The largest mountain in the area, Paradise Peak, was the site of gold and silver discoveries in 1864. A number of mining companies were active but none too successfully until mercury was discovered in the mid-1930s. The year 1936 was a big one for mercury mining with more than fifty flasks produced. In 1943 more than 199 tons of cinnabar ore was produced averaging about sixteen pounds of crude mercury per ton. The year 1985 saw the beginning of a huge operation to produce gold, silver, and mercury. Production began in 1986 and lasted until 1993. During that period the district produced 1.58 million ounces of gold and 24 million ounces of silver. The huge open pits remain today but the site is fenced and off-limits.

Submitted by: Shawn Hall from his book Preserving The Glory Days: Ghost Towns And Mining Camps Of Nye County, Nevada Click here to purchase his book!