Candelaria, Nevada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Candelaria, Nevada
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 Candelaria, Nevada
Location in Nevada
Candelaria, Nevada
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| County | Mineral |
| Elevation | 5,715 ft (1,742 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Official name: Candelaria and Metallic City | |
| Reference #: | 92 |
Candelaria is a fascinating ghost town located in Mineral County, Nevada. Today, the area where Candelaria once stood is mostly known for the Kinross Gold Candelaria Mine on Mt. Diablo. It's a place where you can imagine what life was like long ago.
Contents
History of Candelaria
How Candelaria Began
Candelaria was founded in 1864. This happened when Mexican prospectors were exploring the area. They made an exciting discovery: large amounts of silver on the northern side of Mt. Diablo. This find quickly attracted many people hoping to strike it rich.
The Silver Boom Years
The camp's most successful mine was called the Northern Belle. It started producing silver in 1873. The mine's success brought more people and businesses to Candelaria. By 1875, the Candelaria district was the busiest mining area in southwestern Nevada.
Challenges for the Town
As more people moved to Candelaria, there wasn't enough water. This was a big problem for both the people and the mines. The machines used to crush ore, called "stamp mills," had to work without water. This was known as a "dry mill" process.
Working this way created a lot of fine, dusty particles. This dust spread everywhere in the air. Miners and residents often breathed in this dust. Sadly, this led to serious lung problems and illnesses for many people.
Life in a Mining Town
Despite the challenges, the Northern Belle mine was very profitable. It produced about $15 million worth of silver. Candelaria grew into a busy town. It had two hotels, many stores, and several saloons. There were also doctors and lawyers. The town's post office was first named Candalara in 1876. Its name was changed to Candelaria in 1882.
The Railroad Arrives
In 1882, the Carson and Colorado Railroad reached Candelaria. This was a huge help! The railroad brought in much-needed water. With more water available, the town continued to do well for another ten years.
The Town's Decline
However, an economic downturn hit the United States in 1893. This made it hard for mines to get money to operate. Many of the mines in Candelaria had to close down. After this, the town slowly started to shrink. The post office eventually closed in January 1935. Candelaria became the ghost town it is today.
Famous Person from Candelaria
- James E. Casey, who founded the well-known shipping company United Parcel Service (UPS), was born in Pickhandle Gulch in 1888. Pickhandle Gulch was a small mining camp near Candelaria.
