25 Friday Aug 2023
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The big, white letter P on the mountain above Pahranagat Valley, Nevada.
I plan to hike up there and better document it but this page is a placeholder.
I want to visit as many of these letters on mountains as I can and have started My “Hillside Letters” Collection.
31 Monday Jul 2023
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Pioche Memorial Garden
The Pioche Garden Club started to develop this area of the Pioche Town Park into a memorial garden, to honor loved ones in 1964, it has grown into a beautiful area and is a fitting tribute to all who have lived in and loved Pioche throughout the years. It is also a wonderful tribute to all who worked so hard to develop and maintain it for so many years.
Located at Pioche Town Park at 186 4th Street in Pioche, Nevada
31 Wednesday May 2023
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Virginia & Truckee Railroad Right of Way
Soon after the Chinese laborers graded this section during the summer of 1871, track gangs commenced laying rail south, reaching Steamboat Springs by late October. To celebrate the occasion numerous residents rode an excursion train to Steamboat on November 7. Nine months later Superintendent Henry M. Yerington drove the last spike a mile west of Carson City on August 24, 1872, connecting Virginia City with Reno by rail. Although regularly scheduled passenger service didn’t begin until October 1, the first through train traversed the 52 mile route on September 1, 1872 – the last steamed by here on May 31, 1950.
This is Nevada State Historical Marker #248, located at the in Reno, Nevada. See others on this page:
Note, there are two markers numbered #248, the other is: Union Pacific Depot
This plaque had gone missing, photos of it can be seen at: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=73947
25 Thursday May 2023
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28 Friday Apr 2023
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Old Fire Hall
Constructed in 1929 to serve the community as a fire hall.
This building housed Pioche’s first fire truck purchased in 1928.
Fire chief Herbert Cleine and wife “Ben” resided in the basement apartment for 25 years until the new fire hall was built. The present department was born in 1937 and have been some of the best fire fighters in the state.
247 Lacour Street in Pioche, Nevada
Located next to it and gone now was the Commercial Club.
24 Monday Apr 2023
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Pioche’s Boot Hill
A mining town from the late 1860s, Pioche is one of the most intact historic communities in Southern Nevada. Named for Francois L.A. Pioche, a San Francisco financier who, with partners, acquired some of the earliest claims in the area, the town grew quickly. Its isolation led to a lawlessness which was as famous as its mines.
The many murders in the area led to the creation of Boot Hill, the earliest cemetery in Pioche. There were six deaths from lead poisoning in the town before the first person died of natural causes, and this cemetery was in active use during the boom years. Though religious and fraternal cemeteries were later created, Boot Hill continued to be used for many years. Though in use today, Boot Hill remains a part of the history of Pioche. Let us not forget those who are buried here, for they too are a part of our heritage.
Dedicated this 9th day of May, 2009
by the Queho Posse Chapter 1919
E Clampus Vitus
in cooperation with the Pioche Chamber of Commerce
24 Monday Apr 2023
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Boot Hill Cemetery
Crime was rampant in Pioche in the early 1870’s. During the first few years of Pioche’s boom days it was said that 72 men “were buried with their boots on” before anyone died of natural causes. Many of these men are buried in this old Boot Hill Cemetery.
The historic marker “Pioche’s Boot Hill” says:
A mining town from the late 1860s, Pioche is one of the most intact historic communities in Southern Nevada. Named for Francois L.A. Pioche, a San Francisco financier who, with partners, acquired some of the earliest claims in the area, the town grew quickly. Its isolation led to a lawlessness which was as famous as its mines.
The many murders in the area led to the creation of Boot Hill, the earliest cemetery in Pioche. There were six deaths from lead poisioning in the town before the first person died of natural causes, and this cemetery was in active use during the boom years. Though religious and fraternal cemeteries were later created, Boot Hill continued to be used for many years. Though in use today, Boot Hill remains a part of the history of Pioche. Let us not forget those who are buried here, for they too are a part of our heritage.
24 Monday Apr 2023
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Pioche Aerial Tramway
This aerial tramway operated in the 1920’s and 1930’s carrying ore from the mines on Treasure Hill to Godbe Mill.
Built by the Pioche Mines Company, the tramway was mainly gravity powered with the aid of a 5 horse power motor. The weight of the ore in the full buckets going to the mill pulled the empty buckets back to the bin.
In 1928 cost of delivering ore via the tramway to the mill was 6 cents a ton.
Located in the hills above Pioche, Nevada.
The tramway above the Boot Hill Cemetery:
28 Tuesday Feb 2023
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The Railroads of Pioche
Railroads were the best option for moving ore in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. For the mines of Pioche, four railroads eventually served the area.
The first was started in 1872. Originally called the Pioche and Bullionville, it was reincorporated as the Central Nevada Railroad in 1873, and renamed the Nevada Central, though not related to the railroad near Ely. It went out of business in 1880.
In 1889, the Pioche Pacific Transportation Company, known as the Jackrabbit Line, built a new narrow-gauge line. The Pioche Pacific connected with the Jackrabbit Mine to the east. It did not finally close until 1948.
Next was the Caliente & Pioche Railroad. It was built by San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad starting in 1907, and connected Pioche to the outside world. It became part of the Union Pacific.
The final Pioche railroad was the Price Consolidated Railroad which began constructed in 1912. It too became part of the Union Pacific in 1940.
This plaque (located at Pioche Town Park at 186 4th Street in Pioche, Nevada) was placed by the Queho Posse, #1919 of the ancient and honorable order of E Clampus Vitus, with the Town of Pioche and the Pioche Chamber of Commerce.
28 Tuesday Feb 2023
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Pioche Town Park
186 4th Street in Pioche, Nevada
The Pioche Town Park has been the focal point for many wonderful activities throughout much of the town’s history. Countless hours of hard work, dedication and commitment resulted in the park that we enjoy today.
Moving Old Faithful – 1957
Sections of the park include: the Garden Club Memorial Garden, the Veteran’s Memorial, the Labor Day Mining Event Area, the Group Use Area, the Horseshoe Pits, Basketball Court, Swimming Pool, Playground, Upper and Lower Baseball Fields and the Locomotive “Old Faithful” #279.
1915 – Las Vegas vs. Pioche
Many generations have had the opportunity to participate in Little League, softball leagues, the Garden Club and countless other community events.
Mining Events
The Park also plays primary host during the Annual Labor Day Celebration when activities include: Mining Events, Fireworks, Kids Games, Softball Tournament, Horseshoe Tournaments, and the Fireman’s Dinner.
