Lander Discovery Guide 2017

LANDER COUNTY, NEVADA

DISCOVERY GUIDE

2017

GET OUT

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Find yourself

in Nevada’s

outback

January 2017

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Snowstorm peaks Lander County, Nevada.

——— Photo by Matt Dierlam

GET OUT HERE! Find yourself in Nevada’s outback L ander County was formed on Dec. 19, 1862 and was named after General Frederick W. Lander, a Civil War hero and prominent builder of a wagon road across Nevada.

Situated in the center of the state, the Lander County region attracted prospectors fanning out across the Great Basin after the 1859 discovery of the Comstock Lode. It was one of Nevada’s original nine counties created in 1861.

Lander County encompasses 5,621 square miles. Over 85 percent of the County is currently public land managed by federal agencies. Interstate 80 traverses the county in an east-west fashion on the northern end, as does Highway 50 “The Loneliest Highway” on the southern end.

State Highway 305, which runs north and south, bisects the center of Lander County. This highway links the cities of Battle Mountain and Austin. The town of Kingston is located in the southern part of Lander County on Highway 376.

The total population of Lander County in 2010 was 5,775.

The population density is low — less than one person per square mile, so there’s plenty of solitude. The quiet, rugged hills and valleys provide plenty of space for outdoor enthusiasts of all types, earning Lander County the moniker “Nevada’s Outback.”

In recent years Lander County’s economy has been dominated by mining. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the

local economy. High quality alfalfa and alfalfa seed is produced.

Although the mining industry has declined in Lander County in recent years, it is still the dominant sector of the local economy.

Lander County claims fame to celebrations and events which include road races, the Human Powered Speed Challenge, plus festivals that celebrate the area’s Basques, Chukar hunting and rural lifestyle.

Lander County Discovery Guide 2017 3

DISCOVER

all there is to do and see in Lander County

Three communities share the county

L

ander County, Nevada covers a huge area that encompasses 5,621 square miles. Over 85 percent of the county are public lands managed by federal agencies, and three communities lie within the county borders.

Austin The historic community of Austin perches on the sides of Pony Canyon, where it drops into the majestic Reese River Valley. In the 1870s, there were as many as 10,000 miners working the hillsides in the frantic search for silver.

Austin was once a roaring silver camp, and was once the county seat.

Historic buildings still line the streets, and the town maintains the western

spirit to this day.

The Lonliest Road (U.S. Hwy 50) passes through Austin, and the area was once a stopping point on the Pony Express Route.

There’s a lot to discover here — from some of the finest mountain biking in northern Nevada, to the hauntingly beautiful Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Site.

This is the wild, high desert, and one can find wild animals such as deer and antelope, many types of upland game birds and a variety of small mammals.

Recreation opportunities abound — from hiking the Toiyabe Crest Trail in southern Lander County to fishing, hunting, mountain biking or ATV excursions, there’s always something to do!

Battle Mountain

Battle Mountain is the seat of Lander County, and is located in the northern portion of the county, midway between Winnemucca and Elko, on the Interstate 80 corridor.

Battle Mountain derives much of its economy from the mining industry, farming and ranching and tourism.

Newmont Mining Corp. operates the Phoenix mine in northwestern Lander County, which produces gold, silver and soon, copper ore.

Battle Mountain prides itself on being the ‘Base Camp’ for excursions throughout northern Nevada. Though drivers zooming past on Interstate 80 may find it hard to believe, those mountains that seem barren are rich with natural beauty, and abundance of wildlife and plenty of public land for camping, hiking and ATV rides.

4 Lander County Discovery Guide 2017

The Lander County Courthouse in Austin.

——— Photo by Michael Michaelsen

Kingston The mountain village of Kingston is located in the heart of central Nevada, east and south of Austin on SR 376.

The town is nestled between the Toiyabe and Toquima mountain ranges, and boasts a vast wealth of unspoiled wilderness — including the gateway to the Arc Dome Wilderness. The trail is over 60

miles in length and reaches elevations in excess of 8,000 feet above sea level.

Formed in 1864, Kingston was originally a silver town, with the Sterling Mill built in 1865, and the massive stone ruins are a permanent reminder of the glory days.

Today, about 100 people call Kingston home.

Lander County Discovery Guide 2017 5

Mount Tenabo or ‘Lookout Mountain’ is 9,157 feet, rising nearly a mile over the valley.

SPACE TO ROAM and plenty to do in rural Nevada

I

f there’s one thing northern Nevada has plenty of, it’s rolling hills just begging to be ridden by ATVs and motorcycles. Riding motorcycles and getting dirty has been popular for generations, but it’s only been in the last 20 years or so that the multi-wheeled ATV has been providing riders with fun and excitement.

There are plenty of tracks and trails to ride — some on the edge of towns — but when most riders think of ATVing they’re usually thinking of heading into the open desert. With little threat of traffic the open desert is a fine place to ride, and here are a few guidelines to make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

For those with off-highway vehicles, the Lander County outback offers no shortage of dusty trails over steep hills, flat expanses across the basins and plenty of scenic vistas to make every mile of the journey more enjoyable.

Remember to pack plenty of water, extra fuel if you can, and a good map.

6 Lander County Discovery Guide 2017

Shoshone OHV Trails open year round

Located about 26 miles south of Battle Mountain is the Shoshone Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail System. Open to vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs and motorbikes, as well as nonmotorized travel, there are nearly 60 miles of trails ready for exploration.

The Redrock Trailhead offers parking for big rigs, primitive camping, a concrete vault toilet and a kiosk with a map box. Riders will also find a “learner loop” and warm-up loops near the trailhead.

Developed camping is found six miles further up a Mill Creek Recreation Site.

A map of the trail complex is available from the Bureau of Land Management Mount Lewis field office in Battle Mountain, 50 Basitan Road, Battle Mountain.

BRING YOUR ATV!

New Off Highway Vehicle trail perfect for desert adventure Shoshone OHV Trail System is open all year

Located about 26 miles south of Battle Mountain is the Shoshone Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail System. Open to vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs and motorbikes, as well as nonmotorized travel, there are nearly 60 miles of trails ready for exploration.

The Redrock Trailhead offers parking for big rigs, primitive camping, a concrete vault toilet and a kiosk with a map box. Riders will also find a “learner loop” and warm-up loops near the trailhead.

Developed camping is found six miles further up a Mill Creek Recreation Site.

A map of the trail complex is available from the Bureau of Land Management Mount Lewis field office in Battle Mountain, 50 Basitan Road, Battle Mountain.

Welcome to BATTLE MOUNTAIN!

LIVE. WORK. PLAY.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2017 Spring and Summer Business with Brushes Summer and Fall Wine Walk Cookie Walk Festival of Trees Parade of Lights Community Light Display Contest and many more events coming up during the year Contact the local Chamber of Commerce office for exact dates of these events and more information about our Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce Members 775.635.8245

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Lander County Recreation Guide!

Learn about recreational activities and sites of interest county-wide!

AND REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALWAYS VISIT US AT WWW.BATTLEMOUNTAINCHAMBER.COM Lander County Discovery Guide 2017 7

MOUNTAIN BIKING

groomed trails or on your own — there’s a place here for every rider

M

ountain bikers can find plenty of trails to ride in the Lander County area.

The Copper Basin Mountain Bike Trail is located west of Highway 305 about 2.75 miles south of the town of Battle Mountain and Interstate 80. The trail system is marked with brown signs and offers a variety of technical and aerobic challenges on a combination of single and double track trails.

Steep climbs and fast, technical descents wind through historic mining areas, sagebrush covered canyons and rocky ridge tops in the northern Battle Mountain Range.

Near Austin, beginning riders can cut their teeth on the Pony Express Loop, a 10-mile track that follows a section of 8 Lander County Discovery Guide 2017

the Pony Express Trail through Emigrant Pass. A few of the climbs may challenge beginners a bit, but overall the course is accessible by all riders.

Advanced riders may want to try their skills by biking the Crest Cut-off trail near Austin.

The trail is a challenge, and there are many steep and technical sections that may have even experienced riders walking the bike in a few sections. The trail crests at 8,934 feet, then begins the descent through Dry Canyon and along the return trail to Austin. In all, there are six prepared trails for mountain bikers in the Austin area.

It’s impossible to mention all the fantastic mountain biking opportunities in Lander County. Just look up and around you — almost any desert hillside will have trails ready for your wheels.

Camping fun abounds in Lander County Mill Creek Camping

Bob Scott Summit Camping Area

Lewis Canyon Camping Area In the spirit of a true desert oasis, Lewis Canyon lies hidden only 13 miles south of Battle Mountain.

A small outcropping of trees marks the mouth of the canyon and a well-maintained gravel road lends testament to the canyon’s importance to the locals. The current road is good enough to allow access to anyone, although it is narrow enough that oncoming traffic is a concern. In the bottom half of the canyon there are picnic areas and trees to allow visitors to enjoy the stream that flows through the area.

Located just a few miles outside Battle Mountain, Mill Creek Canyon contains an established campground, picnic areas complete with tables and barbecues. There are restrooms and a nice parking area to round out the list of practical amenities. The road up the canyon was built in the 1950s as a haul road for the Greystone Barite Mine, which is still in operation further up the hill.

Those who travel further up this road will find a few interesting sights along the way.

There is a hiking trail that heads down the mountain and crosses the creek.

Kingston Campground The Kingston campground is located deep in Kingston Canyon, west of the town of Kingston, along Kingston Creek in the Toiyabe Range in Central Nevada.

The Kingston campground sits at 6,800 feet, and is a great base camp if you are hiking the Toiyabe Crest Trail, fishing in

Bob Scott campground is located just 5 miles southeast of Austin on NV Highway 50. The campground is a favorite with hunters during the fall, but is also perfect for a family outing or a weekend getaway.

Most of the use, however, comes from travelers who stop to use the restroom and stretch their legs. The campground features 10 sites, each with a paved pad, fire pit and picnic table. The campground also has a central bathroom with flush toilets, running water and garbage cans.

Groves Lake or Kingston Creek or enjoying ATV excursions into the surrounding hills. The campground offers five small sites and five back-in sites.

Access from State Hw 376 is via Forest Road 002. This good dirt road leads the way to the campground, and Groves Lake, a little further beyond. Groves Lake is stocked regularly with trout by NDOW, so fishermen find good sport in either waterway. In fact, Kingston Creek

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is hailed as an excellent choice for fly fishing for brown trout.

This road is also the access to the Toiyabe Range into Big Creek Canyon.

This route requires a vehicle with good clearance, so be advised. To access the campground: From Austin head west on US 50 1/2 mile, then 16 miles south on Big Creek Road (NV 376), and 5 miles west on Forest Road 002.

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LACE UP YOUR BOOTS

I

B

Hike the Toiyable Crest Trail

f you really want to get away from it all, central Nevada is the place to be.

You won’t find any strip malls, housing tracts or other signs of suburban sprawl near the rural town of Kingston.

Instead, you’ll find yourself surrounded by wide open spaces, rugged canyons and soaring mountain peaks.

The Toiyabe Crest Trail near Kingston is one of the best places to take in the splendor of these surroundings.

The trail begins in Kingston Canyon and ends some 72 miles later at the edge of the South Twin River Canyon. Along the way, it rises well above 10,000 feet, and leads the way toward 11,773-foot Arc Dome.

If you go: pack plenty of water. Be prepared for inclement weather, and remember that temperatures may vary widely from the hot valley floor to the cool and windy mountain ridgelines.

10 Lander County Discovery Guide 2017

Photos by Rudy Herndon

BIG SMOKY VALLEY

T

he Big Smoky Valley is one of America’s few remaining wilderness areas.

It boasts a vast wealth of water, unspoiled ghost towns, abundant fish and wildlife, minerals and dramatic scenic beauty. Private lands include less than 3 percent of the total area, and on its 1,300,000 acres live less than 2,500 people. 97 percent of the land is a magnificent outdoor playground open to all.

The climate is ideal, with cool summers and mild winters. Big Smoky Valley is 90 miles long; with average of 13½ miles wide with eleva-

Big Smoky Valley as seen from Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area.

——— Photo by Rudy Herndon

tions of up to 6,275 ft., average is 6,000 ft. It provides a dry, healthful atmosphere, where you can enjoy the outdoors to the utmost.

In the middle of Smoky Valley is Round Mountain, one of the countries leading gold mines, with the worlds largest heap leach, employing over 750 people.

Several ranching operations utilize the abundant feed in the valley and the bordering mountains, which rise to almost 12,000 feet.

Kingston Canyon Area Located near the north end of the Smoky Valley, just inside Lander County, 32 miles from Austin, Kingston is the starting point of many outdoor activities. Kingston is a popular gateway to the Toiyabe Mountains.

There are many recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, a campground, 4-wheeling routes, ATV riding, and awesome fishing.

The trailhead for the Toiyabe Crest Trail starts one-half mile south of Kingston guard station and ends on the South Twin River. The trail is 72 miles long with elevations generally above 8,000 ft. and contains slopes of 30 to 80 percent. It is strictly a backpack and horseback trail.

Kingston Canyon was named after the Kingston silver mine, which was established in 1863. While mining

is still present in the area, many of the Kingston homes are now occupied by active retirees or are a vacation home for outdoor enthusiasts.

Just a few miles above the town of Kingston is Groves Lake, a pristine man-made lake with excellent fishing.

A well-maintained road runs the length of the canyon, up a very steep grade and over a pass into Big Creek on the Reese River side. The Kingston side is passable with low clearance, two wheel-drive vehicles up the meadows.

Motor homes or trailers are not advised past the meadows because the road narrows, and is winding with steep switchbacks going up over the pass, The Big Creek side has a number of creek crossings and a Forest Service campground at the mouth of the canyon.

JOIN US ON A FREE NEVADA MINE TOUR

Phoenix Mine (Lander County) 3rd

Thursday of each month, April - October Contact Shar Peterson for more information Shar.Peterson@newmont.com - 775.635.6640

Twin Creeks Mine (Humboldt County)

4th Thursday of each month, April - Sept Contact Angela Prindle for more information Angela.Prindle@newmont.com - 775.635.4206

Gold Quarry (Elko/Eureka County)

2nd Thursday of each month, April - October Contact Colton Blair for more information Colton.Blair@newmont.com - 775.778.2327 www.newmont.com Lander County Discovery Guide 2017 11

ROCK ART

T

H

Hickison Petroglyphs Recreation Area features rock art, camping and hiking

he Hickison Petroglyph Recreation area is located along U.S. Highway 50, 24 miles east of Austin.

An easy walking, self-guided interpretive trail, about one-half mile long, winds around prehistoric petroglyphs that were created 500 to 1,000 years ago.

Nearby hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities are limitless. Elevation is 6,500 feet, camping is free, and 16 overnight primitive camp sites are available year-round.

Small to mid-sized recreational vehicles can be accommodated, however, there are not any electrical hook-ups, potable water, or dump stations available at the site.

The recreation area offers a day use site, picnic tables, fire rings, two vault type toilets, and a shaded area for the weary traveler.

Bring your own firewood as the collection of wood and other forest products on developed recreation sites is prohibited.

12 Lander County Discovery Guide 2017

Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area ——— Photos by J. Carmen Kofoed

HIGH DESERT HUNTING

Chukar challenges hunters to take their best shot Hunters flock to annual chukar tournament & feed

Each year, Battle Mountain plays host to a unique event — a Chukar Tournament and Feed. Hunters sign up for the hunt, then compete to make their quota of five birds. A weigh-in follows, with the winner taking home the glory — and prizes. Afterwards, hunters and their families come together for a great dinner and a night of raffles, auctions and other prizes. The event is held each November.

Terrain perfect habitat for elusive bird Battle Mountain has gained a reputation in Nevada as the home of prime chukar hunting. The steep rocky hillsides are prime habitat for the partridge, and the bird is found there in good quantities.

Hunters interested in bagging some birds first need to purchase a hunting license, and an upland game bird tag. The season is open October through February. The Nevada Department of Wildlife website (www.ndow.org) has more information.

Want more birding sport?

Lander County is home to more than just chukar. The area has great hunting for sage grouse, wild turkeys and upland game birds. Find out more about seasons, tags and areas for bagging some birds at the Nevada Department of Wildlife website, www.ndow.org.

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Lander County Discovery Guide 2017 13

TROPHY HUNTS

T

Deer, antelope and other big game found in Lander County

o hunt for big game in Lander County, you need to have a hunting tag. The Nevada Division of Wildlife is on a quota system where hunters draw for all hunting tags for all available species.

In Lander County, large populations of mule deer, antelope atnd bighorn sheep call the area home.

More than 80 percent of Lander County is administered by the federal government.

That means there are many miles of open country to hunt for your chosen animal.

Tag application information is released in January of every year, and the applications for hunting are due in April.

In order to take part in the draw, a resident must first purchase a hunting license. The

Mule deer, elk and antelope as well as California bighorn sheep are great trophies to be gathered from Lander County hills and valleys.

application, which includes information such as species of animal desired and the area of hunting, must be accompanied by a fee for each tag desired. This fee is refunded if the hunter is not lucky enough to be chosen to receive a tag.

Mountain lion tags are not part of the draw

system, and may be purchased over-the-counter at all license agents and division offices. Residents may purchase two tags per year. The skull and hide of the animal must be presented to a representative of NDOW within 72 hours of the harvest.

From north to south, Battle Mountain

Austin Kingston

nobody covers Lander County like we do!

For nearly 40 years, the Battle Mountain Bugle has covered the news, sports, features and opinions that make Lander County great!

The Battle Mountain Bugle

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

INSIDE

Battle Mountain, Nevada

www.news4nevada.com

Native crafts class

COMMUNITY | Page 9

Honor Flag passes through Battle Mtn

The Bureau of Land Management Honor Guard made a stop on Front Street on July 13 to honor the two fallen firefighters that lost their lives away on July 10 in a rollover accident.

Guzman family say vicious dog killed Maltese, injured puppy

By Aly Guaman

COMMUNITY | Page 11

Susan Davis honored at last board meeting

Indian Colony summer youth program works

to pass on skills The Battle Mountain Indian Colony Youth Program is teaching native crafts as well as life skills such as resume creation, interview preparation and plenty more.

See YOUTH PROGRAM, Page Five

Commissioners fighting to keep land lines

Sending letter of protest to AT&T

By Aly Guaman

a.guaman@winnemuccapublishing.net

editorial@winnemuccapublishing.net | advertising@winnemuccapublishing.net

SPORTS | Pages 16-17

All Star Tournament

Battle Mountain hosted the Little League softball state tournament last week.

Get special online content at news4nevada.com!

WEATHER

BM Bugle

14 Lander County Discovery Guide 2017

Midweek forecast

Pit bull attack kills one pet, injures a second a.guaman@winnemuccapublishing.net

Long time teacher, mentor and friend Susan Sandru is hanging up her teaching wand and retiring.

1022 S. Grass Valley Road, Winnemucca, NV 89445

Issue 2531 • 75¢ IN THE VICTIM'S WORDS

The Lander County Commissioners are still not ready to give up landlines. The group agreed at their July 14 meeting to submit a letter of protest regarding AT&T’s request to be relieved as the provider of last resort in Lander County.

Commissioner Patsy Waits has been very proactive in the cause, stressing the importance of land lines to Lander County.

The commissioners have found that cell service is not available in many areas of Lander County and some residents do not have cell service for reasons of unreliability, cost, hearing issues, and complexity. Businesses also would like to keep their land lines for

WEDNESDAY High: 91 Low: 56

THURSDAY High: 94 Low: 55

advertising and privacy.

AT&T seeks relief on the grounds that two or more providers that utilize a wireless technology are capable of providing alternative voice service to the entire area for which relief is sought. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) acts as an independent party gathering and analyzing data. They will make a determination whether to grant the relief requested.

On July 14, Commissioners approved the letter of protest to the PUCN. They urge citizens to fill out a survey available at the Build ing and Planning office, District Attorney’s office and the Chamber of Commerce.

The PUCN hearing for this filing is scheduled for Aug. 2 in Carson City at 9 a.m.

The chairman, Paul A. Thomsen, will issue a recommendation to the full PUCN for consideration.

INDEX

Lander News .......9-11 For the Record ....... 21 Humboldt News 13-15 Lighter Side ...........

29 Opinion ................2-3 Announcements .... 12 Classifieds ........

24-27 Pershing News .......6-8 Sports ...............16-19 Service Directory.....

30

A vicious dog allegedly killed one small dog and attacked another in Battle Mountain earlier this month.

Local Battle Mountain resident Alma Guzman shared her story about an aggressive dog that killed her 4 year old Maltese on July 4 and attacked her other dog, a 7 month-old Belgian Malinois puppy, on July 7.

Guzman reported that a gray adult pit bull named Buddy had been showing aggression to her dogs since the beginning of the mon th.

Her son found her Maltese dead inside their yard on July 4.

On July 5, Guzman said she contacted Animal Control and they responded by saying there is no law that a dog can’t come into your property and kill your animal.

On July 7, Guzman said the aggressive dog returned to her property.

— See DOG ATTACK, Page Five —

Dias is new county finance director

By Aly Guaman

a.guaman@winnemuccapublishing.net

Lander County Commissioners welcomed Elizabeth (Liz) Dias to her new position as the Finance Director for the county.

Dias started her job on July 11.

Dias previously worked at Wells Fargo for 13 years, where she has been a big part of the community, she said. At Wells Fargo, Dias started as a bank teller and worked her way up to service manager.

— See DIAS, Page Five —

SUBSCRIBE 866-644-5011

FISH FOR TROUT, BASS or CATFISH

L

ander County offers fishing for brown, rainbow and brook trout in the many streams, lakes and reservoirs around the area.

Some of the prime spots are found in the southern region of the county — Groves Lake and Kingston Creek. Other waterways that appeal to anglers are Willow Creek Pond, southwest of Battle Mountain and the Humboldt River, which winds from east to west along the upper portion of the county.

For information about fishing opportunities in Lander County, visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife website: www.ndow.org for stocking information, catch limits and more.

Trout are stocked into Big Creek, Groves Lake, Kingston Creek and Willow Creek Pond in Lander County.

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S E R V I N G Y O U R H E A L T H C A R E N E E D S L O C A L L Y. Lander County Discovery Guide 2017 15

A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Austin was once a huge mining town

Murmurs of the Past

A

ustin, tagged “incredible” because of the unusual happening in its “heyday,” has endured the rise and fall of mining for over 160 years. Austin was born in 1862 when a Pony Express agent, William Talcott, discovered a ledge of silver ore at this location.

The strike revealed rich silver ore that brought a rush of people to the area. Within two years, at the peak of the boom, there were 8,000 people.

Over $50 million in silver was produced from the various mines, and Austin has mothered more than 30 other mining camps, and outlived nearly all of them.

Named after Austin, Texas, the many landmarks in town have been a part of Austin’s incredible history. Austin and Kingston are areas rich in history and outdoor recreation.

With low populations and room to roam, the area offers a rich experience of life in rural Nevada, and a picture of life as it was in the 1860’s mining camps. It is long on distance and short on population, a nice peaceful community. It is a his-

16 Lander County Discovery Guide 2017

Above, the sleepy town of Austin present day. Below, the bustling mining town in 1880. The town once boasted a population of 8,000.

toric area, with 11 buildings and sites on the National Register of Historic Places. There is plenty to see while you visit us. Spend a couple days and enjoy the hospitality of Austin and Kingston.

Brochures are available on several of these areas. Contact the Austin Chamber of Commerce at (775) 964-2200, or stop by the visitors center.

The Gridley Store

The International Hotel The International Hotel is the oldest hotel in Nevada, and one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in the west. A portion of the bar and east side of the building was the original International Hotel in Virginia City, built in 1859. Taken down in early 1863 to make room for Virginia City’s new and larger International Hotel, sections of the original building were loaded on the wagons and brought to Austin.

The sides were rebuilt and given their original name. Other sections were added from time to time, and the completed hotel was famous for its dining room and upstairs ballroom. Many concerts and large balls were held upstairs in the Grand Ball Room, Emma Nevada, world famous European opera singer made her debut appearance here.

The legend of Ruel Gridley, and his $275,000 sack of flour Ruel C. Gridley, owner of the Gridley Store, lost a bet he had made on a local election.

To pay off the bet, Gridley carried a 50-pound sack of flour through town accompanied by boisterous miners and a brass band playing the tune “John Brown’s Body.”

While celebrating afterward at the Grimes & Gibson Saloon, Gridley decided to auction off the sack of flour for the benefit of the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a private relief agency for sick and wounded Union soldiers. His idea was that each successful bidder would return the same sack of flour, enabling it to be auctioned off several times; by the end of the day Gridley had raised $6000 from the local miners.

Buoyed by his success, Gridley took his sack of flour throughout western Nevada, raising more than $20,000 before moving on to California. He traveled around auctioning this sack for five months. At the end of that time he had raised around $150,000.

His success gained him recog-

nition all over the country, and the Sanitary Commission urged him to come east. Carrying his sack of flour, Gridley arrived in New York City in January 1865 and crisscrossed the North until the end of the war.

The sack of flour was sold for the last time at the Sanitary Fair at St. Louis, MO, in April 1865.

The year of traveling around the country had ruined Gridley’s health, and when he returned to Austin, he found the mines had played out and his store closed due to bankruptcy.

Two years later Gridley and his family were living in poverty in Stockton, Calif. Upon learning of Gridley’s plight, newspaper editors in California and Nevada raised $1,400 to buy him a house and small farm, but Gridley’s health continued to decline. He died in 1870 at the age of 41.

In 1876, Stockton veterans sold thousands of miniature sacks of flour to raise money for a monument to Gridley. The Gridley Store was restored in 1984, and is listed on National Register of Historic Places.

Austin area home to fine turquoise findings The hills and valleys near Austin are the source for some of the finest native turquoise to be found in the US. While most of the turquoise mines are private, you can still take home a beautiful souvenir when you stop and shop in historic Austin.

The International Hotel was moved piece-by-piece from Virginia City in 1863.

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AUSTIN HISTORY

Stokes Castle was a unique ‘summer home’ standing high over Austin Stokes Castle was started in the fall of 1896 and completed in June 1897 by Anson Phelps Stokes, a mine developer, railroad magnate and member of a prominent eastern family, as a summer home for his sons, principally J.G. Phelps. After the castle (or the tower, as the Stokes family always referred to it) was completed, it was used by the family for one brief period in June and July 1897. Since then, with one possible exception, the structure has remained unoccupied.

Stokes Castle is made of native granite, hewn and put in place by the ancestors of people still living in Austin. The huge stones were raised with a hand winch and held in position by rock wedging and clay mortar. The architectural model for the castle was a medieval tower Anson Stokes had seen and admired on an Italian campagna, near Rome. It originally had three floors, each with a fireplace, plate glass view windows, balconies on the second and third floors, and a battlemented terrace on the roof. It had plumbing — very adequate for the times — and was sumptuously furnished.

The structure stands as an abiding monument to the local men who built it and to those who helped develop the mines of Austin.

Winnemucca Publishing File Photo

Cemeteries yield a wealth of information about the area

Walking through a cemetery gives an interesting glimpse into any area. Family names, the age of the deceased, perhaps a poem or a line of description about the person bring the past to life in a unique way.

Both Austin and Battle Mountain have unique cemeteries that are well-kept and full of interesting gravestones.

In Austin, the Austin Cemetery is located at the base of Austin Summit, just below town. It is composed of five separate sections: Calvary, I.O.O.F., Masonic, Citizens, and the Indian section. From the first burials in 1863 to the present, walking around each of the sections can show much of Austin’s ethnic and social history, as well as artistic taste in monuments.

18 Lander County Discovery Guide 2017

Winnemucca Publishing File Photo

BATTLE MOUNTAIN – What battle? What mountain?

P

robably the most-asked question by visitors to this area is some variation of: “Where is the mountain Battle Mountain is named after?” A good question. A legitimate question. But a question with no easy answer.

Of the basic four questions of Who, What, When and Where, there is general agreement on only one – the when. Everyone seems to agree that whatever it was, it occurred in 1857.

As to the who, there are two separate and distinct stories, each with a different What and Where.

So, let’s start with what is known and generally not disputed, and go from there.

The name Battle Mountain first appeared in April, 1866, when the Battle Mountain Mining District was formed. The area was rich with silver and copper ore, and a booming mining camp sprung up around the mines. The Battle Mountain Mining District soon earned itself a railroad siding and, the name was recorded for posterity.

But how did the name Battle Mountain come to be? One story says that a man named Tannenhill stopped in at the office of the Reese River Reveille, the region’s main newspaper, to show off a rich copper ore specimen and to brag a bit about his discoveries.

The editor of the Reveille asked Tannenhill how he came to call the new district the “Battle Mountain Mining District.” He replied that it was in honor of a battle he and 23 other emigrants had with the Indians nearly a decade earlier, in 1857.

During the 1850s, more than 200,000 emigrants bound for California and the gold rush area passed along the Emigrant Trail, many of them following the Humboldt River. By 1857 the trail was well-established and the Federal Government declared the Emigrant Trail a Federal Wagon Road, and appointed men to survey and oversee the road.

The newspapers of California followed events along the emigrant trail with great interest, and in 1857 many stories appeared that chronicled the events on the trail, and frequently listed the names of travelers recently off the trail, as well as their experiences.

It is clear from all these records that 1857 was a bloody one for travelers, at least in the area of what is now Battle Mountain. Rocky terrain and frequent Indian attacks – three in one month, according to reports – made the way difficult and deadly. These attacks were reported and read with interest in California newspapers. In fact, one man was stripped by the Indians and had to walk 10 miles until he could

meet up with another wagon train and borrow clothing.

Unfortunately, there is no evidence that Tannenhill and his party of 23 emigrants ever had a battle with Indians anywhere along the route.

Not one word of this heroic battle was published in the newspapers – the very newspapers who published the tale of one man naked in the wilderness.

It’s possible that Tannenhill was telling the truth.

It’s also possible he just made something up to satisfy the editor of the Reveille and make himself sound important. We just don’t know.

A second story as to the beginnings of Battle Mountain comes from an account of another Indian attack – one that truly happened, this time.

A man named John Kirk and a survey party were ambushed in the stony, steep bluffs just north of present day Battle Mountain. Kirk and his company were exploring the route along the base of the mountains when they spotted an Indian. They followed the man directly into an ambush of 55 to 60 armed and mounted Indians hidden in a gully.

A running retreat ensued, with Kirk and his men fighting back as best they could. They escaped with only wounds and the loss of one horse. Today, the gully where the Indians hid prior to the attack is called Battle Creek.

Could this well-documented event be the basis for the name Battle Mountain? Could the word “mountain” in the original name “Battle Mountain Mining District” refer not to the battle but to the mining district, which was a mountain range?

Now you know as much as the rest of us!

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