Rip Van Winkle Mine, Elko County, Nevada

First discoveries on Lone Mountain were made as early as 1866. By 1871, a number of mines were producing. While a town didn't develop, miners were scattered all over the mountain. Henry Miller, who ran the Cornucopia stage road, built the Lone Mountain Station in the early 1870s which was used by miners to ship ore and receive goods. The year 1897 proved to be the best to date in the district. In February, long-time local prospector John Yore discovered the Rip Van Winkle Mine, destined to be far and away the most productive mine on Lone Mountain. A strong earthquake in 1917 shifted parts of the mountain and most of the springs on the mountain were slowed or shut off. In addition, extensive damage occurred in the deeper mines, in particular the Rip Van Winkle. It was the Rip Van Winkle property that really boomed. In January, 1938, construction started on a 100-ton mill. By January, 1939, tent houses for a crew of 32 had been built. By spring, the number had risen to 70. More than $152,000 was produced from the Rip Van Winkle Mine in 1941. The mine was the second largest producer of lead and zinc in Nevada, ranking only behind Pioche. A drop to less than $144,000 in 1943 signaled the quick end of the Rip Van Winkle's productive years. During the summer of 1944, most residents living near the mine moved away. By November, the mill and mine were forced to close due to a lack of labor. Only small production has taken place since 1951. The Lone Mountain area still ranks as the largest producer of zinc in Elko County with 3.3 million pounds. In addition, 5.5 million pounds of lead, 728,640 ounces of silver, and 223,449 pounds of copper have been produced. Much remains to be seen although a large fire in 1994 destroyed many of the buildings left on the east slope. However, there are still three groups of buildings at three different mines on the east slope. The Rip Van Winkle Mine, on the west slope, offers the most substantial remains on Lone Mountain. The site is dominated by the mill ruins and settling ponds. A few buildings are left, struggling to stand against the elements. The cookhouse has recently collapsed and lies across the main road. The school, which closed in 1944, was located on the flat above the mine. This is also where many of the miners' cabins and trailers were located in the 1930s and 1940s. A trip to Lone Mountain offers much, and with so many scattered mine sites to explore, plan a full day to enjoy all that Lone Mountain has to offer.

Rip Van Winkle Links

Rip Van Winkle Mine, Elko County, Nevada

The Rip Van Winkle Mine site is located in the Merrimac mining district, Elko County, Nevada. The site is located at approximately 7,000 feet above mean sea level on Lone Mountain in the Independence Mountains, and is situated in the Maggie Creek Area hydrographic basin, which flows into the Humboldt River near Elko, Nevada. The Rip Van Winkle Mine recorded first production in 1918. It was the only active producer in the district after 1949 with limited production of lead, zinc and silver through 1966.

The mine site consists of shafts and underground workings, a mill, building foundations and several cabins, waste dumps and tailing impoundments. The tailings impoundments cover approximately 3 acres and contain acid-generating materials. Vegetation on the site is sparse and in the vicinity of the tailings, plants show signs of stress. Impacts to Humboldt River flows are unknown at present, but may be impacting endangered species.

Lone Mountain Wildflowers

Wildflower Photographs Around Lone Mountain.

U S G S EARTHQUAKE DATABASE

1917 US Earthquakes: Mine Location is at 41�00'40"N 116�00'00"W

3 earthquakes match:

1/21/1917 41.6N 117.8W Magnitude 4.3

3/28/1917 41.6N 117.8W Magnitude 4.7

4/11/1917 40.0N 118.0W Magnitude 5.1