Ward Mining District – Nevada State Historic Marker

The Ward Mining District, located in White Pine County, Nevada, near the present-day town of Ely, is a significant chapter in the state’s mining history. Situated at over 8,000 feet elevation in Ward Gulch, the district was a bustling silver mining hub in the 1870s, marked by rapid growth, lawlessness, and eventual decline. Its iconic Ward Charcoal Ovens and remnants of a once-thriving town remain as testaments to its past. Below is a detailed history of the district, from its discovery to its modern legacy.

Discovery and Establishment (1872–1875)

The Ward Mining District was born in 1872 when freighters William Ballinger and John Henry discovered silver-lead ore in Ward Gulch, approximately 11 miles southwest of Ely. Named after B.F. Ward, a claim locator, the district quickly attracted prospectors. The townsite of Ward was established in 1873, and by 1875, the Martin White Company acquired the Paymaster Mine, the district’s most productive operation. One chamber in the Paymaster Mine reportedly yielded $1 million in silver, fueling a rush to the area.

Boom Years (1875–1878)

By 1877, Ward was the largest town in White Pine County, boasting a peak population of around 2,000. The town’s infrastructure grew rapidly, supporting two newspapers (The Ward Reflex and another unnamed paper), a Wells Fargo office, a city hall, and various businesses, including saloons, general stores, and hotels. The district’s social fabric was diverse, with a Chinatown community and a red-light district known as Reform Gulch. Notably, Ward lacked a church, and an abandoned brothel served as the schoolhouse, reflecting the camp’s rough character.

Mining operations relied heavily on six beehive-shaped Ward Charcoal Ovens, constructed in 1876 by Italian masons (carbonari). These ovens, located in Willow Creek Canyon, produced charcoal for smelters, each requiring timber from 5–6 acres per 10-day cycle. The ovens processed up to 35 bushels of charcoal per cord of wood, supporting the smelting of silver-lead ore from mines like the Paymaster, Martin White, and Young America.

The district’s early years were lawless, with claim jumping and disputes common. A vigilante group, the “601” committee, enforced order through extralegal means, including hangings, earning Ward a reputation as a “tough camp.” Racial tensions also surfaced, with a reported murder of a Chinese resident by a mob in 1876, highlighting the era’s social challenges.

Decline and Devastation (1878–1888)

The district’s prosperity was short-lived. By 1878, the quality and quantity of high-grade ore declined, leading to an exodus of residents to the nearby boomtown of Taylor. The population dropped to 250, and businesses struggled. In 1883, a devastating fire destroyed one-third of Ward, including the schoolhouse and city hall. Rather than rebuild, many residents salvaged materials and relocated structures to Taylor. The Ward post office, established in 1876, closed in 1888, marking the town’s effective abandonment. Total production from 1872 to 1890 was valued at approximately $960,000, primarily in silver, with lesser amounts of lead and copper.

Revivals and Modern Exploration (1906–1991)

The Ward Mining District experienced periodic revivals driven by new discoveries and technological advancements. In 1906, renewed exploration uncovered additional silver deposits, prompting small-scale activity. A more significant revival occurred in the 1960s when the Silver King Mining Company acquired the Ward Mine in 1962. By 1967, the mine produced 63,400 metric tons of low-grade ore containing gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc, valued at nearly $2.5 million through 1967.

In the 1970s and 1980s, joint ventures between Silver King, Phillips Petroleum, and Gulf Minerals explored the district for a porphyry copper deposit. These efforts focused on skarn-hosted sulfide deposits but ultimately failed to identify a major copper system. Sporadic production continued until 1991, with cumulative output exceeding 182 kilotons of ore. The district’s total production included significant quantities of silver, gold, copper, lead, and zinc, reflecting its diverse mineralogy.

Geological Context

The Ward Mining District lies within the Robinson porphyry copper district, part of a mineralized belt in east-central Nevada. The area’s geology features limestone, dolomite, and quartzite intruded by Cretaceous and Tertiary plutons, forming skarn and vein deposits. Major mines, including the Paymaster and Ward, exploited silver-lead-zinc veins and replacement deposits, with gold and copper as byproducts. The Ward Charcoal Ovens, built to support smelting, highlight the district’s reliance on local timber resources, which were heavily depleted during the boom years.

Legacy and Modern Status

Today, Ward is a ghost town, with little remaining due to flash flooding and the relocation of structures in the 1880s. The Ward Charcoal Ovens, preserved as a Nevada State Historical Site since 1998, are the district’s most enduring feature. These 30-foot-tall, beehive-shaped structures, accessible via a graded dirt road, attract visitors and historians. A small cemetery, containing graves of early residents, also survives, though many headstones are weathered or missing.

The Ward Mining District remains an active exploration area, with modern mining companies investigating its potential for undiscovered deposits. The ovens and surrounding landscape, now part of Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, serve as a reminder of Nevada’s mining heritage and the environmental impact of 19th-century industry. Visitors can explore the site, which includes interpretive signs detailing the district’s history and the ovens’ construction.

Nevada State Historic Marker no. 54

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.

Most of the markers across the state are large blue metal markers. However, there are a variety of other marker styles out there. For this guide they have been simplified into a few categories (blue, blue small, concrete, and stone). Sometimes, the markers are on buildings, fences, or metal stands.

Ward Mining District

The ghost town of Ward, in the foothills of the Egan Range, lies some eight miles west of here.  Booming from 1876 until 1882, with a peak population of 1,500, Ward was somewhat of a lawless mining camp.  Early killings did occur, but justice was meted out by the vigilante committee and the hanging rope.

A million dollars worth of silver was taken from a single chamber of the Ward mine, yet an abandoned house was used for the first school and no movement was ever started to build a church.

The town was abandoned by the late 1880s, but new discoveries and better mining methods prompted a resurgence of activity in 1906 and again in the 1960s.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 54

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

WHITE PINE MUSEUM, INC

Nevada State Historic Marker 54 Map

Summary

NameWard Mining District
LocationWhite Pine County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.0885, -114.7524
Nevada State Historic Markers No.54

Sources

  • Western Mining History: Ward Mining District
  • Mindat.org: Ward Mining District, Nevada
  • Nevada Expeditions: Ward, Nevada
  • Nevada Appeal: Ward Charcoal Ovens
  • Nevada Ghost Towns & Beyond: Ward Ghost Town
  • Nevada State Parks: Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

Esmeralda Star Newspaper

Esmeralda Star Newspaper
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

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

Millers Nevada

The Millers Nevada State Historic Marker 101 can be found at a rest area along Highway 6, situated a few miles to the west of Tonopah, within Esmeralda County, Nevada. Historically, Millers served as both a train station and a watering point for the Tonopah and Goldfield Railroad, playing a significant role in the region’s transportation network.

Millers Nevada about 1905 - Mrs. Harry Mighels Collection
Millers Nevada about 1905 – Mrs. Harry Mighels Collection

Following a mining boom in Tonopah in 1901 and construction of the Tonopah and Goldfield Railroad, Millers was first founded in 1904 as a station and watering stop.  The name honored Charles R. Miller, a director of the railroad and former governor of Delaware.  He also served as vice-president of the Tonopah Mining Company and instrumental in having its 100-stamp cyanide mill built here in 1906. 

Charles R. Miller - Millers Nevada State Historic Marker 101
Charles R. Miller

In 1901, a mining boom occurred in Tonopah, leading to the establishment of the Tonopah and Goldfield Railroad. This development set the stage for the founding of Millers in 1904, which began as a station and watering stop. The name “Millers” was chosen to honour Charles R. Miller, who was a director of the railroad and had previously served as the governor of Delaware. Additionally, he held the position of vice-president of the Tonopah Mining Company and played a crucial role in the construction of its 100-stamp cyanide mill, which was built in the area in 1906.

The year 1907 saw a significant boom for the town, attributed to the establishment of the Tonopah and Goldfield Railroad’s repair shops and another substantial mill. By 1910, the population of Millers had risen to 274, and the town featured a business district along with a post office. Despite its relatively small size, Millers was proud of its modest business district and claimed to have a large park that included a baseball diamond and a grandstand for spectators.

However, by 1911, the railroad shops and the mill relocated, marking the beginning of a decline for Millers. The town ultimately became abandoned in 1947 when the railroad ceased operations.

Nevada State Historic Marker Text

As a result of mining excitement at Tonopah in 1901 and subsequent construction of the Tonopah and Goldfield Railroad, Millers was first founded in 1904 as a station and watering stop on that line.  The name honored Charles R. Miller, a director of the railroad and former governor of Delaware.  He was also vice-president of the Tonopah Mining Company and was instrumental in having its 100-stamp cyanide mill built here in 1906.  In 1907, the town boomed with the construction of the T. & G. R.R.’s repair shops and another large mill.  The population grew to 274 in 1910, when the town boasted a business district and post office.  By 1911, the railroad shops and a mill had been moved away, and Millers began to decline.  It was abandoned in 1947 when the railroad went out of business.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 101
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
AMERICAN LEGION, NEVADA DEPT.

Town Summary

NameMillers
LocationEsmeralda County, Nevada
Nevada State Historic Marker101
Latitude, Longitude38.1402, -117.4539
Elevation4,800 Feet
GNIS856083
Population275
Post Office1906 –

References

Eureka Nevada

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. The town 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