Tonopah in Nye County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Jim and Belle Butler

Photographed by Lester J Letson, July 17, 2009

1. Jim and Belle Butler Marker

Inscription. In May 1900, Jim and Belle Butler came prospecting from their hay ranch at Belmont to stake the claims that gave rise to Tonopah. This was the first silver bonanza of the 20th century. It prompted a mining renaissance and this heritage is Tonopah's greatest attraction along with good food, lodging and all necessary services. This monument was designed and built by local artist Adam Skiles and dedicated by Tonopah citizens, May, 2007

Erected 2007 by Tonopah Citizens.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1900.

Location. 38° 4.179′ N, 117° 13.883′ W. Marker is in Tonopah, Nevada, in Nye County. It is at the intersection of Main Street, AKA Veterans Memorial Highway (Route 95) and Oddie Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Main Street, AKA Veterans Memorial Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 212 North Main Street, Tonopah NV 89049, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Undiscovered Silver Vein (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Framing Building (about 500 feet away); Suffrage Leader (about 500 feet away); Mizpah Mine Powder Magazine

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(about 500 feet away); Mizpah Hotel (about 500 feet away); Verdi Lumber Company Coal Bin (about 500 feet away); The Leasers (about 600 feet away); Stopes (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tonopah.

Regarding Jim and Belle Butler. Jim and Belle Butler staked the mines that led to the creation of the town of Tonopah. They made some of the richest silver strikes in Nevada history, and were equal partners well before it was common for women to be active in large operations such as this one.

Jim and Belle Butler Marker and sculptures image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lester J Letson, July 17, 2009

2. Jim and Belle Butler Marker and sculptures

Sculpture of Jim and Belle Butler image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lester J Letson, July 17, 2009

3. Sculpture of Jim and Belle Butler

Tonopah, Nevada image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lester J Letson, July 17, 2009

4. Tonopah, Nevada

Picture is of Tonopah from the top of mine tailings in the Tonopah Mining District. The red brick building in the middle of the picture is the Mizpah Hotel, named after the Mizpah mine which in turn was named for Belle Butler.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 1,587 times since then and 61 times this year. Last updated on January 3, 2013, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. Photos: 1. submitted on February 20, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 2. submitted on February 25, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 3, 4. submitted on February 20, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.