Please remember to exercise caution when exploring Nevada's Ghost Towns & Mining Camps. Open shafts, drifts going into mountainsides, and old buildings, are all DANGEROUS. Be aware of your surroundings, and let someone know where you are, especially if your plans change.

Galena (Blanco)

DIRECTIONS: From Battle Mountain, head south on Nevada 305 for 9.4 miles. Exit right and follow for 3 miles to Galena.

"While initial discoveries in Galena Canyon were made in 1863, no camp formed until 1866. The principal early mines in the district were the Avalanche, Buena Vista, Butte, Cumberland, Evening Star, Ida Henrietta, Lady Carrie, Trinity, and White. By 1868, more than 100 residents lived in Galena. A townsite was platted in 1869, and soon the streets of the town were crowded with mercantile stores, saloons, and other business establishments. A town hall and town water system were also constructed. In 1870, the boom in Galena began in earnest. During that year, two smelters, of 12 and 20 tons, were built. The Nevada Butte Mining Company, owners of the Butte Mine, built a 20-stamp mill, which started in June 19, 1871. A post office, with B. F. Blossom as postmaster (a position he held for twelve years), opened on June 2, 1871. By October 1873, Galena had a population of 250, including 100 miners, supporting two hotels and four mercantile stores. Two stage lines from Galena to Battle Mountain were established, the Tuller and Cluggade Stage ($3 each way) and the Flippini Stage.

Mining activity in the district continued to increase during the early and mid-1870s. The White and Shiloh Consolidated Silver Mining Company, owner of the Battle Mountain, Shiloh, and White mines, built a $60,000, 50-ton concentrating mill in 1875. The company produced $450,000 before folding in the early 1880s, when mining activity slowed dramatically. Despite the reduced activity, the 1881 census showed 348 residents in the town. In 1886 a French company, the Blanco Mining Company, purchased most of the mining property in the district. As a result, the post office was renamed Blanco from 1887 to 1888. However, Galena was restored as the name on October 11, 1888, after a long and loud protest by the citizenry. In September 1889 the mill and assay office of the Blanco Mining Company burned, causing $25,000 in damage and effectively putting an end to Galena's mining activities until World War I. The post office was kept open until November 15, 1907, when it was decided that Galena had faded too much to warrant a post office.

Three mining companies were active in the district during the 1910s and 1920s. The Nicklas Mining Company (E. W. Breitung, president) entered the district in September 1916. The company's main holdings were the Nicklas and Plumas mines. A 30-ton concentrator was built in 1919 and concentrates sent to Midvale, Utah. The Joyce Mining Company (J. C. Hensen, president) began operations in 1917 and worked four claims. The company was not a success and folded in December 1920. In 1919 the Nevada Silverfields Mining Company was organized and acquired the holdings of the Silverfields Mining Company and Nicklas Mining Company. The company was active in the Galena District until 1927, when it folded. Since that time, there have been two revivals. One occurred just before World War II and another in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Total production figures for the district are just under $6 million. Today Galena is a quiet settlement with a population of about 10. Remains from its heyday are scattered throughout Galena Canyon. While only a few wooden buildings from the period still stand, the mining ruins are much more extensive. Mines dot the landscape, and mill and smelter ruins still exist. Galena, and the canyon in which it lies, are a definite must to visit. While the history and sights of Galena are well worth the trip, the beauty of Galena Canyon adds a special extra."

Return to: Ghost Town & Mining Camp Map