Eureka County
Established at the beginning of 1873, Eureka County began not only in part of its wealth of minerals, but also because of industrial strengths as well. Compared to other Nevada mining towns, Eureka stayed relatively quiet throughout history. Perhaps that's because it somehow always knew it wasn't going to die.
Dubbed the "Pittsburg of the West", the town of Eureka was first settled in 1864 by a group of silver prospectors from nearby Austin, who discovered rock containing a silver-lead ore on nearby Prospect Peak. The town became the county seat in 1873, when Eureka County was carved out of adjacent Lander, Elko, and White Pine Counties. Mining became the town's economic mainstay, especially for lead, as the nearby hillsides ranked as Nevada's second-richest mineral producer, behind western Nevada's Comstock Lode. The population boomed, reaching a high of 10,000 by 1878, but shrank as decreasing mine production and changing market conditions led to the closing of mines. Eureka's huge mining industry still continues today with its carved out hillsides and open pits, also evidence of the burg's massive load of minerals.
One of six "open" counties, Eureka is still a quiet place, with little happening in the way of life. Things just don't change in Eureka County, and that's just how its residents like it. Like Carson City, Eureka is simply Eureka. There is no in between. The Eureka of today, like many others, is a mere shadow of what it once was. Many years ago it was a bustling metropolis among sagebrush with blackening smoke from its mills clouding up the sky for as far as the eye could see. Mining is still Eureka's staple, so active is it that in fact two of Nevada's largest mines are located here in Eureka County. As a result, Eureka is sort of an envy in rural Nevada because it still is a wealthy county. It doesn't face the sad economic loom as its neighbor Lander. In fact, just the opposite. Eureka is a restored town funded by mining that allows it to sit today as a quiet tourist stop on America's Loneliest Road. It lacks the gawdyness of Virginia City, the solemn woes of Austin and the modernization of Round Mountain. If you could find a Nevada mining town worthy of a postcard, Eureka would be it. Some of the Eureka's oldest buildings stand proudly restored and full of life, just as it was back over a century ago. Buildings such as the Eureka Opera House, built in 1880 and restored in 1993, still host concerts and music lectures, visitors and performers from all over the country. The Eureka Sentinel Building, erected in 1879 is a museum and pleasant relic of the past. Its residents are full of life and proud of their 'city', dubbing it: "The Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road".
The Markers
Historical Markers of Eureka County (8)
As for Eureka's historic markers well, isn't so exciting. In fact, it's probably one of the easiest to conquer and for me, is a bit of a disappointment. Like Storey, Eureka County definitely got the shaft in terms of historic markers! 3 of the 8 markers will force you off of US 50, requiring a long diversion into lonely country near Palisade, Beowawe and Diamond Valley. However, it still makes for an fine and interesting time into some of Nevada's earliest and best mining history. Eureka is the only town of significant size in the entire county, so needless to say, this is where you're stay will be. It's simply too far from Ely or Elko. That's okay, because Eureka is equipped with everything you might need, including a few gas stations, a small grocery store, local casino, hospital and a few 'name brand' motels. Other than that, use this town of 650 people as a quiet base camp for your marker hunting because you can conquer all of them in one day if you wish. While you're exploring Eureka, pick a night and camp under the stars, particularly near Roberts Mountain or the Fish Creek Range. It's an experience full of everything and nothing at the same time. What a beautiful thing.
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