With a whopping 200,000 mines in the state of Nevada, you can expect to find some interesting history. The story behind each mine varies greatly. While many were once places of work, drive, and ambition, others have become known for their more colorful and terrifying pasts. Take the Techatticup Mine in Nelson, Nevada, for example. Today, tourists can tour the old mine and unearth its deepest, darkest secret.
The Techatticup Mine is located in the Eldorado Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada. Its history of mining dates all the way back to the 1700s when the Spanish settled in the occupied land.
In 1861, a mining boom was in full swing. Word had spread about discoveries of gold, in addition to silver. Folks rushed to the area to set up camp with hopes of riches and wealth.
In total, the Techatticup Mine would rake in millions of dollars in gold and silver.
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Due to the remoteness of the Techatticup Mine area, criminal activity was left unchecked. The wild west was on full display with no sheriff or law enforcement in sight.
There are some that claim law officials outright refused to enter the mine area given that it was so dangerous.
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There are historical reports of daily gun fights, murders, and other heinous crimes. So much bloodshed occurred on the land that it became known as a place where even murder was left unpunished.
In addition to the daily killings over property rights, women, and money, infamous killers, Ahvote and Queho, are said to have murdered 25 individuals.
The Techatticup Mine ran until the mid-1940s before ceasing production.
Deep underground, tourists discover a gold mine’s worth of dark history at every turn.
Today, the mine is privately owned and offers guided tours to the public. You might have already seen the mine without realizing it! The Techatticup Mine has been the site for many films and even the 2010 video game, Fallout: New Vegas.
The Techatticup Mine tours require a reservation, so be sure to make one by calling 702-291-0026 prior to your visit. Each tour takes about an hour to complete.
Whether they have a storied past or not, approaching and exploring mines should always be conducted with caution.
Mining and Nevada are part of the same page in history. It’s hard to ignore the incredible impact of prospectors and their lust for wealth buried beneath the Nevada rock and sand. Today, the Techatticup Mine is brightly lit for visitors, however, there’s no denying its dark past. Luckily, you can see it for yourself! Plan a visit to Techatticup Mine for a tour that’s unlike like any other.
Have you been to other mines in Nevada? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
