Welcome to the intriguing world of Butte Station, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of White Pine County, Nevada.
This once-thriving mining town has since been abandoned and left to the elements, leaving behind the echoes of a bygone era. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Butte Station as we delve into its origins, industry, and the people who once called it home. Join us on a captivating journey into the past, as we uncover the story of this remarkable ghost town and the secrets it still holds.
Butte Station Nevada
Butte Station Nevada Overview
Butte Station was a Pony Express stop and an abandoned mining town in White Pine County, Nevada. It was also known as Bate’s Station, Butte Creek, Robber’s Roost, and Thieves Delight, although all the information I can find in old newspaper articles referred to the stop as Butte, not Bate’s.
Its prime location near significant mineral deposits led to the establishment and growth of the town during the early 20th century. Although now deserted, Butte Station’s remaining structures and historical markers offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past.
Learn more about the Pony Express: The Route, The Riders, The Ruins Left Behind.
Year Established/Founded
1859
Butte Station Nevada History
The town’s history is deeply connected to the mining industry. Its establishment was a direct result of the discovery of valuable minerals in the area, which attracted prospectors and miners hoping to strike it rich. At its peak, Butte Station boasted several mines, as well as a thriving community of workers and their families.
Historic Resource Study Pony Express National Historic Trail
Bates’ station is mentioned in the 1861 mail contract, and sources generally agree on the identity of this station as either Bates’ or Butte Station, which they locate between Egan and Mountain Springs.
The station began in 1859 as part of George Chorpenning’s mail route and continued to serve the Pony Express.
In the spring of 1860, Indians burned Butte Station.
When Richard Burton visited the site on October 5, 1860, an English Mormon named Thomas managed the rebuilt station. At that time, Burton described life at this station in great detail during his travel account. Burton described a 15 x 30 feet, two-room structure, built of sandstone, wood, and mud.
Parts of the fireplace, a wall, and other stone foundations still mark the site of Butte Station as late as 1979.
George Chorpenning was a significant figure in the early history of the American West, particularly in relation to the Pony Express and mail delivery services. He was born on January 6, 1820, in Centre County, Pennsylvania, and died on May 17, 1894, in San Francisco, California.
In 1851, Chorpenning and his partner Absalom Woodward were awarded a contract by the United States government to establish and operate a mail delivery route between Sacramento, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah. This route, which later became known as the Chorpenning Route, played a crucial role in the development of communication and transportation infrastructure in the West during the 1850s.
Timeline
- 1859 – The station began as part of George Chorpenning’s mail route and continued to serve the Pony Express
- Spring 1860 – Local Indians burned Butte Station
- October 5, 1860 – Richard Burton visited the site and saw that an English Mormon named Thomas managed the rebuilt station
- October 26, 1861 – The operations cease after the first transcontinental telegraph was established on October 24, 1861
- Early 1900s: Butte Station is founded following the discovery of mineral deposits in the area.
- Mid-1900s: The town experiences a period of growth as mining operations expand.
- Late 1900s: Mining activities begin to decline, leading to a decrease in population and the eventual abandonment of the town.
Elevation
Butte Station is located at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet (1,981 meters) above sea level.
Location
Located between Mountain Springs and Egan Canyon.
GPS Coordinates
While the exact GPS coordinates for Butte Station are not available, you can use the coordinates for White Pine County as a starting point: 39.5093° N, 114.9774° W.
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Photos and Videos
None at this time.
References Used
Click here to view our list of History of the Southwest – Books and Online Resources to learn more about our amazing area!
Godfrey, Ph.D., Anthony, (August 1994), Historic Resource Study Pony Express National Historic Trail