My visits to Susan’s Bluff and Nightengale Mine taught me about myself. I have loved ghost towns and mining camps for almost 40 years. Alpine Mine was fun to visit and photograph, but writing about it was like pulling teeth. Even with the stunning location, something was missing.
I came across references to Susan’s Bluff while researching Fairview Station and the Pony Express route, and the tale immediately captivated me. Thoughts of the story were in my mind day and night and I knew I needed to visit before they could be put to rest. I learned the history and excitement of visiting mines and mining camps, but what fascinates me are the people. Immediately, I started planning a trip and waiting for an opening in the weather.
(Photo credit: Westward Expansion)
In 1849, the O’Brien family traveled with a large wagon train of emigrants heading toward the promised life and riches in California. For the O’Brien’s, their journey through what would become the state of Nevada would end in tragedy. The family consisted of father, mother, daughter Susan, age 15 and son Mike, age 12.
Upon arrived at Goose Creek on the border of Nevada and Utah, the party needed to restock supplies for the upcoming desert crossing. Men departed on a hunting trip while the women and children stayed with the wagons. A group of Native Americans came upon the group demanding whiskey, food and supplies. Susan drew two hidden pistols, ready to defend the group. Seeing her determination, the group left and were not seen again.
The party resumed their journey, arriving at the Humboldt River. At Lassen’s Meadows between Winnemucca and Lovelock, several families took the cutoff to Oregon. The O’Brien family, along with remainder of the families, continued across the Forty Mile Desert toward the Sierras and their final hurdle, Carson Emigrant Trail. The party restocked and rested at Ragtown, between modern Fernley and Fallon, before continuing their journey with the O’Brien in lead of the train.
The party turned south at Carson Plains, east of Dayton, towards a canyon and the Carson River. In a narrow part of the canyon several miles past the turnoff, they were attacked by raiders. The first wagons including the O’Brien’s were unable to escape. Father and mother were killed and 12 year old Mike was tomahawked to death. Susan hid in a trunk. Pillaging the wagons, the raiding party quickly discovered her.
Susan was abducted, dragged through the canyon and up the steep slope. The raiders had made camp above the bluff and Susan was given to their chief. Nothing is known about the details of Susan’s ordeal, but they seem obvious. After the guards fell asleep, she attempted an escape. The guards awoke, but beaten and broken, Susan was unable to flee. Knowing her fate if she was returned to the camp, she ran toward the bluff and threw herself off the edge onto the rocks below.
When the remainder of the wagon train reached the site, they found Susan’s body at the base of the bluff. Susan, along with the victims of the massacre, were buried in the canyon. In remembrance of her, they named the site Susan’s Bluff.
As with many graves along the emigrant trails, the final resting place of Susan, her family and the other victims remains unknown.
References
- Anasari, Mary B. Nevada Heartland: The placenames of Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties, Nevada. LeRue Press, 2015. Page 244.
- Cassinelli, Dennis. Chronicles of the Comstock Episode 6: Tragedy at Susan’s Bluff
- Elko Daily: Stories of Old Nevada: The Tragedy at Susan’s Bluff
- Ely Times: Pony Express Stations, Part 8: The Northern Route (Stillwater Dogleg)
- The Eureka Sentinel: Pony Express Stations: Miller’s or Reed’s Station
- Harolds Club. Pioneer Nevada, Volume II. Harolds Club of Reno, 1956. Page 24.
- Hastings, Lansford W. The 1845 Pioneers’ Guide for the Westward Traveler: The Emigrants’ Guide to Oregon and California. Applewood Books, 1845.
- The Marker: The Story of Susan’s Bluff and Susan
- Nevada Historical Society: Third Biennial Report of the Nevada Historical Society, 1911-1912. Page 217.
- Paher, Stanley. Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps. Nevada Publications, 1970. Page 75, 77, 79.
Tom B. says
Sad story but thanks for sharing
Tami says
It is very sad. I am still working on getting a memorial to Susan erected at the bluff.
Therese says
So sad what they had to deal with in those days.
Tami says
The loss in those days is astonishing. I am amazed by how strong people were. I have been meaning to update this article, it is one of my favorites.
Ken says
Thanks for this story. I grew up in Fernley and remember it from my visits to Fort Churchill as a kid. As with many of the stories from that area during that era, people have said that they have heard Susan screaming still as she plummeted from the bluff. Good luck on the memorial.
Tami says
I hadn’t heard that, thank you for the additional information. I would love to find pioneer diaries about the event.
Anonymous says
Possibly check with the Lyon County archives, or the Nevada State archives in Carson City. They might have what you’re looking for. Another great resource, unfortunately often overlooked, is tribal archives or even elders. Many still remember the stories that they were told as children. I’d like to think that they kept that tradition going.
Tami says
I have been meaning to go to the Lyon County museum. I emailed them a few times but never heard back, that was probably during Covid.
The tribal elders would be a great resource, but I don’t have any connections to either tribe in the area.