Near Nelson in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
El Dorado Canyon
Photographed By Craig Baker
1. El Dorado Canyon Marker
Toward the Colorado River from this point runs El Dorado Canyon where occurred one of the biggest mining booms in Nevada history. Gold and Silver mines were developed here about 1859 and soon rich mines were developed. In the 1860's the canyon was bursting with a rowdy population of nearly 500 men. Many of these said to be deserters from the Civil War.
The river was navigable at the time making it possible to bring in food and supplies by boat.
Notorious for its feuds and shootings, the canyon was equally well known for its three largest mines, the Techatticup, Wall Street and Savage which yielded five million dollars during 40 years of operations.
Erected by Nevada Centennial Committee. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 35° 42.581′ N, 114° 48.203′ W. Marker is near Nelson, Nevada, in Clark County. Marker is on Nevada Route 165, 12.9 miles east of U.S. 95, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Searchlight NV 89046, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Techatticup Mine (here, next to this
this page online
More about this marker. This is the original concrete marker that was at the intersection of Nevada Route 165 and US Route 95. The marker was severely damaged when US 95 was widened to four lanes. Tony and Bobbie Werly, owners of the Historic Techatticup Mine, salvaged the marker and through their efforts had a replacement marker constructed.
However, by the time the new concrete marker was completed the State of Nevada had determined to use metal markers along roadways. The residents of Nelson decided to set up the new marker at the edge of town just prior to the entrance to El Dorado Canyon.
See
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 16, 2010
2. El Dorado Canyon Marker
Techatticup Mine marker is on left and El Dorado Canyon marker is on right in photo.
Also see . . .
1. Eldorado Canyon – Lawlessness on the Colorado River. Many of prospectors in the area were reportedly Civil War deserters and disagreements and gunfights over gold and women became commonplace. Greed, claim jumping and vigilante justice fueled the fire. (Submitted on April 1, 2010.)
2. The Ghost Town of Nelson, Nevada. This was one of the first major gold strike areas in Nevada. The wharf area by the Colorado River was destroyed several years ago during a flash flood. (Submitted on April 1, 2010.)
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 16, 2010
3. El Dorado Canyon Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 16, 2010
4. El Dorado Canyon
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,546 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 25, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 30, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
