, offering a poignant glimpse into a bygone era.
Delamar Town Summary
| Name | Delamar |
| Also Known As | “The Widow Maker” |
| Location | Lincoln County, Nevada |
| Population | 3000 |
| Newspaper | Ferguson Lode (The) Sept 19, 1892 – Dec 24, 1894 DeLamar Lode (The) Jan 7, 1895 – June 1906 Local Messenger June 7, 1898 – Jan 5, 1901 De La Mar Roaster Mar 18, 1900 |
Delamar Map
Resources
Bristol Nevada – Lincoln County Ghost Town
Bristol, Nevada, also known as National City, Bristol City, and briefly Tempest, is a ghost town located in Lincoln County, 14 miles northwest of Pioche, on the west side of Bristol Mountain. Established in the 1870s as a mining settlement, Bristol’s history is marked by cycles of prosperity and decline tied to its silver, lead, and copper mining operations. This report chronicles the town’s development, key historical events, and its eventual abandonment, drawing on available historical records.
Early Settlement and Mining Beginnings (1870–1878)
The Bristol mining district was organized in 1871 after mining claims were staked in 1870 around the National Mine, initially named National City. The settlement grew near the Bristol Mine, located four miles east of what would become Bristol Well, a critical water source for mining operations. In 1872, a furnace was constructed at Bristol Well to process silver-lead ore from the Bristol Mine, marking the area’s first significant industrial activity. Charcoal kilns, built to supply the smelter, remain a notable remnant of this period.
By 1878, the discovery of a richer ore deposit spurred further development. The settlement, renamed Bristol City, saw the construction of a stamp mill to crush ore, enhancing production capacity. The town’s wells provided essential water for mining and smelting, supporting a growing community.
Peak Prosperity (1878–1890)
The late 1870s to early 1880s represented Bristol’s zenith. By 1882, the town boasted a population of approximately 400, with five stores, eight saloons, two hotels, a newspaper, barber shops, a butcher, and other businesses, reflecting a thriving community. In 1880, the stamp mill was expanded, and a smelter was built, accompanied by stone charcoal ovens to fuel operations. The establishment of a post office in 1878, under the name Bristol, further solidified the town’s status.
By 1890, a new smelter was constructed to process copper ore, reflecting a shift in mining focus as silver-lead deposits waned. This period marked the height of Bristol’s economic and social activity, with infrastructure supporting both mining and community life. However, no known photographs from this era survive, limiting visual documentation of the town’s peak.
C. V. Gilmer, of this city, has just marketed a carload of ore from the property of the Iron and Silver Consolidated company is Bristol District, Lincoln county, Nevada. The ore is high grade as it runs 30 per cent in copper besides carrying values in silver. At the present time Chicago people are negotiating for the purchase of this mine.
Salt Lake Mining Review, 1899-04-29 Mining Brevities
Decline and Intermittent Activity (1893–1918)
After 1893, Bristol’s fortunes declined sharply as ore deposits became less profitable. The smelter ceased operations, and the population dwindled. By 1884, many residents had already left, signaling the end of the town’s initial boom. A copper leaching plant built in 1900 operated for only two years, failing to revive the town’s economy. Mining activity continued sporadically, but the scale was significantly reduced.
In 1913, an aerial tramway was constructed to transport ore two miles northeast to Jackrabbit, Nevada, where it could be loaded onto the Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. This briefly boosted activity, but by 1918, mining had largely ceased, leaving Bristol nearly deserted. The town’s wells and kilns remained as relics of its past industry.
Tempest Period and Final Years (1922–1950)
In 1922, a brief revival centered on the Tempest Mine led to the town being renamed Tempest until 1929. During this period, the post office operated under the name Tempest (1922–1929), then reverted to Bristol Silver (1929–1932, 1936–1950). However, this resurgence was short-lived, and mining activity remained minimal. The post office closed in 1950, marking the end of Bristol’s official functions. The townsite was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, recognizing its historical significance.
Legacy and Current State
Today, Bristol is a ghost town with limited physical remnants. Bristol Well, four miles west, features beehive-shaped charcoal kilns, stone cabins, and slag deposits from smelting, though the kilns show signs of erosion. The Bristol Mine site, now on private property, is considered hazardous and inaccessible. The Bristol Pioneer Cemetery, south of the kilns, serves as a somber reminder of the town’s past residents. Despite its abandonment, Bristol’s history reflects the boom-and-bust cycle typical of Nevada’s mining towns, driven by resource extraction and economic shifts.
Conclusion
Bristol, Nevada, encapsulates the transient nature of 19th-century mining communities in the American West. From its founding in 1871 as National City to its peak in the 1880s and eventual decline by the early 20th century, Bristol’s story is one of ambition, adaptation, and abandonment. Its surviving structures, such as the charcoal kilns and cemetery, offer a glimpse into a once-vibrant community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bristol remains a poignant historical site, preserving the legacy of Nevada’s mining heritage for future generations.
Bristol Trail Map
Further Reading
Jackrabbit Nevada – Lincoln County Ghost Town
Jackrabbit, Nevada, is a ghost town and former silver mining camp located in Lincoln County, on the eastern slopes of the Bristol Range. Originally named Royal City, the settlement was established in 1876 following the discovery of silver ore and became a modest but active mining community. Known for its colorful origin story and brief periods of prosperity, Jackrabbit’s history reflects the boom-and-bust cycle typical of Nevada’s 19th-century mining towns. This report explores the town’s origins, development, decline, and historical significance, drawing on primary sources, historical markers, and secondary accounts.
Origins and Early Development (1876–1878)
The Jackrabbit Mining District was founded in 1876 by prospector Isaac Newton Garrison. Local legend attributes the discovery of silver to Garrison picking up a rock to throw at a jackrabbit, only to find it contained high-grade silver ore. This tale, while possibly apocryphal, gave the district and its primary mine their name. The camp, initially called Royal City, quickly attracted miners and settlers due to the promise of rich silver deposits.
By late 1876, Royal City had developed into a small but functional settlement. The town included:
- A general store
- A saloon
- A boarding house
- A restaurant
- A blacksmith shop
Early mine production was significant, with the Jackrabbit Mine yielding approximately ten tons of ore per day. The ore, carrying native silver in flakes, averaged $40 per ton but could reach as high as $2,000 per ton in richer veins. Ore was transported to nearby Bristol and Pioche for milling, as Jackrabbit lacked its own processing facilities. A post office operated briefly from 1878 to 1879, reflecting the town’s early optimism and activity. Total production for the district during this period is estimated at $2,000,000 to $6,000,000 (roughly $60,000,000 to $180,000,000 in 2025 dollars).
Peak and Challenges (1879–1891)
Jackrabbit’s early years were marked by steady mining activity, but the town never grew into a major hub like nearby Pioche. By the early 1880s, mineral production began to decline as the richest veins were exhausted. The lack of local milling infrastructure and the high cost of transporting ore to Bristol or Pioche limited profitability. The town’s population remained small, likely numbering fewer than 100 residents at its peak, and its role as a minor stopover was cemented by its designation as the “last whiskey stop” for southbound stages to Pioche.
Despite these challenges, Jackrabbit maintained a modest community. The Day and Jackrabbit mines continued to produce ore, and the town’s businesses catered to miners and travelers. Newspaper clippings from the late 1870s and 1880s, such as those preserved by the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism, note ongoing prospecting in the area, with miners hoping to uncover new strikes similar to the Jackrabbit and nearby Mayflower mines. However, the town struggled to compete with larger, better-connected mining centers.
Revival and the Narrow-Gauge Railroad (1891–1893)
A brief revival occurred in 1891 with the construction of a 15-mile narrow-gauge railroad, known as the “Jackrabbit Road,” connecting the Jackrabbit Mine to Pioche. This railroad, built to reduce transportation costs, spurred a temporary increase in mining activity. The improved access allowed for more efficient ore shipment, and production rose as new workings were opened. During this period, the town was officially renamed Jackrabbit, reflecting the prominence of the mine and its origin story.
The revival was short-lived, however. By 1893, the mines again became unprofitable due to depleted high-grade ore and falling silver prices, exacerbated by the Panic of 1893. The railroad ceased operations, and the town’s population dwindled as miners left for more promising prospects.
Final Activity and Abandonment (1906–1914)
Jackrabbit saw two brief periods of renewed activity in the early 20th century. In 1906–1907, small-scale mining resumed, possibly driven by technological improvements or temporary spikes in silver demand. Another attempt in 1912–1914 included the construction of an aerial tramway connecting the Jackrabbit Mine to the Bristol Mine, but these efforts failed to sustain the town. By the mid-1910s, Jackrabbit was effectively abandoned, with only occasional prospecting in the surrounding district.
Archaeological and Historical Significance
Today, Jackrabbit is a ghost town with minimal physical remains. Located approximately 14 miles north of Pioche and one mile west of U.S. Highway 93, the site includes remnants such as mine headframes, building foundations, and scattered debris. Visitors are cautioned to avoid climbing on old structures or entering mining tunnels due to safety hazards. The Nevada State Historical Marker No. 204, erected by the Nevada State Park System and Nevada Historical Society, stands near the site, commemorating its history.
Archaeological evidence provides insight into Jackrabbit’s modest scale and industrial focus. The site’s remote location and lack of significant infrastructure distinguish it from larger boomtowns like Virginia City or Tonopah. Historical records, including Stanley W. Paher’s Nevada Ghost Towns & Mining Camps and James Gamett’s Nevada Post Offices: An Illustrated History, document the town’s brief existence and its role in Lincoln County’s mining history.
Legacy
Jackrabbit, Nevada, exemplifies the transient nature of small-scale mining camps in the American West. Its colorful origin story, modest prosperity, and eventual decline reflect the challenges of sustaining resource-dependent communities in remote regions. The town’s connection to the broader silver mining economy, particularly through its railroad link to Pioche, underscores its place in Nevada’s industrial history. While overshadowed by larger mining centers, Jackrabbit remains a point of interest for historians, ghost town enthusiasts, and those exploring Lincoln County’s high desert landscape.
Conclusion
From its founding in 1876 as Royal City to its abandonment by the early 20th century, Jackrabbit, Nevada, was a fleeting chapter in the state’s mining saga. Its silver mines, small community, and brief railroad era highlight the ambition and impermanence of Nevada’s frontier settlements. Though little remains of Jackrabbit today, its story endures through historical markers, archival records, and the rugged beauty of the Bristol Range.
Nevada State Historic Marker
Local legend attributes the discovery to the locator picking up a rock to throw at a jackrabbit and finding himself holding high grade silver. Located on the eastern slope of the Bristol Mountains, the Jack Rabbit District, named for the mine, was located in 1876 by Isaac Newton Garrison. Within months the camp, at one time named Royal City, had a store, saloon, boarding house and restaurant. Early mine production was about ten tons per day, carrying native silver in flakes, yielding about $40 per ton — sometimes as high as $2000 per ton. Total production of the District is estimated at about $2,000,000 to $6,000,000. Mine production declined during the 1880’s, but when a fifteen-mile narrow gauge railroad was opened in 1891 between the Jackrabbit mine and Pioche, mineral production soon increased. After 1893 the mines fell silent except for several short periods of activity in 1906-07 and 1912-14.
Nevada State Historic Marker
Town Summary
| Name | Jack Rabbit |
| Location | Lincoln County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 38.094009, -114.595399 |
| Nevada State Historic Marker | 204 |
| Elevation | 6330 |
| Population | |
| Post Office | October 15, 1878 – January 26, 1879 – (Royal City) |
Directions
The ghost town of Jackrabbit Nevada is about 14 miles north of Pioche and one mile west of the US 93.