Cortez, Nevada

Silver ore was discovered at Mount Tango in 1862 by a group of Mexican prospectors, who took the ore to Austin, Nevada, where it was assayed; they were paid and were never heard from again. In May of 1863 Simeon Wenban led a group to the mount to investigate the find, discovered significant silver float in the gulches, and developed mining operations that he controlled until his death in 1895. Cortez grew to 400 miners and woodcutters, and 16 stamps were built. Several owners succeeded Wenban, and in the 1930's the market fell, though small private claims continued. Cortez was mostly a company town, but had saloons, brothels and stores. In 1959 the American Exploration and Mining Co. took over the mining district for several years. It was purchased by Placer Amax Inc., which developed open pit and underground operations. Barrick Gold North America now operates the mine and is the major employer in the area, and Barrick Gold has committed itself to the preservation of the area of the old townsite.

Crescent Valley, Nevada · United States