Location:
National is located approximately 10 miles east of US 95 about 12 miles below the Nevada-Oregon border off of Indian Creek Rd. Gas and snacks can be found at Fort Mc Dermitt.
History:
In June of 1907, two miners discovered the extremely rich outcroppings located in a canyon of the Santa Rosa range of mountains of Northern Nevada. The miners had driven into the area in a National automobile and named prominent parts of the canyon after their mode of transportation. Thus came Radiator Hill and Automobile Hill. Much of the area was opened to leasers in 1908 and in 1909 an extremely rich ore pocket was discovered by one of the these groups. The ore at this find averaged $30 per pound in gold and when the news reached the world, the rush was on. Soon there were some 1800 to 2000 people swarming into the area. Some of the rich ore that was being shipped averaged $100,000 per ton and the total production from this one ore shoot reached $4,000,000 by 1911.
| Mine dumps located in the canyon at National, NV. |  |
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The mill shell that is located at National, NV. |
By 1911-1912 National had developed into a modern town with several stores and saloons. There was a 2-story hotel, a weekly newspaper called the Miner and various professional people including a dentist and a doctor. The boom lasted until about 1915 when the rich ore ran out after producing approximately $7,000,000 worth of gold. This makes National the top gold producer in the state for the times.
Today there isn't much left of the town. The mill shell is still located in the canyon across from a small creek. The only residents are occasional cows that bellow at the approach of strangers to their territory. Walking through the sage you can see bits and pieces of what was once this large community. Before you actually enter the area where National was located, there are remnants of more modern mining and processing equipment located on a ridge above the canyon road. Before you enter the mountains, many different species of "critters" can be found including quail, burrowing owls, and garter snakes on the grasslands below.
| The remnants of a modern mining and milling operation located below National. Just as you enter the canyon, it can be seen above you on the left. |  |
Reference: Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps by Stanley W. Paher
Try the atlas by Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps Atlas.