A rich lead-silver deposit was the reason for Union coming into being in early 1879. By summer, Union had a population of 75 as well as three stores and two saloons. However, the boom went bust by the end of 1879 and it was not until 1886 that the claims were worked again. Once again, the mining activity was short lived and the area remained empty until 1915. It was then the Union Mines Company was organized and began operations. The company shipped its ore to Midvale, Utah. Where the returns were quite good. However, the cost of ore removal was quite high. By the time the company folded in 1918, $225,000 had been produced, but $242,900 had been spent on extracting the ore. When the Union Mines Company folded, Union died. Today, only a few small, crumbling cabins remain at the site.

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!