The Wheels on the Bus go round and round, round and round, round and round. : Middlegate Station, Downeyville, Craig Station, Quartz Mtn Mine, Broken Hills Mine, Exchequer Mine

We found a nice out of the way place along Hwy 361, halfway between Middlegate and Gabbs to overnight

Downeyville Mine

The town received its name from the four Downey brothers who discovered rich silver and lead deposits a short distance from Ellsworth. The discovery drew many people from Ellsworth and by 1878 the town had a population of more than 200. A number of substantial buildings were erected including stores, saloons, a Wells Fargo office, and stage line offices. Downeyville thrived for quite a while as ore from its mines was shipped to mills in Austin and elsewhere. In time a smelter was built and was one of the first true lead smelters in the state. The main mine in the district was the Downeyville mine. During its production years from 1878 to 1901 the mine is said to have produced from $7 million to $12 million worth of silver and lead. The post office closed in October 1901.

This shaft had no fence around it, but we felt it was by far the deepest we have come across. Of course that was using our scientific way of measuring by throwing a rock in and counting.

Craig Station

Craig Station was established in the early 1860's as a stop on the Ellsworth road. I was trying to imagine how difficult it would have been to pull a loaded wagon up this road to Ellsworth. It seems like this location would be a welcome stop.

We didn't make it all the way to Ellsworth due to the recent rains and snow.

Quartz Mountain Mine

Discoveries weren't made here until 1920 which was late in Nevada mining history. With the real work beginning about five years later. The activity even helped revive nearby Broken Hills Mine. By this time in history, the automobile had come into regular use, so many miners used them to get to work, and it was trucks instead of wagons that did much of the freight hauling.

Come on people there is no trash service. Take your trash with you.

Exchequer Mine
This is our second Exchequer Mine on this trip.

Broken Hills Mine

Broken Hills Mine was in operation from about 1913 to 1920. The town never really boomed. The town was active once again in 1926 after discoveries in nearby Quartz Mountain. Like Quartz Mountain, water had to be delivered from the Lodi Valley, some 10 miles away, and the ores mined here were mostly of the lead-silver variety. Ore was shipped 12 miles to Bruner's 50 ton mill to be worked.

Matt Costello
1866-1926
Matt was an prospector who lived a life of poverty until he struck a promising claim and and sold it for $1500. Matt had many plans on what to do with his new riches. When his friends did not see him for a few days they went looking for him. He was found dead, sitting at his table in his cabin. He was buried by his friends near the cabin although nothing remains of the cabin today.

Middlegate Station

This tiny little town and rest stop was named after the gate-like mountains surrounding the stop. With the east being eastgate, the west being westgate, of course the town must logically be called Middlegate, and so it was. Used as an active station, the Pony Express contracted the location to change horses along their route. While the Pony Express operation was short lived, Middlegate Station continued to operate as a stage and freight station until the early 1900's. Before long, the Lincoln Highway-the first paved highway across America-popped up in front of the Station, making it a convenient stop for travelers along the way.

The only place for miles to get gas.

Rerouting of the highway in 1960 took a lot of traffic away from the Middlegate stop, but today travelers along the notorious Loneliest Road in America frequent the stop and try their hand at the Middlegate Monster burger challenge, this is most certainly a Nevada Bucket-List item!