Tonopah in Nye County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Jackass, the Miner’s Most Important Friend
Photographed by Melissa H Spease
1. The Jackass, the Miner’s Most Important Friend Marker
In the mining west, the most important partner for the prospector was his jackass. Also known as a donkey, burro, ass, jack, jenny, jennet, or, if crossed with a horse, mule or hinny. The jackass was singularly adapted to long treks over rough ground carrying heavy loads in the dry desert environment, surviving off desert fauna. Known for a stubborn disposition, many prospectors credited their burros with finding the water needed to get them through their journeys in the trackless areas they covered.
Here at Tonopah it was Jim Butler's jackass that was credited with causing him to find the original ore which led to his famous mines, including the one near this plaque, named appropriately, the Burro.
Donkeys have been domesticated for at least 5,000 years. Over 40 million exist in the world, working with humans mainly as pack animals.
“Let us never forget the ass, for it was always by their side” BOK
Erected 2019 by Queho Posse Chapter #1919 of E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location. 38° 4.19′ N, 117° 13.699′
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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 Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Hoistmen (within shouting distance of this marker); Haul Out The Riches (within shouting distance of this marker); Belle's Mine (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Up From The Depths (about 300 feet away); Into the Depths (about 300 feet away); Verdi Lumber Company Coal Bin (about 400 feet away); Teamsters (about 400 feet away); Mizpah Mine Powder Magazine (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tonopah.
Photographed by Melissa H Spease, October 24, 2024
2. The Jackass, the Miner’s Most Important Friend Marker
Photographed by Melissa H Spease, October 24, 2024
3. The mine shaft.
Francis A. Cook (courtesy University of Nevada, Reno Digital Collections), circa 1880s
4. Miners and Burro
Photograph of miners posed with an ore cart, a dog, and a burro outside the entrance to a mine in Nevada.
Photographed by C.C. Pierce, circa 1900
5. Miners with Burros
Three miners, wearing prospector outfits, standing next to a burro cart loaded with camp supplies, Goldfield, Nevada, ca.1900-1905.
Image courtesy of University of Southern California Libraries and the California Historical Society.
Image courtesy of University of Southern California Libraries and the California Historical Society.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2024, by Melissa H Spease of Las Vegas, Nevada. This page has been viewed 214 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 27, 2024, by Melissa H Spease of Las Vegas, Nevada. 4, 5. submitted on October 30, 2024. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
