Big Bear, CA
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Esmeralda Star Newspaper
The Esmeralda Star was a pivotal publication in the early history of Aurora, a bustling mining town in Esmeralda County, Nevada, during the 1860s. Launched during the height of the region’s gold and silver boom, the newspaper served as a vital source of information, reflecting the social, political, and economic dynamics of a frontier community. This report explores the origins, operations, content, and eventual decline of the Esmeralda Star, drawing on historical records to provide a comprehensive overview of its role in Aurora’s history.
Origins and Establishment
The Esmeralda Star was founded on May 10, 1862, as a weekly newspaper in Aurora, a town established in 1860 following the discovery of rich gold and silver deposits. The paper was initiated by Edwin A. Sherman & Co., with Sherman serving as the primary publisher. The newspaper’s establishment coincided with Aurora’s rapid growth, as the town’s population swelled to approximately 6,000 by 1864, peaking at an estimated 10,000. The Star was a Republican-leaning publication, priced at six dollars per year, and initially published as a twenty-column weekly, measuring 21×28 inches.
Aurora’s unique geopolitical situation shaped the newspaper’s early years. Until a boundary survey in 1863 clarified that Aurora lay entirely in Nevada, the town was claimed by both California and Nevada, even serving as the county seat for Mono County, California, and Esmeralda County, Nevada, simultaneously. This dual governance added complexity to the Star’s operations, as it navigated competing political interests.
The press used for the Star had a storied history. Originally part of the El Dorado Times in Georgetown, California, it was relocated to Aurora in May 1862 via the Owen’s River route, narrowly escaping destruction by hostile Native American groups. The press was escorted by Colonel Evans and Lieutenant Noble of the Second Cavalry California Volunteers, highlighting the challenges of establishing a newspaper in a remote frontier region.
Content and Role in the Community
The Esmeralda Star newspaper covered a wide range of topics relevant to Aurora’s residents, including mining developments, local politics, business activities, and social events. As a Republican publication, it maintained a strong Unionist stance during the Civil War, a position that was not without risk in a region where secessionist sentiments and outlaws were prevalent. The newspaper’s editorials were noted for their independent tone and loyalty to the Union, earning it both support from loyalists and enmity from “copperheads” and secessionists.
The Star also played a significant role in promoting Aurora’s interests. It advocated for infrastructure improvements, such as the Esmeralda Toll Road, which connected Aurora to San Francisco and facilitated the import of supplies. The newspaper’s editorials often highlighted the town’s economic potential, aiming to attract investment and settlers to the mining district. Despite challenges such as scarce printers, the Star upgraded to a semi-weekly publication on June 24, 1863, reflecting its growing influence and the community’s demand for timely news.
The newspaper’s content was not limited to local matters. It included national news, particularly updates on the Civil War, as well as advertisements for local businesses, such as saloons, general stores, and mining equipment suppliers. The Star also published legal notices, marriage announcements, and obituaries, serving as a historical record of Aurora’s transient population. Its role as a community voice was critical in a town marked by rapid growth and social instability, including issues like horse theft and lawlessness.
Challenges and Operations
Operating a newspaper in Aurora presented significant logistical and social challenges. The town’s isolation, surrounded by rugged terrain, made the delivery of supplies like paper, ink, and type difficult, especially during harsh winters. The Star’s press and materials had to be shipped over treacherous routes, and the newspaper frequently faced shortages of skilled printers, which delayed its plans for more frequent publication.
Politically, the Star operated in a volatile environment. Its pro-Union stance made it a target for secessionist groups, and Sherman noted the risks of publishing a Union paper in a region with “armed bodies of secessionists.” Despite these threats, the newspaper maintained its editorial independence and avoided debt, even investing in new type to improve its print quality. This financial stability was attributed to the support of Aurora’s loyalist community, which valued the Star’s contributions to the town’s development.
The clarification of Aurora’s location in Nevada in 1863 prompted a change in the newspaper’s masthead to reflect its new status as part of Esmeralda County, Nevada. This adjustment underscored the Star’s adaptability to the region’s evolving political landscape.
Decline and Cessation
The Esmeralda Star ceased publication in March 1864, a victim of Aurora’s declining fortunes. The town’s shallow mines, most less than 100 feet deep, were exhausted by the late 1860s, leading to a mass exodus of residents. By 1870, Aurora’s population had plummeted, and the town’s infrastructure, including the Star’s printing facilities, was dismantled or repurposed. Many of Aurora’s buildings were stripped for materials, and the newspaper’s press likely met a similar fate.
The Star’s suspension paved the way for the Esmeralda Daily Union, which began publication on March 21, 1864, under the editorship of Rev. J.B. Saxton. However, the Union focused on different editorial priorities and did not directly continue the Star’s legacy. The Star’s brief but impactful run captured the vibrancy and challenges of Aurora’s boom years, leaving behind a valuable historical record of a fleeting frontier community.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Esmeralda Star newspaper is remembered as the pioneer newspaper of Esmeralda County, encapsulating the spirit of Nevada’s early mining frontier. Its archives, though limited, provide historians with insights into the daily life, politics, and economy of Aurora during its peak. The newspaper’s commitment to Unionist principles and its role in fostering community identity highlight its importance as a cultural institution in a transient mining town.
Today, surviving copies of the Esmeralda Star are preserved in microfilm and archival collections, such as those accessible through the Library of Congress and the Chronicling America project. These records are invaluable for researchers studying Nevada’s mining history, journalism in the American West, and the socio-political dynamics of the Civil War era. The Star’s story also resonates in popular culture, with references to Aurora’s history appearing in works like Mark Twain’s Roughing It, as Twain briefly lived in Aurora in 1862.
Conclusion
The Esmeralda Star was more than a newspaper; it was a lifeline for Aurora’s residents, documenting the rise and fall of a quintessential mining boomtown. From its founding in 1862 to its closure in 1864, the Star navigated the challenges of frontier journalism with resilience and purpose. Its legacy endures in the historical record, offering a window into the fleeting but vibrant world of Aurora, Nevada, during the 1860s.
References
- Chronicling America, Library of Congress.
- History of Nevada, Myron Angel (1881).
Gecko Campground
Gecko Campground is the largest campground in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, located near Glamis and Holtville, Imperial County,,California, approximately 23 miles east of Brawley. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), it is a prime destination for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, offering direct access to the expansive sand dunes that stretch across a 40-mile by 5-mile area, with some dunes reaching heights of up to 300 feet. The campground is particularly popular during the winter months (October to May) due to milder temperatures, especially around holiday weekends like Christmas and New Years. Summer camping is not recommended as temperatures often exceed 100°F.
Location and Access
- Address: Gecko Road, Holtville, CA 92250
- Coordinates: Latitude 32.94206000, Longitude -115.13880000
- Directions:
- From Brawley, CA: Take Highway 78 east for about 23 miles, turn onto Gecko Road, and the campground is on the left.
- From Yuma, AZ: Take Interstate 8 west to Ogilby Road (Exit 166), drive north to Highway 78, then head west to Gecko Road.
- Contact: (760) 337-4400
- Website: BLM Imperial Sand Dunes
Campground Features
- Layout: The campground consists of two large paved loops—North Loop and South Loop—making it accessible for RVs, trailers, and other vehicles.
- Amenities:
- Numerous vault toilets are available throughout both loops.
- Fire rings are provided at most sites for campfires.
- No hookups, potable water, or trash services are available, so campers must bring their own water, supplies, and pack out all trash in accordance with BLM’s Leave No Trace policy.
- Camping Style: Primitive, dry camping with a 14-day stay limit. Sites are first-come, first-served, with no reservations accepted.
- Fees: A 7-day pass costs approximately $75 (based on older data; check with BLM for current pricing).
Recreation and Activities
- OHV Riding: The primary draw is off-roading, with hundreds of square miles of dunes available for ATVs, motorcycles, and side-by-sides (SxS). Popular nearby spots include Oldsmobile Hill and the dunes south of Highway 78.
- Hiking and Exploration: The nearby North Algodones Dunes Wilderness is designated for non-motorized activities like hiking and horseback riding. The Alamo River Trail offers a scenic path along a canal.
- Fishing: Anglers with a valid California fishing license can fish in the Coachella Canal for species like channel catfish, largemouth bass, and flathead catfish.
- Nearby Attractions: The Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park offers picnic facilities and expansive dune views.
Visitor Information
- Best Time to Visit: Winter months (October to May) are ideal due to cooler temperatures. Peak season brings crowds, so early arrival is recommended.
- Connectivity: Verizon and AT&T cell service are generally reliable, though coverage may vary.
- Safety Notes: The area is known for high OHV activity, so expect noise from motorcycles and ATVs. Sand dunes can be dangerous; visitors should be experienced with off-roading and aware of safety regulations.
- Regulations: The area is well-regulated to ensure safety, a shift from its reputation in the 1990s as an unregulated off-road party spot.
Tips for Campers
- Bring all necessary supplies, including water, firewood, and battery/solar-powered equipment, as the campground is primitive.
- Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially during peak seasons, due to OHV activity.
- Check with the Cahuilla Ranger Station (open weekends in winter) for additional information or updates.
- For those seeking quieter alternatives, nearby primitive campgrounds like Roadrunner Campground or Glamis Flats may be options, though they also lack amenities.
Gecko Campground is an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the thrill of the Imperial Sand Dunes while enjoying a no-frills desert camping experience under starry skies.
Aurora Borealis Newspaper
The Aurora Borealis newspaper was published in Aurora, Nevada, during the early 20th century. . As a product of a once-thriving mining town, the Aurora Borealis provides a glimpse into the social, economic, and cultural life of Aurora during a period of decline following its 19th-century mining boom.
Historical Context
Aurora, Nevada, located in Esmeralda County near the California-Nevada border, was a significant mining town during the 1860s, driven by the discovery of silver and gold deposits. At its peak, Aurora’s population reached an estimated 5,000–10,000, supporting a vibrant community with businesses, civic institutions, and multiple newspapers, including the Esmeralda Daily Union (1864–1868), Aurora Daily Times (1863–1864), and Esmeralda Star (1862–1863). However, by the late 1860s, the depletion of easily accessible ore led to a sharp decline in population and economic activity, transforming Aurora into a near-ghost town by the early 20th century.
The Aurora Borealis emerged in this post-boom era, specifically noted in historical records as being published on December 3, 1905. Unlike the daily newspapers of Aurora’s heyday, the Aurora Borealis appeared during a time when the town’s population was significantly reduced, and mining activity was minimal. The newspaper’s publication reflects a brief attempt to maintain community communication and document local life in a fading frontier settlement.
Publication Details
The Aurora Borealis newspaper is documented as a single-issue newspaper published in Aurora, Nevada, on December 3, 1905. Historical records, including those compiled by the Nevada Historical Society, indicate that this newspaper was a one-time publication, with no evidence of regular or sustained issues. The Aurora Borealis is preserved in microfilm collections, with copies available through the Nevada Historical Society’s Research Library.
The exact publisher, editor, and distribution details of the Aurora Borealis are not well-documented, likely due to its limited run and the diminished state of Aurora at the time. The newspaper’s title, evoking the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights, may have been chosen to symbolize hope or renewal for the struggling community, though no primary sources explicitly confirm this intent.
Content and Role
Given the lack of surviving content details for the Aurora Borealis, its coverage can be inferred based on the typical roles of newspapers in small Nevada mining towns during the early 20th century. The Aurora Borealis likely included:
- Local News: Reports on remaining mining activities, community events, or updates on Aurora’s residents. Even in decline, small-scale mining persisted, and the newspaper may have covered claims, prospecting efforts, or local disputes.
- Advertisements: Ads for local businesses, such as general stores, saloons, or services catering to the reduced population, would have been a key feature, providing revenue and reflecting the town’s economic state.
- Regional and National News: To connect Aurora’s isolated residents to the outside world, the Aurora Borealis likely reprinted news from larger Nevada cities like Reno or Carson City, or national stories sourced from wire services.
- Social Notices: Announcements of births, deaths, or community gatherings, which were common in small-town newspapers, may have appeared to maintain social cohesion.
The Aurora Borealis served as a fleeting effort to sustain Aurora’s sense of community and identity. Its single-issue status suggests it may have been a special edition, possibly tied to a specific event, such as a civic celebration, mining revival attempt, or promotional effort to attract new residents or investors.
Challenges and Decline
The Aurora Borealis faced significant challenges inherent to publishing in a declining mining town. By 1905, Aurora’s population was a fraction of its 1860s peak, limiting the audience and advertising base necessary to sustain a newspaper. The logistical endash logistical challenges, such as securing paper, ink, and printing equipment in a remote location, further complicated publication efforts. The Aurora Borealis’s single-issue run indicates that these obstacles were insurmountable, and no further issues were produced.
Aurora’s broader decline sealed the newspaper’s fate. By the early 20th century, the town was largely abandoned, with many buildings left to deteriorate. The Aurora Borealis represents a final, brief chapter in Aurora’s media history, following the earlier closure of more established newspapers like the Esmeralda Daily Union.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Aurora Borealis holds a niche but valuable place in Nevada’s historical record. Its single issue, preserved in microfilm, offers a snapshot of Aurora at a transitional moment, when the town was grappling with its fading prominence. For historians and genealogists, the newspaper is a potential source of information about the individuals, businesses, and events of Aurora in 1905, though its limited scope restricts its depth.
The Aurora Borealis also underscores the challenges of frontier journalism in declining communities. Its brief existence reflects the resilience of Aurora’s remaining residents, who sought to maintain a voice despite economic and demographic collapse. The newspaper’s preservation by the Nevada Historical Society ensures that this small piece of Aurora’s story remains accessible to researchers.
Conclusion
The Aurora Borealis, published on December 3, 1905, in Aurora, Nevada, was a short-lived newspaper that emerged in the twilight of the town’s history. As a single-issue publication, it captured a moment in Aurora’s post-boom era, offering insights into a community struggling to retain its identity. Though limited in scope, the Aurora Borealis contributes to the broader narrative of Nevada’s mining frontier, illustrating the role of small-town newspapers in documenting life in remote and transient settlements. Its preservation in historical archives ensures that Aurora’s legacy, however faint, endures for future study.
Sources
- Nevada Historical Society, Nevada Historical Newspapers
- UNLV University Libraries, Nevada Newspapers by County
- GenealogyBank, Aurora, Nevada Newspaper Archive
Peg Legs Lost Gold
“Back in the 1960s. Desert Magazine published a letter by a person who claimed to have found Peg Legs Lost Gold or treasure in the Colorado Desert. Interesting, was the fact that the writer included some sample gold nuggets with his letters. The nuggets were coated with a black coating that seemed to match the original legend, Numerous letters were exchanged between the “finder”, the “doubters”, and “interested others”. Some even though is was a second mine owned by the Peralta Family with the Lost Dutchman in Arizona.”
This message was scribbled by my dad, on the outside of a manilla folder, which contained numerous articles from Desert Magazine on the Lost Treasure of Peg Leg Smith. At the time of Publication in 1965, my dad loved exploring the desert southwest in his International Scout, and like many others, collect magazine articles on places to explore. This is how I learned about the Lost Peg Leg Treasure.
Peg Leg Smith
(1801–1866)
Thomas L. Smith, widely known as “Peg Leg” Smith, was an American mountain man, trapper, explorer, and storyteller who became a legendary figure of the American West. Born in Crab Orchard, Kentucky, in 1801, Smith’s life was characterized by adventure, resilience, and a penchant for tall tales, which helped cement his place in frontier folklore.
Early Life and Career
Little is known about Smith’s early years, but by his late teens, he had ventured westward, drawn by the opportunities of the burgeoning fur trade. He joined trapping expeditions in the Rocky Mountains and quickly developed a reputation as a skilled trapper and resourceful frontiersman. However, his life took a dramatic turn when, during an expedition, he lost part of his leg in a skirmish with Native Americans or possibly from an infection after an accident (accounts vary). Undeterred, Smith fashioned a wooden prosthetic leg, earning him the nickname “Peg Leg.”
Gold and Storytelling
In the 1830s and 1840s, Smith shifted his focus from trapping to guiding and trading with Native American tribes. By the 1850s, he had gained notoriety for his tales of adventure and his claims of discovering a rich gold deposit in Southern California’s Colorado Desert. According to his story, Smith stumbled upon a series of gold-laden black rocks while traveling through the region. Unable to carry much, he filled his bandana with the gold nuggets which were laying on the ground. He marked the location mentally, intending to return later. Despite numerous attempts by others to find this so-called “Peg Leg Mine,” its exact location remains one of the enduring mysteries of the West.
Smith capitalized on his fame by entertaining travelers and settlers with his colorful storytelling, often exaggerating or inventing details to captivate his audience. He operated trading posts and was known for his charisma and humor, though some viewed him as a conman who exploited the gullibility of gold-seekers.
Later Years and Death
As the West grew more settled, Smith’s lifestyle became increasingly precarious. He spent his later years wandering between towns and trading posts, regaling listeners with his tales and living off their generosity. He died in 1866 near San Bernardino, California, reportedly from complications related to his leg or alcoholism.
Peg Leg Smith is remembered as a symbol of the adventurous and often eccentric spirit of the Old West. His name remains associated with the fabled Lost Peg Leg Mine, which continues to intrigue treasure hunters and historians. Annual events and gatherings, such as the Peg Leg Smith Liars’ Contest held in Borrego Springs, California, celebrate his legacy as one of the West’s most colorful characters.
Smith’s life, blending fact and fiction, captures the essence of a time when the American frontier was a land of boundless opportunity, danger, and mystery.
Desert Magazine March 1965
In March, 1965, Desert Magazine published a letter from one of their subscribers, who claimed to have found Peg Legs Lost Gold. To add some gravitas to the claim, the author included several gold nuggets tarnished with a dark desert varnish, which matches the claims for Peg Leg Smith from over one hundred and thirty years prior.
Dear Desert Editor:
Although the enclosed story has no byline, I believe it and the photographs will be of interest to you. After you have read the story, you will understand why the reasons for my remaining anonymous are too obvious to enumerate.
You have my full permission to publish the story and this letter if you wish. They may be of minor interest to the readers of Desert Magazine.
More important, I am also enclosing two of the Peg Leg’s nuggets. One is still black, exactly as found, and the other has had the black copper oxides removed by the process mentioned in the story and is now native “gold” in color. You will have these nuggets to show one and all who have doubted the story of Peg Leg’s black nuggets. You may keep them with my compliments for Desert Magazine’s collection of desert artifacts, in this case you can start a new collection of items from lost mines that have been found.
Very sincerely yours,
The Man Who Found
Peg Leg’s Black Gold
The author of the article mentions that he spent six days out at the site of the Lost Gold and removed about 720 ounces of nuggets. He claimed that all of the easy gold was removed by him and that he was sure other gold existed below the reach of his metal detectors.
For the next ten years articles and letters are published in Desert Magazine debating the claim along with reassertions of his claims.
No matter what your thoughts are on the story of Peg Legs Lost Treasure, it is without a doubt, that the lure of blacked gold nuggets just laying about on the desert floor near the Salton Sea is without doubt.
References
Esmeralda Herald Newspaper
The Esmeralda Herald newspaper was a significant publication in the mining boomtown of Aurora, Nevada, during the late 19th century. Operating in a period marked by rapid growth and decline in the region, the newspaper served as a vital source of information, reflecting the social, political, and economic dynamics of a frontier community. This report explores the history, context, and impact of the Esmeralda Herald, drawing on available historical records to provide a comprehensive overview.
Historical Context
Aurora, Nevada, emerged as a bustling mining town following the discovery of gold and silver in 1860. Founded by James M. Cory, James M. Braly, and E.R. Hicks, the town grew rapidly, with its population peaking at an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 by 1864. Aurora’s unique position on the California-Nevada border led to a period of dual governance, serving as the county seat for both Mono County, California, and Esmeralda County, Nevada, until a federal survey in 1863 confirmed its location in Nevada. The town’s prosperity was tied to its mining industry, which produced $27 million in gold by 1869, but shallow mines and harsh conditions led to a decline by the late 1860s, with the population dwindling to 75 by 1885.
Newspapers played a critical role in such frontier towns, providing news, advertisements, and a platform for political discourse. Aurora was home to several publications, including The Esmeralda Star (1862–1864), Esmeralda Daily Union (1864–1868), and Aurora Daily Times (1864), reflecting the town’s active print culture. The Esmeralda Herald emerged in this context, catering to a community eager for information during a time of economic and political transition.
Publication History
The Esmeralda Herald was a weekly newspaper published in Aurora, Nevada, from October 13, 1877, to April 19, 1884. It was published by F. Kenyon and identified as a “Republican” newspaper, aligning with the political leanings of many Western mining communities. The paper ran for 14 volumes, with its final issue published in Hawthorne, Nevada, after the newspaper relocated there in August 1883, reflecting the shift of Esmeralda County’s seat from Aurora to Hawthorne. The move coincided with Aurora’s declining population and economic base, as mining activity waned.
The Herald’s publication period spanned a critical juncture in Aurora’s history. By 1877, the town was past its peak, with many residents having left after the exhaustion of easily accessible ore by 1864. The newspaper’s operation during this time suggests it served a diminishing but still active community, covering local events, mining developments, and political issues. Its relocation to Hawthorne indicates an adaptation to regional changes, as Hawthorne emerged as a more stable administrative and economic center.
Content and Role
As a Republican-leaning newspaper, the Esmeralda Herald likely focused on issues relevant to its readership, including mining industry updates, local government activities, and national politics. Frontier newspapers typically included marriage announcements, death notices, advertisements for local businesses, and editorials reflecting community values. The Herald would have been a key source of information for Aurora’s residents, offering insights into the challenges of maintaining a settlement in a remote, high-desert environment.
The newspaper’s role extended beyond news dissemination. It likely fostered community identity, connecting residents through shared stories and concerns. For example, it may have covered the activities of local organizations like the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Esmeralda Lodge No. 6, or reported on the region’s mining ventures, such as those of the Kimbal & Canfield company. The Herald also served as a historical record, preserving details of Aurora’s social and economic life during its waning years.
Challenges and Decline
Operating a newspaper in a declining mining town presented significant challenges. Aurora’s isolation, harsh climate, and reliance on difficult supply routes made publishing costly and logistically complex. The Herald’s relocation to Hawthorne in 1883 was likely driven by these factors, as well as the loss of Aurora’s status as county seat, which diminished its administrative and economic significance. The newspaper ceased publication in 1884, possibly due to insufficient readership or financial support in the face of regional depopulation.
The broader decline of Aurora as a population center also impacted the Herald. By the early 1880s, the town’s infrastructure was deteriorating, with buildings dismantled for materials and the population shrinking. The Herald’s final issues in Hawthorne reflect an attempt to remain relevant, but the region’s economic shift away from Aurora likely rendered the newspaper unsustainable.
Legacy and Archival Status
The Esmeralda Herald provides a valuable window into the history of Aurora and Esmeralda County. Its archives, covering October 20, 1877, to July 29, 1882, and August 18, 1883, to April 19, 1884, are held by institutions such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Libraries. Some issues are available on microfilm through the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records, allowing researchers to access primary source material. Online platforms like the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America and GenealogyBank may also provide access to digitized copies or related records.
The newspaper’s significance lies in its documentation of a pivotal era in Nevada’s mining history. It captures the resilience and adaptability of a community grappling with economic decline and geographic challenges. For genealogists and historians, the Herald offers insights into family histories, local businesses, and the daily lives of Aurora’s residents, complementing records from other regional newspapers like the Esmeralda Daily Union.
Conclusion
The Esmeralda Herald was a cornerstone of Aurora, Nevada’s print culture, serving as a Republican voice in a fading mining town from 1877 to 1884. Its publication history reflects the broader trajectory of Aurora, from a booming gold rush settlement to a near-ghost town by the 1880s. Despite challenges like isolation and economic decline, the Herald documented the community’s efforts to sustain itself, leaving a lasting record of a dynamic period in Nevada’s history. Today, its archives remain a critical resource for understanding the social and economic fabric of Esmeralda County during the late 19th century.