Slater’s Mine AKA Buckeye Placer Mine, Nevada

Slater’s Mine is a lesser-known 1892 mine in the Pine Nut Mountains. Water was an ongoing issue for the mine’s owners. Conflict was inevitable with a large number of mining claims in the valley. On May 20, 1893, tensions erupted, resulting in an old-fashioned shoot-out. In a twist, it turns out the mine owners are related to us!

The trip to Slater’s Mine is also where Honey Badger earned her name because she keeps going no matter what happens.

“Good color” in Pine Nut Valley

In 1873 John Winters discovered gold in Pine Nut Valley at the base of Mt. Siegel. He organized a mining company but did not work in the area due to limited water supply. Access to the site was via a seven-mile unimproved and rough wagon trail connecting the Pine Nut Valley to Carson Valley.

Jerry Raycraft prospected the valley in 1892 and discovered “good color.” On April 18, he filed claims for mineral and water rights at the county seat in Genoa. He named the mine the Buckeye Placer Mine and worked the claim along with his brothers. Word of Raycraft’s discovery grew, and by August, there were 28 mining claims in the area. The Raycraft brothers owned several claims in the mining district, including the Black Horse Mine.

Adequate water continued to plague the Buckeye Placer Mine so Raycraft and his partners filed claims on water from nearby Mt. Como. They also explored methods to save enough snow melt in the spring to carry them through the dry summers.

Conflict in the Pine Nuts

Conflict was inevitable with a large number of mining claims in the valley. Peter Milich purchased an interest in the Coal Pit claim, which bordered Raycrafts Black Horse Mine. Milich constructed a small cabin in 1892-1893. The Raycraft brothers destroyed it, claiming it was on their property. Multiple disputes occurred over the next few months, including disputes over boundary lines and the Raycrafts preventing Milich from accessing his water rights.

On May 20, 1893, Milich and an associate approached the Raycraft cabin at the Black Horse Mine. Arthur Raycraft had been ill and ordered the pair multiple times to vacate his property. Milich opened fire with his rifle, and Raycraft returned fire. Neither man was hit, and Raycraft retreated into the cabin and fled out the back along with his Chinese cook.

Hearing gunfire Tom Raycraft returned from moving sluice boxes. The brothers and their partners fled to Carson Valley, where they notified Sheriff McCormick of the incident. Warrants for assault with intent to kill were issues for Milich and his associates. They were arrested the next day and held in the Genoa County Jail. Two weeks after hearing evidence Judge Dake dismissed the case as there were no injuries.

The Raycraft brothers worked the claims seasonally as water permitted. They ran a stage line and various businesses in Genoa in the off-season.

Slater’s Mine

In September of 1911, the mine was bonded by a company organized by pianist George W. Slater. Slater and his wife built a stone house and 17 structures, including a power plant, water supply, and garden.

The Slaters were plagued for years with multiple legal issues. Lack of water remained their most significant hurdle.

With WWII in full swing, mining activities were halted as a nonessential business. The Slaters moved to Reno and purchased an apartment complex by the university.

Hubby’s visit to Slater’s Mine

Hubby first visited Slater’s Mine in 1977. The house was still standing and was in the process of being restored. Unfortunately, likely due to severe snowfall, the house later collapsed. A fire swept through the area, destroying almost everything besides rock and metal. Amazingly, the tree closest to the house survived the fire.

On the left, Hubby in front of the same tree back in 1977. This was a candid photo taken by one of his traveling companions. He and Hubby remain best friends to this day. I leave it to the astute reader to decide what Hubby was doing when the photo was snapped…

Grinding Stones

While exploring the Pine Nut Range, I came across a unique rock. Most people I consulted believe it is a morteros, a Native American grinding stone.

Honey Badger earns her name

Hubby remembered the road to Slater’s Mine in decent shape. Let us say it deteriorated significantly over forty years!

The drive was the Jeep’s first shake-down. When we arrived home, we found several parts we needed to reattach. That is how Honey Badger earned her name; she keeps going no matter what happens, just like me.

Cousin Valley

While researching the Raycraft brothers, I started to recognize the names of their extended family. In true “Cousin Valley” fashion, the Raycrafts are distantly related to us!

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