Potosi Mining District, Mining heritage district in Nevada, United States.
The Potosi Mining District is a historic mining area in Clark County, Nevada, spanning roughly 9,600 acres in the mountains south of Las Vegas. The site contains numerous mines including the Christmas Mine, Dawn Mine, and Green Monster Mine, with preserved buildings and equipment scattered across the terrain at high elevation.
Mining operations began in the late 1800s when workers extracted gold, silver, zinc, copper, and other valuable minerals from this mountainous region. The operations eventually ceased, leaving behind structures that document Nevada's mineral extraction era.
The district took its name from Bolivia's famous silver city, linking this remote Nevada location to South American mining traditions and economic ties from the 1800s. Walking through the site reveals how miners from different origins worked side by side in these remote mountains.
The site is located in the mountains south of Las Vegas near Interstate 15, making it fairly accessible by vehicle from the city. Visitors should expect rough terrain, minimal facilities, and extreme temperatures, especially during the hot summer months when conditions are harsh.
The district was officially recognized and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, preserving three key structures from this mining era. This designation underscores how significant the site is to understanding Nevada's industrial past.
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