New Washoe City in Washoe County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Ophir Famous Mill Town

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 21, 2016

1. Ophir Famous Mill Town Marker

Inscription. Mill erected in 1861 for the reduction of the ore from famed Comstock Ophir Mine. The Ophir Mill ceased to operate in 1866. Here a thriving town grew, second only in size to Washoe City, which at that time was the largest town in Washoe County.

Placed by
Nevada Sagebrush Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
1961

Erected 1961 by Nevada Sagebrush Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 39° 17.803′ N, 119° 49.75′ W. Marker is in New Washoe City, Nevada, in Washoe County. Marker is on Bowers Mansion Road (Alternate U.S. 395) just north of Makayla Way, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in a pull-out on the east side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washoe Valley NV 89704, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Winters Ranch (approx. one mile away); Bowers Mansion (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Bowers Mansion (approx. one mile away);

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History in the Making (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Bowers Mansion (approx. 1.1 miles away); Horses to Horsepower (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Winters Ranch (approx. 1.1 miles away); Rusty Relics (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Washoe City.

Also see . . . Ophir, Washoe County, Nevada Territory. In 1861 the Ophir Mine built a mill on the lake. It cost a half a million dollars and had 72 stamps. An entire complex was built here covering over an acre and employing 165 men. By 1863 nearly 300 people called Ophir home. It was a rough and tumble town between accidents in the mill, people falling under wagons, and teamsters taking swings at each other. Blacksmith shops and wagon shops surfaced to repair the wagons coming down the long and grueling trip from the Comstock. By 1865 Comstock milling was moved to the Carson River and its more abundant water source. In 1871 there were only 41 registered voters left in Ophir. (Submitted on January 1, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 21, 2016

2. Ophir Famous Mill Town Marker

(looking east from Alternate U.S. 395)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 1, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.