The long history of Cortez begins in 1862 when a group of Mexicans discovered silver ore next to Mount Tenabo. The ore was shipped to Austin where it raised considerable interest among the locals. This resulted in a group of prospectors arriving in Cortez who discovered additional sites that prompted more new arrivals. By 1865, three mining companies were active in the district. The main problem was the isolated location of the mines and shipping the ore for milling to Austin. But the best was still to come. The troubles with processing and the camp’s site did not dampen Cortez’s growth. One company spent $100,000 in 1865 to enlarge the Mill Canyon mill to 16 stamps in response to the huge volumes of ore being produced from the mines. Cortez continued to grow throughout the years until the late 1920s and early 1930s when silver prices dropped dramatically and Cortez began to slow down. Today the property is controlled by Placer Amex Incorporated and the mining and milling operations employ 150 workers. Shaky wooden buildings and scattered ruins remain at the Cortez townsite, located a couple of miles east of the new Cortez mill.

Submitted by: Shawn Hall from his book Romancing Nevada's Past: Ghost Towns And Historic Sites Of Eureka, Lander, And White Pine Counties Click here to purchase his book!

Cortez
Courtesy Paula-Jean Johnson-Cassels aka Trpster*

Cortez
Paula-Jean Johnson-Cassels aka Trpster*

Cortez
Paula-Jean Johnson-Cassels aka Trpster*

Cortez
Paula-Jean Johnson-Cassels aka Trpster*

Cortez
Paula-Jean Johnson-Cassels aka Trpster*

Cortez
Paula-Jean Johnson-Cassels aka Trpster*