Tonopah in Nye County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Belle's Mine
The Mizpah Mine was christened by Belle Butler
Photographed by Denise Boose, October 10, 2021
1. Belle's Mine Marker
For Belle to be so involved in the business of mining was unusual. In 1900 women were not allowed to vote, be on juries or hold elected office, and it was certainly socially inappropriate to be involved in "men's work" as heavily as was Bell, but more than one historian attributes the overwhelming success of the Mizpah Mine to the business skill of Belle Butler.
Shortly after staking their claims, the Butlers partnered with a young attorney named Tasker Oddie and a prospector Wilse Brougher. Between them they came up with $25 to begin work on the mine. They produced nearly two tons of ore and sent it off by mule team to the railhead at Austin. Nevada and then to Salt Lake City, Utah, where a smelter would take the silver out of the rock.
They received a check for $500, hired workers and the future of Tonopah was assured.
Erected by Tonopah Historic Mining Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 38° 4.222′ N, 117° 13.649′ W. Marker is in Tonopah, Nevada, in Nye County. It can be reached from Burro Avenue south of Oddie Avenue, on the right when
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Mojave Desert and in Central Nevada. It is also in the American Southwest and in the Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Up From The Depths (within shouting distance of this marker); Haul Out The Riches (within shouting distance of this marker); The Railroads (within shouting distance of this marker); Glory Hole (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hoistmen (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Silver Vein (about 300 feet away); The Jackass, the Miners Most Important Friend (about 300 feet away); Mine To Market (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tonopah.
Photographed by Denise Boose, October 10, 2021
2. Belle's Mine Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, October 10, 2021
3. Mizpah Mine Hoist House and Headframe
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2021, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 414 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 12, 2021, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
