Clifford, Nevada, nestled in the Stone Cabin Valley, epitomizes the quintessential mining ghost town of the early 20th century. Though its existence was fleeting, Clifford’s story is a captivating segment of Nevada’s rich mining heritage.
Clifford Nevada
Clifford Nevada Overview
Clifford was a mining district located in Nye County, Nevada.
Emerging in December 1905 following a significant silver discovery by the Clifford brothers, this remote town, also known as Helena, blossomed briefly as a hub of mining activity. Despite its initial prosperity, marked by a peak population of 500 and numerous establishments, Clifford’s decline was inevitable, leading to its abandonment.
Learn more about Ghost Town in Nevada and Ghost Towns in the Southwest.
Learn more about Nye County:
– The History of Nye County
– Things to Do in Nye County, Nevada
– View books on Nye County, Nevada
Year Established/Founded
October OR December 1905: The Clifford brothers discovered silver, leading to the founding of Clifford.
Clifford Nevada History
I have a reference that the ore was discovered in 1905 by John Peavine and named for brothers James and Edward M Clifford. (Their sister, Ellen, discovered a ledge that later became the mining district of Ellendale.) Most other references state that the ore was discovered by James and Ed in October 1905.
The USGS has a comment in the history section that states: Mining camp peaked in 1908 w/100 houses & tents. PO was known as Helena.
The town included saloons, a dance hall, a store, boarding houses, and a stage line to Tonopah. It was later known as Helena and the post office was active from 1908 – 1909.
Western Gold Corporation acquired the Clifford properties in 1925 and the mines were operated intermittently by the company and by lessees until 1946.
Timeline
- October 1905 – Ore was discovered
- November 1905 – The mining district was established
- December 1905: Silver was discovered by the Clifford brothers.
- 1906 – 1907 – Considerable activity
- 1908 – The post office opened
- 1908: Population peaked at around 500; numerous houses and businesses established.
- July 15, 1909: Post office (known as Helena) closed, marking the beginning of the town’s decline.
- 1925 – 1946 – Western Gold Corporation acquired the properties and were operated intermittently by the company and by lessees
- 1927: Financial troubles plagued the new company.
- 1929: Final closure of mining operations and town abandonment.
- 1946: The last two buildings destroyed by fire.
Mines
The primary mining activity was silver, with the Clifford mine being the most notable.
Arsenic, gold, and silver.
Produced about $500,000.
Railroads
Unknown at this time.
Post Office
Operated from December 8, 1908, to July 15, 1909, under the name Helena.
View the list and history of Nevada Post Offices.
Newspaper
None
Learn more about Nevada Newspapers
The Population of Clifford Nevada
Peaked at approximately 500 residents in 1908.
Elevation
4,579 feet
Location
Clifford was located in central Nye County, Nevada, about an hour east of Tonopah.
Information from resources:
- 35 miles east of Tonopah
- E side of Stone Cabin Valley, just SSE of Clifford Mine
- The Clifford district is confined to the area of the Clifford Mine in section 3, T3N, R49E. The district includes a small hill that lies at the edge of Stone Cabin Valley, about two miles northwest of the margin of the northern Kawich Range and about 1 mile south of U.S. Highway 6.
- The Clifford district is confined to a small area surrounding the Clifford Mine in the northeast quarter of Section 3, Township 3 North, Range 49 F.ast, Nye County. The district includes a small hill which lies at the edge of Stone cabin Valley about two miles northwest of the margin of the northern Kawich Range. Workings of the Clifford Mine cover most of the hill; the workings are about one and three quarters miles south of U.S. HighWQ.y 6 and can easily be seen from the highway.
GPS Coordinates
38° 8′ 15.77″ N, 116° 28′ 41.20″ W
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Photos and Videos
References Used
- Paher, Stanley (1970), Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, Howell-North Books, page 345
- Tingley, Joseph V., Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Report 47 – Mining Districts of Nevada, page 56
- United States Geological Survey – Clifford Mining District
- United States Geological Survey – Helena Mining District