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.

 

Blaine (Granite) (Campbell's Ranch)

DIRECTIONS: From McGill, head south on U.S. 50 for 3.3 miles. Exit right and follow for 15 miles to Blaine.

"Initial discoveries were made on the eastern slope of the Egan Range near Campbell's Ranch in 1878. However, production was minor and the district didn't really become active until 1894. W. D. Campbell, owner of the nearby ranch, discovered the Blaine Mine (and named it in honor of James G. Blaine, a presidential candidate). A 5-stamp mill was bought by Campbell and moved from Telegraph Canyon to Blaine. Other mines opened included the Stinson (Jack Stinson, discoverer, $80 per ton), Alvin, and Ben Hur. A small camp formed, but ore values were too low to maintain production. By 1896 the camp had been abandoned, and only Campbell continued to work the mines.

A revival began in 1900. The mill was repaired and renamed the Ben Hur. In 1902 two mines were discovered: the Bunker Hill Sullivan (discovered by Fred Francis) and Cuba Lead (worked intermittently until 1960). Blaine really began to boom in early 1908. Governor Denver Dickerson bought the Blaine Silver Mine in March, and the resulting promotion led to a rush of a few hundred. A townsite was quickly platted and saloons, an assay office, and a boardinghouse were built. A stage line to Ely was set up. The proximity of the Nevada Northern Railroad helped aid the camp in its growth. The boom was short-lived, and by 1909 the mill and mines had all stopped. Total production from 1902 to 1910 was $14,500. The Cuba Mine was reopened in 1911 and was the sole producer of the district until it closed in 1960. Total production for the Granite District was $201,000. Scattered ruins remain in the canyon to the west of present-day Campbell Ranch."

 

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