EGAN CANYON

NAME: Egan Canyon
COUNTY: White Pine
ROADS: 4WD
GRID: 1
CLIMATE: Hot summer, cool winter.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime.

COMMENTS: Great site to visit.
REMAINS: Collapsed structures and mine ruins.

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Egan Canyon was the site of a Pony Express Station and later served as a stop on the Overland Stage. Egan Canyon was constantly plagued by Indian attacks that took the lives of several station employees during 1860. By 1863, the Indians were peaceful that allowed for prospecting in the area. A gold discovery was made in September 1863. There were two mining companies who were the most active in the canyon and who produced most of the ore. By 1866 Egan had become a small town with stores, a school, residences, and a post office. The two mining companies merged to become the Social and Steptoe Mining Company and employed 100 men that worked in the mines and the mill. For some reason, the mill closed in 1870 and the mines followed suit. Egan Canyon was revived in 1872 under different ownership that invested considerable money in equipment and new exploration that employed 110 men. Things went well until the 1930s and Egan Canyon has been quiet ever since. Remains of the settlement are scattered throughout the canyon in the form of collapsed wooden cabins and mine ruins.

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!

 


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