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The Tonopah Mining Boom
In 1900. Jim Butler stopped at a site known as Tonapah, or Little Water, in the Western Shoshone language. Taking a few rock samples, he discovered a mine that led to one of the most important mineral finds of the early twentieth century. As the extent of the bonanza became known, miners and prospectors flocked to the area.
The Tonopah boom revitalized the mining West. From 1900 to 1910, newspaper reporters kept busy writing about spectacular new mining camps throughout southern Nevada, including Goldfield, Rhyolite, Kawich, Manhattan, Round Mountain, Wonder, and Fairview. Many proved to be exaggerated but Tonopah continued.
The Tonopah mines eventually shipped over 5,000,000 tons of ore. Through a new system called leasing, stock issuing corporations were created, bringing in needed capital to promote the new mines including the Desert Queen, Mizpah, Silver Top, and Tonopah Extension.
Erected this 18th day of July, 2009 by the Transsierra Roisterous Alliance of Senior Humbugs and the Queho Posse. Lucinda Jane Saunders, Julia C. Bulette and Snowhoe Thompson Chapters of E. Clampus Vitus in conjunction with the Town of Tonopah, The Tonapah Historical Mining Park and Tonopah Sand and Gravel. |