Shermantown (or sometimes Sherman Town) was a busy place. Originally called SIlver Springs, milling for area mines was done here, because of a good water supply and plenty of timber. Donna Frederick's White Pine website reports:
The town had eight mills with 69 stamps, four furnaces and two sawmills. Business structures were built of light sandstone. The town had two newspapers, one named the "White Pine Evening Telegram" edited by E. F. McElwain that lasted 11 weeks in 1869, and the "Shermantown Reporter" published for a few issues in May 1870 before its editor, G. A. Brier, dropped dead in the Wells Fargo office.
Liquor was readily available in the 12 restaurants, 11 saloons and 9 lodging houses. Recreation consisted of 2 theaters, 2 ice-cream parlors, a nearby horse racing track, the Silver Springs Glee Club, a German Social Club, the Shermantown Guard of Mexican-American War Veterans. A three-story building was used for Masonic and Odd Fellow meetings.
3,000 people lived here at one time. Lots were sold for todays eqquivelent of $11,000 to $27,000 each. Unfortunately, mills need something to mill, and there wasn't enough ore in the immediate vicinity to be worth the trouble. Buildings were scavenged to rebuild Hamilton after its fires. Shermantown lost its post office two yers after it got it, and by 1875 Shermantown was virtually abandoned.
Another overview from an article in the Reno Gazette Journal
Shermantown had at least 12 saloons, a theater, two banks, two newspapers, a
Wells Fargo & Co. station with a tele
graph, an ice cream parlor, pharmacy, and numerous blacksmith shops, stables, hotels, restaurants, dressmakers, lawyer offices, surveyors and assayers."You name it and they had it in this town," Humboldt National Forest archaeologist Fred Frampton said. Half the population was foreign-born, including the inhabitants of a sizable Chinatown on terraces hewn into the mountainside above the downtown. There were also Welsh, Cornish, Mexican-
Americans, Irish, Swedish, French, American Indians and at least one black family, Frampton said. Some early histories place its peak population — or at least the total number of people who lived there during the rush at 3,000 to 4,000. But the boom was short-lived. Although the ore in one of the mines on Treasure Hill was rich enough to make jewelry dug right out of the ground, the deposits were shallow and played out quickly."They did take out $6 million in two years, but they probably plowed it all back into the mines, mills and promo
tion," Frampton said. "Nobody made any money." By the time Shermantown got its post office it was already in decline. The 1870 census counted only 950 residents. By 1871, it was abandoned, except for one tough family that toughed it out until 1880
-Reno Gazette Journal, August 13, 1989
Not everyone shared in the excitement
THE OTHER SIDE
The excitement which lately broke out in Virginia City in regard to the White Pine Mining District, and bid fair to spread over our State, has some what abated. There appear to be another side to the extravagant yarn that has been retailed out by the Virginia City papers for the past two or three weeks. Virginia Enterprise says, "A gentlemen who resides in Gold Hill, and who returned from White Pine night before last, tells a by no means flattering tale of the new Silverado. He says that there are but two or three mines in the whole region that appears to him likely to prove lasting. His idea is that the greater part of these so called mines now being worked are mere nodules if ore that have funned in cavities in the limestone. He advises his friends to stay away from White Pine. His story lets has cooled the blood of many persons in this city who were far gone with the prevailing fever."
-Solano Nap News Chronicle, November 9, 1868
Not everyone paid attention to the gentleman from Gold Hill, however, people flocked to the area, despite the wether challenges.
The Bulletin's correspondent at White Pine says there are already three towns in the district, all containing about 2,000 inhabitants. These towns are called Hamilton, Shermantown, and Treasure City. The latter is the largest, and is situated on Treasure Hill, at the altitude of 8,000 feet. [Actually, 9,206 feet - FN] This writer confirms the accounts of great wealth of the mines, but advises no one to go there until spring. The ground is already covered with snow.
-Carson Daily Appeal. November 25, 1868
While Hamilton was situated at 8,058 feet in altitude, Shermantown rested at an almost tropical 6,454 feet, hence it's better weather.
Folks were attracted by the rosy descriptions such as this one.
SHERMANTOWN
This flourishing town is situated about a mile and a half west from Treasure City, at the base of the Treasure Hill range. To the west of Shermantown rises the great White Pine range of mountains, and the series of rich base metal ledges so often spoken of, lie within pistol shot of the town on the west side. The principal supply of lumber for the district thus far has been from about Shermantown, where there are two saw mills running constantly. Here, too, is the Eberhardt mill, where the ore from the famous Eberhardt mine is reduced. The machinery for three other mills is already on the ground, and they will shortly he erected and in operation. The requisite water for these mills is furnished by fine springs issuing at this point, known as Silver Springs. This supply of water is the best in the district, and fully sufficient for a dozen mills, besides allowing plenty for the town itself. This circumstance alone is a very advantageous one for the future prosperity of Shermantown, especially in connection with the numerous rich ledges known to exist in the immediate vicinity of the town, the ores from which will of necessity have to be reduced at that place. Firewood, consisting of mountain mahogany, pine and cedar, is plenty at $6 per cord. The town was located and laid out about six mouths ago, but it already contains a large number of houses, and if the supply of lumber was half equal to the demand, building would be prosecuted with far greater energy and rapidity. As it is, the town presents a very lively appearance. Hamilton, from the circumstance of its being the place where the stages first arrive at, has got rather the start of Shermantown, but in view of the natural advantages and resources of the latter place, it may not long retain that advantage. The elevation of Shermantown is somewhat lower than that of Hamilton, consequently the climate is of the very best the district affords, being free from the bleak wintry winds, deep snow and mountain fogs peculiar to the great altitude of Treasure City, but on the contrary, mild, pleasant and healthy, with little or no snow; in fact. Mr. Clark considers the climate much better than that of Gold Hill or Virginia. Shermantown is also adjacent to quite an extensive farming country.
-Gold Hill Daily News, January 22, 1869
Not everyone went prepared, however.
Two prospectors were brought into Shermantown a few days ago with their feet badly frozen. Barker says that cases f frostbite are quite common, and there is good reason to fear fatal results in that respect before spring, from the numerous unwary prospectors who invade the country in quest of fortunes, amid the overpowering frosts and sever weather.
-Gold Hill Daily News, January 22, 1869
At least you could prop up your frostbitten feet and read the paper.
EVENING DAILY PAPER AT SHERMANTOWN
Messers. McElwain & Allen will, we understand, commence publication of an evening daily paper at Shermantown in a few days. Mr. McElwain has had considerable experience in this State, having ben formerly connected with the Carson Appeal and latterly editor of the Belmont Champion. We believe the material used in the office of the latter paper is what Messers. McElwain & Allen have now at Shermantown. We wish these gentlemen good success.
-Carson Daily Appeal, May 25, 1869
Winter lasted a long time out here.
A RAW DAY.
Yesterday was what might be termed a raw day. It was tolerable here in Hamilton, indoors, by the stove; intolerable in Treasure City, and delightful in Shermantown. When Treasure is shivering in fog and snow, and Hamilton is swimming in mud, Shermantown and Swansea (half a mile above) are basking in sunshine. A gentleman who came up from Shermantown about noon yesterday, informed us that when he left there the weather was delightful—bright, balmy spring day—and when he reached the divide, coming over, the wind was piercing cold— a change so sudden and great that he could hardly realize that he was in the same latitude —Inland Empire.
-Gold Hill Daily News, April 9, 1869
In addition to the weather, Shermantown had its share of crime and mayhem.
BULLION STOLEN.—About 4 o'clock Saturday morning, two thieves entered the office of T. M. Luther, at Sherman-town, and stole therefrom four bars of bullion, weighing 5,273 ounces, and valued at $6,761.10. The thieves were caught that afternoon, and two of the bars, or $3,204.58 of the bullion re-covered.
THE BLISS-SHERMAN AFFAIR.—On Friday last, George F. Bliss, Marshal of Shermantown, assaulted Major E. A. Sherman, with a cane, inflicting a painful wound about three inches above the left temple. Bliss was placed under bonds, and on Saturday the jury in the case failed to agree. Major Sherman is said to be lying dangerously ill from the effects of the wound, and some indignation is expressed by the people of Shermantown, who have petitioned the Board of Trustees to have the office of Marshal declared vacant.
This, how-ever, cannot be done, as the Marshal was elected by the people themselves. Bliss is still under bail, awaiting trial.
-Gold Hill Daily News, July 22, 1869
Anybody seen Nick?
WANT TO HEAR.
The friends of Nicholas Egan, living at Natick, Massachusetts, have written a letter of inquiry to the City Marshal of Shermantown, White Pine, and expressing a desire to hear of his whereabouts. The Marshal says it was reported that Egan was among the lost in our mines last April, and has made inquiry of us. On reference to the list of names of those who perished, we cannot find Egan's name. If Nicholas Egan is living in this part of the country, or if anybody knows of his whereabouts, they will please address Geo. Marshal of Shermantown. (Nick, your friends at Natick are either after what they suppose you have in worldly effects, or, there is something left for you in your rich uncle's will. Talk out, don't be backward.)
-Gold Hill Daily News, August 19, 1869
After doing a little digging, I found that Nick was alright and lived to a ripe old age, passing away in Rhyolite at the age of 84
Well, that didn't take long. A town that can't support a newspaper is destined for failure-- mark my words!
DISCONTINUED
The publication of the Evening Telegram at Shermantown has, we understand, been suspended, owing to the prevailing hard times.
-Carson Daily Appeal, August 28, 1869
Still prospecting, mining, and milling went on.
FROM WHITE PINE
The Alsop smelting furnace at Shermantown, the most extensive in Nevada, was started this morning. It was erected at a cost of $20,000.
-Gold Hill Daily News, February 10, 1870
Shermantown proved to be an unfortunatel place for journalistic endeavors.
SUDDEN DEATH
G. A. [Gustavus Augustus] Brier, editor of the Shermantown Reporter, White Pine, fell dead in the office of Wells, Fargo & Co., at Shermantown, last Tuesday. He had been unwell with congestive chills. He was a native of Indiana, aged about 41 years. He was formerly a resident of Virginia, and was well known in this state.
-Elko Independent, May 21, 1870
He now rests in the Mourners Point Cemetery in Hamilton, Nevada.
Here is a letter to the editor that could have been written today.
TRYING TO SQUEEZE IN ILLEIAL VOTES.
Editor News: Please to publish a few lines from me in behalf of the purity of the next election. I have noticed that many men with black faces have been registered, and they will all doubtless offer to squeeze their votes in under the Fifteenth Amendment, although they are not citizens. These dark-visaged men are natives of Madras, Calcutta. Bombay, and Jamaica. Without the process of naturalization they are aliens; but I presume the politicians who have been figuring for their votes have told them they are now eligible, and as good citizens as Clem Berry—or any other man. I am myself a United States citizen; but born in the Island of Malta. I know all these dark faces, and will, in connection with another man, make it my business to be at the polls an election day, and to watch and challenge any of these spurious citizens who offer to vote.
CHARLES FRANDO.
Shermantown Reporter, please copy or notice.
-White Pine News, May 30, 1870
And another newspaper bites the dust.
GONE FROM OUR GAZE
For the past two days we have missed our little evening visitor from Shermantown. We are now assured that The Reporter is no more. It collapsed on inanition in the business department, and has gone the way of all poorly-sustained newspapers. The late numbers were written up in a lively and spirited vein, and the mechanical department was creditable to the old "prints" who were starving themselves for the good of the public. The rumor that Chicago capitalists are about to resurrect is can not be traced beyond the proprietors themselves.
-White Pine News, June 15, 1870
The bad times are rearing their ugly heads.
The Voss works at Shermantown have been shut down for over a week. Financial difficulties to have caused the cessation. But we understand that Mr. Elliot, a man who has had considerable experience in the selecting and buying of ores, is negotiating to purchase and run the works.
-White Pine News, July 4, 1870
VERY DULL
The people of Shermantown complain of dull times. There is but little doing in the mills, and no furnaces are running. What else could be expected?
-White Pine News, July 30, 1870
Watch out for Mrs. Keller! She's out of control!
NOTICE
I hereby warn all persons not to trust my wife on my account, as I will pay no bills contracted by her. FERDINAND KELLER, Shermantown, Nev. August 5, 1870
-White Pine News, August 11, 1870
While by this time Shermantown was undergoing obvious decline, Mr. Osborne decided to mill some ore.
MILL AT SHERMANTOWN
J. B. Osborne has a gang of men employed at the Oasis mill, at Shermantown, getting it in order for working the tailings from the old Eberhardt workings.
-White Pine News, April 26, 1973
Mr. Osborne takes the money and runs!
SALE OF TAILINGS MILL
The tailings mill located at Shermantown and owned by J.B. Osborne has been sold to the Eberhardt & Aurora Company at Eberhardt, and will continue to be worked under their administration.
-White Pine News, September 13, 1873
Despite the decline, some folks continued to invest.
NEARLY FINISHED. - Superintendent Patterson, of the Philadelphia Smelting Company, informs us that the construction of the furnace at Shermantown is nearly completed, and that on the arrival of some needed machinery, it will require only a few days more to have the smelter in complete running order. There is a large amount of ore in this district commonly called copper-silver ore, and it has generally been thought the copper could not be saved. Mr. Patterson feels very confident that his process of working will save all the copper. We are anxious to see the new process of working tried.
-White Pine News, September 4, 1875
By this time, the town was pretty much devoid of residents and businesses.
During the past few days quite a number of lots have been jumped down at Shermantown. The persons jumping them must think that the old, abandoned town still has merit in it.
-Eureka Daily Sentinel, August 8, 1875
NOT CREDITED
The rumor that Dr. Herrick has declared martial law in Shermantown and Swansea is not credited here in well informed military circles.
-Eureka Daily Sentinel, September 9, 1875
Dr. H. S. Herrick was the Superintendent of Public schools and a local physician. Don't know what situation this might be referring to, unless it's the beginning of the school year.
Shermantown is now officially dead.
DESERTED TOWNS
There are deserted towns in Nevada, but they are not old ones. A few years ago the population of Hamilton is said to have been nearly 8,000; of Treasure Hill, 6,000; of Shermantown, 7,000; of Swansea, 3,000. All were incorporated, with Mayor, Council, fire departments and daily newspapers. Hamilton has now but 100 inhabitants, most of whom are merely waiting in dreary inaction for something to turn up. Treasure Hill has about half as many. Shermantown one family, and Swansea none. In one canyon of the Toiyabe range, near Austin, are live dead towns without a single inhabitant. The streets and blocks graded on the hillside are rapidly falling back into the wilderness.
-Eureka Daily Sentinel, March 1, 1879
-Eureka Daily Sentinel, September 20, 1887
The road coming from the south is a bit rough, kids, so leave Mom's Omni at home. Coming from the north it's not so bad. Of course, road conditions can change in an instant. They say "inquire locally," but we all know no one really knows, so be prepared.
There are rock ruins here, but it's difficult to discern where things were, since there is so much growth. Very healthy sagebrush. Still, some foundations and buildings are in evidence.