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Ophir Historic Marker

Location of sign - State Route 376, thirty-five miles south of the junction with U.S. Highway 50.

Photo taken October 2008

Photo courtesy of Jimmy Wayne

Text of sign:

Ophir

Well up into the canyon out yonder, one can still see the massive stone foundations of a costly and splendid stamp mill, as well as 

the stone walls of an elegant office and mansion. Here was the scene of a once busy place, now a ghost town.

Ore was discovered there in 1865 by S. Boulerond and his compatriots. In 1864, the Murphy mine was discovered and became 

the leading producer; a mining district was organized. During 1865, a 20-stamp mill was completed costing over $200,000. 

Connected with it was the first experimental Stetefeldt furnace ever built. When the Murphy mill was built, a town was started and 

it grew to a population of 400, but work in the mines declined in the 1870's, and Ophir became almost deserted. In the 1880's, the 

mines were reactivated, and Ophir had another period of prosperity. By the 1890's the town was deserted, but some mining activity

at the Murphy mine continued sporadically into the 20th century.

Over $2 million worth of gold and silver were mined from the Murphy vein and from surrounding properties. Iron, copper and 

arsenic were also found in the area.

Ophir managed to have all the accouterments of a large community--school, church, various lodges and, of course, several saloons.

Nevada Historical Marker No. 64

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