Query: G.N.I.S.

An Indian showed the Indian silver mine to white miners in 1869, and the Shoshone District was organized. According to Lincoln, Mining Districts and Mineral Resources of Nevada, the eastern part of the Shoshone (Minerva) district was organized in the early days as the Lexington District. Some rich chloride ore was found but the mines did not prove profitable and the district was abandoned about 1876.

The first discoveries of tungsten were made in 1884 and the first tungsten mines were opened. Heavy mining activity, however, did not begin until 1916 when the Minerva Tungsten Corporation became active.

The company developed a camp for the mill’s 50 employees. This camp had several cabins and about 60 people in 1937. Close to 200 men were employed in the mines and the mill combined. Activity was suspended in 1918 and the mill dismantled in 1923.

Minerva had a revival in 1936 when the mines were reopened. Soon the camp had a population of 50. The district was again abandoned in 1940 and nothing substantial has happened since.

A post office and school known as Shoshone were located abut 1½ miles north of Minerva. Part of a mill and remains of cabins can be seen.

Elevation: 5860ft, 1786m.

Articles that refer to this location:

• Field Notes: 20080610030; 
• "Shoshone Road," Nevada State Route 894, White Pine County, Nevada: Minerva; 

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Date and time this article was prepared:7:39:20 PM, 12/9/2024.