Visit Nelson, Techatticup Mine & Eldorado Canyon Mine, Nevada

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Originally called Eldorado by Spaniards who discovered gold in the area, the town of Nelson had a population of 37 as of 2010. The town was the site of one of the first major gold strikes in Nevada and one of the biggest mining booms in state history. Gold and silver were discovered here, and in the surrounding Eldorado Canyon around 1859. In its heyday, the area established a reputation for being rough and lawless. During the American Civil War, deserters from both the Union and Confederate armies would wander there, hoping that such an isolated location would be the last place military authorities would look for them. Among the early mines established was the notorious Techatticup Mine in the middle of the canyon. Disagreements over ownership, management, and labor disputes resulted in wanton killings, so frequent as to be routine and ordinary. Despite the sinister reputation of the mine, it, along with others in the town, produced several million dollars in gold, silver, copper, and lead. The mines in the canyon were active from about 1858 until 1945. The community called Nelson was named for Charles Nelson, a camp leader who was slain in his home, along with four other people, in 1897 by the renegade Indian, Avote. In 1974, a devastating flash flood struck Eldorado Canyon, killing at least 9 people and destroying houses and other property. Much of Nelson was not impacted and remains today, located near the top of the wash, away from the flood channels. How To Get There: Nelson is located along Nevada State Route 165, about 8 miles (13 km) southeast of its junction with U.S. Route 95. Route 165 continues east 5 miles (8 km) to a dead end at Nelson’s Landing on the Colorado River, 18 miles (29 km) by water north of Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mohave. TIPS: Caution: flash floods Watch for open mines and ventilation shafts

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