Six Mile Canyon is the site of some of the first mining efforts and settlements in Northwestern Nevada. It lies 2 miles east from Virginia city. The distinctive rock outcropping above Butters Mill can be seen from Virginia City.
Mining began in Six Mile Canyon in 1859. Miner’s flocked to the area and soon there were several mills and the town of Mount Pleasant, later renamed Ophir. Those original mills were abandoned in the 1870’s.
Butters Mill was built in 1902. It was a cyanide mill designed to reprocess the tailing left from earlier mining operations. In it’s heyday it was the largest cyanide mill in the country. A tram system ran between the mine and Butters Mill.
The remains of Butters Mill cover a large hilly slope. The building material consists of rock walls, concrete foundations and wood beams.
Butters mill closed in the 1930’s. Since then Six Mile Canyon has some minor mining activity. Aside from Butters Mill the canyon has mostly returned to its natural state.
On my first visit to Butters Mill I found this “Nevada Christmas Tree”. Someone had hiked up to this Pinion Pine which is adjacent to Butters Mill. They had decorated the tree with a variety of trimming and decorations.
I tried to photograph the reflection of the mountains in the silver ball but I couldn’t get a good angle. Instead I found it made a great place for a self portrait! A year later when I returned with my sister we repeated the photo, but the reflection was not as good as on my prior visit.
Unfortunately vandals have been active in the area.
Butters Mill is a quick visit but can be combined with Virginia City, Gold Hill or the surrounding area. Or as my sister, author Nicole Force and I did, with a Bloody Mary at the Bucket of Blood!
Visits February 2020 and January 2019
References
- Nevada Appeal: Rediscovering Nevada’s Beginnings in Scenic Six Mile Canyon
- Paher, Stanley. Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps. Nevada Publications, 1970. Page 31.
- Lincoln, Francis Church. Mining Districts and Mineral Resources of Nevada. Stanley Paher, 1982. Pages 221-233.
- Smith, Grant H. The History of the Comstock Lode. University Nevada Press, 1998. Pages 2, 3, 7, 25-26, 45, 85, 258.
Nicole Force says
Very interesting! The Nevada Christmas Tree feels very familial and inspiring. I assumed Butters was part of VC but located down the road out of a desire to avoid cyanide contamination. Were they reprocessing tailing from on-site or were shipments brought in from other, nearby mines?
admin says
They had an ariel tram to bring material to the mill site. There are mines all over the land surrounding Virginia City. From satellite images, I think the mine was behind the hill.
Bob Thomasson says
Hi Tami,
The Clampers have been removing graffiti from the Butter’s Mill site and other historic sites. We’ll be back in the spring to finish up.
Tami says
I am so glad to hear the graffiti is being cleaned up! I hate people who damage historic sites. I always look for Clampers signs.
Victor says
I own 200 acres to include the mill site. Mill is also on Gigi and Steve’s property. People dont respect history as they remove items that belong to history not a trinket shelf in your home. Anything i find goes to VC for all to see.
Tami says
Very sad, every presentation I give or group I take out I talk about stewardship and laws protecting historical sites. Thank you for sharing treasures from your property!