Near Ely in White Pine County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Hamilton
Photographed by Aubrey Garrard, December 15, 2025
1. Hamilton Marker
The mines of the White Pine district were first established in 1865. Between 1868 and 1875, they supported many thriving towns including Hamilton, Eberhardt, Treasure City, and Shermantown. These communities, now all ghost towns, are clustered eleven miles south of this point.
Hamilton and its neighbors thrived as a result of large scale silver discoveries in 1868. Experiencing one of the most intense, but shortest-lived silver stampedes ever recorded, the year 1868-1869 saw some 10,000 people living in huts and caves on Treasure Hill and Mount Hamilton, at an elevation of 8,000 to 10,500 feet above sea level.
Hamilton was incorporated in 1869 and become the first county seat of White Pine County that same year. It was disincorporated in 1875. In this brief span of time, a full-sized town came into bloom with a main street with all the usual businesses. A fine brick courthouse was constructed in 1870.
On June 27, 1873 the main portion of the town was destroyed by fire. The town never fully recovered. In 1885, another fire burned the courthouse and caused the removal the White Pine County seat to Ely.
Erected by State
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is June 27, 1873.
Location. 39° 21.217′ N, 115° 23.667′ W. Marker is near Ely, Nevada, in White Pine County. It is on Lincoln Highway (U.S. 50) near Local Road 401, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ely NV 89301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Nevada and in Elko Country. It is also in the American 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. within walking distance of this marker:
Another marker is no longer nearby. Hamilton (has been replaced with this marker).
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2025, by Aubrey Garrard of Reno, Nevada. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 25 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on December 18, 2025, by Aubrey Garrard of Reno, Nevada. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
