Mining activity in the valley has been going on for quite some time. Originally the town of McDermitt was called Dugout. It was originally a bistro-brothel fun spot about five miles from Fort McDermitt. When the post office was established at Fort McDermit, The U.S. Post Office Department spelled the colonel's name with two "t's." More than a century later, the department decided to correct the error, but the postmaster returned the petition saying that no one would sign it.

The town was originally established for the protection of the stage route and wagon road from Virginia City, through Star City, Nevada, Quinn River Valley, to Ruby and Boise City, Idaho.

Cordero Mine which was an underground mine for mercury. Also is the location where Gold Canyon Resources Inc. wants to open up the new Cordero Gallium mine.

Elevator at minesite. Mine was supposedly shut down because of flooding in lowest shafts.

Pit at the McDermitt Mercury Mine. The mine was shut down in November of 1990 when the government flooded the market with mercury.

A sinkhole that is right below the main Cordero mine site.

Three sinkholes that have almost grown together. The whole hillside is littered with these holes.

Huge shafts at Bretts mine.

University of Nevada, Reno
Please direct questions to: sjbarnes@scs.unr.edu