Ghost Towns and Mines
jefferson, nv
Silver was discovered in this area, high in the Toquima Range, in 1866. Production began in 1871. The town was divided into two sections about 3/4 of a mile apart: Lower Jefferson and Upper Jefferson. The ore ran out by 1881 and the town was abandoned. The town came back to life in 1908 and lasted another nine years. Later attempts to revive the mines were not successful, and the area was completely abandoned by the 1930s.
Because there is so much to see at this site, I’ve decided to provide a separate page for each area of interest. Below you’ll see a few photos of each structure. Clicking on any of these will take you to that structure’s page, where you will be able to see many more photos showing all details of the structure and its surroundings.
Posted August 2013.
(Click the title or any photo to see more pics of this structure and its surroundings.)
The lower town has the ruins of two mills, numerous stone cabins, and a larger stone building that may have been a store.
The upper town is full of ruined stores, shops and homes. Some buildings are adobe, some are stone, some are wood. With a peak population of around 800, Jefferson had mercantile stores, boarding houses, restaurants, a Wells Fargo office, a drugstore, sawmills, hotels, a brewery, a bakery, a school, and a livery stable.
Most of the mines are located in this vicinity, as well as the ruins of a large mill that appears to be of slightly more recent vintage than the mills in the lower town.
Jefferson, NV: The Mines and Mill
A huge ore bin, a stationary boiler, and other ruins of a large mill are located on the hillside above Upper Jefferson. Several mine adits can be seen on the opposite side of the canyon.
Just up the canyon from the town is a large tailings pile and scant ruins from another mine.
Copyright Notice:
The contents of this entire site are property of Ray R. Dunakin III except where noted, and may not be used without permission.