Jessup Nevada
Jessup is an unincorporated town located in Churchill County, Nevada, in the western United States. The town was named after James Jessup, a local rancher and pioneer of the area.
The history of Jessup dates back to the late 1800s, when the area was primarily used for ranching and farming. The town grew in importance in the early 1900s with the construction of the Western Pacific Railroad, which passed through the area. The railroad provided a means for transporting goods and people to and from Jessup, and helped to spur the development of the town.
In the early part of the 20th century, Jessup was a thriving community, with several businesses, including a hotel, general store, post office, and school. The town also had a significant population of miners who worked in the nearby mines.
However, as the mining industry in the area declined in the mid-20th century, Jessup began to decline as well. Many of the businesses closed, and the population dwindled. Today, Jessup is a small, quiet town with a few scattered residences and ranches.
Despite its small size, Jessup remains an important part of Churchill County’s history and heritage. The town is located near several historical sites, including the Fort Churchill State Historic Park, which was established in 1957 to preserve the remains of the fort that once protected the area. Visitors to Jessup can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and rivers.
Jessup Nevada Overview
Located 34 miles north of Fallon in Churchill County, Nevada, Jessup was also known as White Canyon, Cooper Valley, New Virginia, and Sebastopol.
Briefly known as White Canyon, Jessup was founded in 1908 after silver and gold mines were claimed. All that remains today are a few dilapidated wood buildings and abandoned mines.
Learn more about Ghost Town in Nevada and Ghost Towns in the Southwest.
Year Established/Founded
1908
Jessup Nevada History
The town included grocery stores, lumber yards, saloons, and a meat market.
From the 1923 publication:
The district was discovered in 1908 and has made small shipments of gold ores and silver ores intermittently since that date.
Diatomaceous earth deposits occur both to the N. and to the S. of Jessup, and small shipments have been made from the latter locality according to a letter from J. T. Reid.
Timeline
- Late 1800s: Ranching and farming are the primary activities in the area that will become Jessup.
- Early 1900s: The Western Pacific Railroad is constructed through the area, providing a means for transporting goods and people.
- Early 1900s: Jessup grows in importance, with several businesses including a hotel, general store, post office, and school.
- 1904: James Jessup, a local rancher, and pioneer is honored by having the town named after him.
- February 1908 – Initial claims discovered
- March 1908 – Post office opens
- 1909 – The boom died out
- July 1912 – Post office closed
- 1914: Several mining claims are established in the area, including the Lady Godiva, Tusk and Mammoth, and Big Four mines.
- Mid-20th century: The decline of the mining industry in the area leads to a decline in Jessup’s population and businesses.
- 1957: Fort Churchill State Historic Park is established near Jessup to preserve the remains of the fort that once protected the area.
- Present day: Jessup is a small, quiet town with a few scattered residences and ranches, but remains an important part of Churchill County’s history and heritage.
Mines
Gold, silver, diatomaceous earth
Post Office
March 1908 – July 1912
Postmasters:
- Edward H Francis – Jessup, Churchill, Nevada – March 18, 1908
- Simona Aguirre – Jessup, Churchill, Nevada – December 13, 1909
- Benton D Rice – Jessup, Churchill, Nevada – September 14, 1911
View the list and history of Nevada Post Offices.
Elevation
4,551′
GPS Coordinates
39° 56′ 54.67″ N, 118° 52′ 29.57″ W
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Photos and Videos
References Used
- Wikipedia – Jessup, Nevada
- Lincoln, Francis Church, (1923), Mining Districts and Mineral Resources of Nevada