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Brokers Exchange

Categories Nevada History

Nevada Nye County » Brokers Exchange

The Brokers Exchange building, also known as the Tonopah Divide Mining Company in Tonopah, Nevada, is a structure steeped in history and architectural significance. Built in 1905 during the height of Tonopah’s mining boom, it has witnessed the transformation of the city, surviving a devastating fire and evolving with the changing times.

Brokers Exchange

Brokers Exchange Overview

Originally a two-story building, the Brokers Exchange was a hub of financial and legal activities in Tonopah. It served as a brokerage and real estate office and was the professional base for notable figures like Patrick McCarran, a Tonopah lawyer who later became a United States Senator. The building’s history reflects the dynamic economic and social changes of Tonopah during the early 20th century.

National Register Number

82003221

Year Established/Founded

1905

Brokers Exchange History

The Brokers Exchange, initially a bustling center for business and legal activities, was partly destroyed by a fire in 1912. In 1919, the Tonopah Divide Mining Company, led by prominent businessmen George Wingfield and Cal Brougher, purchased the property. The building was remodeled, converting it into a one-story structure, preserving its historic essence while adapting to new purposes.

Timeline

  • 1905: Construction of the Brokers Exchange building by W.J. Douglass and Frank Golden.
  • 1912: A fire destroys the upper floor of the building.
  • 1919: The Tonopah Divide Mining Company purchases and remodels the building, removing the damaged second story.
  • May 20, 1982: The building is added to the National Register of Historic Places.

County

Tonopah, Nye County

GPS Coordinates

38.06805°N, 117.23178°W

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Location

The Brokers Exchange is situated at the northwest corner of Brougher Avenue and St. Patrick Street in Tonopah, occupying a prominent corner lot with significant visibility and access.

Today, the Brokers Exchange building serves as a testament to Tonopah’s rich history, particularly its mining and financial past. Its unique architectural features, like the decorative plaster frieze and Gothic Revival influences, coupled with its historical associations, make it a valuable piece of the community’s heritage. Currently functioning as a senior citizens center, the building continues to play a vital role in the life of Tonopah.

References Used

Click here to view our list of History of the Southwest – Books and Online Resources to learn more about our amazing area!