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Once again, a local native helped prospectors find gold in this area. In 1867, a group from Austin traveled to the area and by early July, a district had been organized and named after the USS Tuscarora, a Mohican-class sloop of war. A camp formed on McCann Creek about two miles south of present day Tuscarora, according to Paher. Miners swarmed to the area, and an adobe fort was built as protection against the natives. They dragged in a small mill from Austin but it didn't work very well. When the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, many of the now-unemployed Chinese laborers worked the abandoned tailings. In 1871, W. O. Weed discovered rich silver ledges and while the Chinese worked the gold, everyone else worked the silver. IF you examine the Land Office plat of 1871, you can see no less than four camps marked "Chinese Mining Camps" to the north of then-tiny Tuscarora. It was then that the present townsite of Tuscarora was platted below the silver finds. By 1876 when the Grand Prize was discovered, Tuscarora began to boom. By 1877 as many as 3000 people lived and worked here, with not only the usual stores, shops and saloons, but dancing academies and even an private elocution school. Six mills with a total of 80 stamps were operating, but the activity began to slow. By 1880 the census showed only 1400 "Americans" living in Tuscarora. The mines were active in the late 1880's, but the 1900's booms further south drew miners away from the area. Most didn't bother returning until the late 1980's, when Horizon Gold wanted to dig some stuff up, causing some consternation with the residents. They apparently left a few years later.

Water, fertile ground, and valuable minerals made this district attractive to early miners.

Tuscarora district is located at the southwest corner of the valley and is some three years old, having been found by a party of prospectors from Austin, and at that time quite a breeze was created. and an extensive emigration found its way to the inviting placer wining fields below the numerous quartz ledges in the mountains. Ever since its discovery there has been considerable mining in the district, principally confined to the placer mines. The extreme south fork of the Owyhee, and the small streams from the canyons, furnish water for washing, Large numbers of Chinamen are now engaged in washing out gold, and white men will soon take hold of this inviting country. Of Bull Run district nearly every one is familiar. The Porter and Central Pacific ledges have established their reputations abroad, to say nothing of the prospects of many other mines that will be opened out in the next few months. Below the mountain, in which rich silver veins come to the surface, is a basin which is rich with gold. It has been ascertained that these diggings will pay handsomely to the hand by rocking, and in view of this fact a party of enterprising gentletmen have constructed a ditch to convey water into the basin. It is claimed by parties familiar with mining in this neighborhood as well as in Cope, that these diggings are ahead of the placer fields of either Cope or Bruno. The supply of the great essential, an abundance of water, is inexhaustible in this locality. The fertile valley below the placer ground, the rich quartz veins on the mountain above, and its accessibility from the great continental railway by an easy and well constructed wagon road will soon bring to its rugged mountains an army of hardy miners, who will dig out its buried wealth and cultivate the fertile valleys. Of all the new mining locations in the State, we are of the oppinion that Bull Run district presents the most inducements of any to be man of moderate means. The poor man can take money enough out of the ground to prospect and erect machinery for the lasting fissure veins that cut through the mountains. This district is but partially explored, but enough is already known to justify every word that we have heretofore said in its favor.
-Elko Indenpendent, April 23, 1870

The only thing missing now was some mail service!

Mr. Savage introduced a concurrent resolution asking mall service between Tuscarora and Elko. Adopted.
-Gold Hill Daily News, February 28, 1871

By this time, the town was growing and profitable.

[From Saturday's Daily.),
TUSCARORA
J. Brown, the accomplished and highly entertaining Justice of the Peace at Tuscarora, came under our hospitable roof yesterday and delivered himself us follows: The town of Tuscarora now contains sixteen houses, among which are several neat, substantial and commodious buildings. Acquisitions to the population are continually arriving, several families having taken up their abode in the burg within the past few weeks and others are expected shortly. J. H. Richards, a practical assayer, has also concluded to "camp " with Tuscarora. He has opened up an extensive office, the walls of which are the surrounding mountains, with a blue sky for a roof, but he is erecting a frame structure, opon completion of which he will vacate his present quarters. Milling and mining interests are advancing steadily. The Young American has been overhauled and started up.
-Weekly Independent, October 23, 1875

The town was growing, as were mining operations.

TUSCARORA.
Major John Dennis writes to the Eureka Sentinel from Tuscarora and describes that bustling new mining camp as follows: Is situated in the foothills of the mountains on the north side of Independence valley, a few miles from its head, and is about two and a half miles northeasterly from the old town of Tuscarora, on McCann Creek, which had its inception in placer gold mining excitement of 1866, and known at that time as the "Goose Creek" excitement, owing to a mistaken idea regarding the geography of the country, the stream of that name being in a range of mountains a hundred miles north of here. The town—the new one—is built on a rolling plateau (pardon the criticism), a kind of swale in the mountain range. It commands a fine view of the valley, and is discernable as you approach it on the Elko road from the foot of the opposite mountain. It presents the appearance noticable in all new mining towns in districts about which an excitement like this is raging. The condition of the streets, the hastily constructed buildings of canvass and lumber; lots inclosed with temporary fencing; the influx of strangers on stages, and every conceivable mode of private conveyance, including a goodly proportion of passengers by Foot & Walker's line; the sound of the carpenter's hammer, the crowds in the saloons, and the hurry and scurry, form a scene familiar to all who were in Austin, White Pine, Pioche, or Eureka during the excitement attendant upon the early days and flush times of those now settled, sedate and permanent burgs. There are however, a number of substanial brick and stone buildings already erected and occupied, and also some frame structures that would not discredit the oldest town in the State. and should the mining developments continue as favorable as they commenced and have thus far progressed, in another year there will doubtless be built here as substantial a mining town as any on the coast. The location is favorable. But little grading is required, and the clay which is abundant in the suburbs, makes the best quality of bricks.
-The Daily Appeal, October 19, 1877

They had everything they needed, and Tuscarora was described in glowing terms.

Tuscarora, Elko Co. Nev. Dec.18.
EDITOR APPEAL : To follow the style of the geographies we would say that the town of Tuscarora is situated on the slope of the Fairchild mountains, which are indented by deep canyons or valleys, and on the westerly side of INDEPENDENCE VALLEY. This valley takes its name from the following circumstance which we have been informed by the stage driver is correct. As he possesses a character marked by the greatest veracity, we of course accepted the theory. He said that some General, he didn't know his name, had discovered this valley on the Fourth of July, he didn't know exactly what year, and had put up a flag or a tent, he didn't know which, and stood up and held up either his sword or his hand to heaven, and named it Independence, or National Independence, or the Declaration of Independence, he couldn't exactly say to a dead certainty. We wish he or the General had been more explicit, but Independence is the name of the valley and there is a decidedly independent and go-ahead town on the edge of it. It is prettily located and is one of the most desirable town sites we have seen. The town is much larger than we expected and possesses all the attractive and active features of a new mining excitement, with a population of several thousands. The growth of the place has been very rapid. Since last September it has increased to a remarkable extent. All sorts and kinds of business are represented; saloons ef course predominate. General merchandizing and the variety business follow, and then the minor trades and occupations. The lawyers and doctors are well represented, but up to date Tuscarora has not been blessed with the ministrations of a preacher. Last week, however, one came and created the greatest surprise by posting the town with the following notice. "Preaching at Masonic and Odd Fellows Hall on Sunday evening. No collection." It is needless to add that he had a crowded house, and, (something pre-viously unheard of in a new mining camp), he was asked by a number of those present to hold a service the next evening; which he did with a like flattering result. If he can be persuaded to remain a church will be built in the Spring. The hoisting works on the several mines are going day and night and the whistles roar continually. The whole camp presents a lively appearance altho' we have been told that it is much duller than it was two months ago. The " Times" and "Review" are published weekly and are both creditable sheets. THE MINES in the district have been attracting considerable attention and many of theme possess real merit. Every person you meet has a big claim which will pan out rich next Spring. The principal mine is the GRAND PRIZE. Fine ore is being extracted, the mills and furnaces are all running night and day and are doing good work. The pump is running and is getting away with the water rapidly. The shafts are down nearly 400 feet and they are working at a depth of 350 feet in line ore. THE HORNET is sinking the main shaft rapidly and there have been excellent indications. The other mines of prominence are: The De Frees, Diana, Independence, Pawnee, Silver Prize, Argenta, Navajo, Tuscarora-Consolidated, Venture, How and Grand Central. The Navajo shut down yesterday. We have been told it is merely temporary. THE LOOKOUT MINE has received but meagre notice. It is a surface location adjoining the Times office and is held under a Nevada State Patent. The shaft is down 2 1/2 feet in a dry goods box and the incline runs into paying gravel at least two feet. The windlass is about 8 inches square, sup-plied with bucket and rope with a complete bell attachnient. A narrow guage railroad with car and everything perfect connects the shaft with the dumps and the whole thing is conducted regularly. Altogether Tuscarora is a thriving camp and promises to be a very important one. If things go well it will be more so in the Spring.
-The Daily Appeal, December 21, 1877

The two newspapers consolidate.

THE TIMES REVIEW
The initial number of the Times-Review, arrived here from Tuscarora Saturday night. The consolidation of the two journals heretofore issued in that place will doubtless prove beneficial to the camp as well as their prospective proprietors.
-Weekly Independent, January 13, 1878

Tuscarora was no stranger to fire, but plentiful water and luck prevented too much damage.

A Mistake About the Grand Prize Works Being Destroyed.
We are truly glad to learn that Tuscarora has not lost the chief means of support. The Grand Prize hoisting works were not burned the other day, as reported. Regarding the fire, the Times-Review has the following :
About quarter past 2 o'clock yesterday morning our townspeople were aroused from their slumbers by an alarm of fire, sounded by the Grand Prize whistle, and in a few moments nearly the entire population of the place was on the streets. The bright light reflected from the sky over the little ridge northeast of the town indicated that the fire was in the vicinity of the Grand Prix mill and hoisting works, which at first were supposed to be burning. Fortunately, however. for the general welfare of the district, this proved to be a mistake. The fire originated in the rear portion of the residence of Samuel Stark, engineer of the Grand Prize, and in a few moments the entire building was enveloped in flames. Mrs. Stark and her little sister, who were sleeping in the house, had barely time to escape in their night clothes. Nothing in the building, not even the smallest article of wearing apparel, was saved. The fire quickly communicated to the Phillips House, a two-story wooden structure, 25 by 70 feet, which in a few moments was also a sheet of flame. From this establishment some bedding and a small amount of furniture was saved. A Chinese laundry adjoining it, Phillips House on the north, and John Matthew's saloon on the south, were also quickly on fire, and, almost as soon as the others, burned to the ground. Fortunately there was scarely a breath of air stirring, or the destruction of property would have been far greater. As it was it required almost superhuman efforts upon the part of the citizens Linkton and Tuscarora to prevent the flames from crossing the street to Hugh 's saloon and Steve Henley's residence, both of which were several times on fire. The Grand Prize Hotel, a large wooden building, situated about a hundred feet westerly front Matthew's saloon, was also threatened, and was probably saved by the liberal use of wet blankets suspended over its front. The water from the Grand Prize tank rendered efficient service, probably averting the destruction of several buildings, and perhaps saving the mill itself. By the most fortunate accident in the world the engine at the mill had that evening been steamed up to see if it was in order, preparatory to the starting up of the stamps on the first by the Independence Company. The engine was used to force the water through the hose which, without that power, would have been practically useless, as the pressure front the tank was not sufficient to throw a stream upon the endangered buildings. Mr. Stark, the owner of the house where the fire originated. was absent at the time in Cornucopia. Mrs. Stark says she was awakened by the smoke, and found the entire rear portion of the building in flames, the origin of which she can form no idea. Mr. Stark, a few days ago, chastised a Chinaman for stealing wood, and it is thought by some that he was the incendiary. The losses, as near as we can ascertain them, are as follows: Joseph Phillips, Phillips House and furniture, $1,000, no insurance; Samuel Stark house and furniture, $1,000, insured for $150; John Matthews, saloon and fixtures, $1,000, insured for $500; China wash house, $200. The buildings of L. I. Hogle and S. M. Henley are perhaps injured to the amount of $50.
-Eurkea Daily Sentinel, Sptember 1, 1878

Tuscarora hummed happily along.

STATE NEWS IN BRIEF.
Lively times in Tuscarora.
Tuscarora has had a billiard tourna-ment. Quigley won.
Three new cases of diptheria in Tuscarora last Thursday.
All the sage brush within ten miles of Tuscarora has been consumed for fuel.
Constable Harville was fined $25 for saying " damme " in the Justice's Court at Tuscarora.
-Reno Evening Gazette, August 8, 1879

There was even talk of forming a new county and making Tuscarora the county seat.

NEW COUNTY.
It is announced that Tuscarora is ambitious to become a county seat and at the next session of the Legislature an effort will be made to create a new county out of territory now belonging to Humboldt and Lander. The Eureka Sentinel refers to the subject complacently and neither commends nor disproves the idea. If the Sentinel will take the trouble to study the situation a little it will discover that a new county, with Tuscarora as the county seat, would have to he framed from territory now belonging to Elko, Eureka and Lander counties, and that the project will not affect the map of Humboldt. Elko county, in the northern part of which Tuscarora is situated, extends from the Utah line, north of Eureka and Lander counties, to the eastern boundary of Humboldt. Tuscarora is situated a short distance north of the Eureka line, and, if it is made the seat of justice of a new county, Eureka will have to suffer to a greater or less extent. New counties are, or at least should be, organized for the convenience of the inhabitants of the territory of which they are composed.
-Silver State, August 14, 1879

Not everyone found the sucess they were hoping for.

Sudden Departures From Tuscarora.
The Times-Review complains that there has been "too much lighting out" from Tuscarora lately. The way from Tuscarora to civilization has of late been brilliantly illuminated by departing creditors, leaving behind them streaks of light such as a fleeting meteor trails across the evening sky. An individual named Matthews was the last to "light out" in this manner, but his vigilant creditors in the metropolis of the north invoked the aid of the lightning, had him arrested at Elko, brought him back, and compelled him to pay up before he was suffered to depart. It is hoped that Matthews' case may be a terrible example to others.
-Reno Evening Gazette, September 1, 1880

Still, some felt the camp had not reached its potential.

A Coming Lively Camp.
Tuscarora bids fair to be one of the liveliest camps in Nevada for some time to come. The developments in her mines for the past year have been simply immense, and she has today a half dozen of the best mines on the Coast. A peculiarity of Tuscarora's ores is their richness. The bodies are also of good size. The North Belle Isle, Nevada Queen, Grand Prize. Commonwealth, and perhaps some others, have fine deposits of high grade ores in sight and ready for the mill. Grand Prize, which was once a popular favorite, is expected to resume dividends the coming season. She has fine ore reserves in a new part of the mine. Altogether, Tuscarora, has a brighter outlook for the immediate future than any mining district in Eastern Nevada, not excepting our own Eureka, which for a century to come is to be renowned in two hemispheres as a bullion producer of unparalleled resources. We hear that Tuscarora is lacking in stamps to mill the ore which her mines are capable of producing. The erection of new mills the present season is in contemplation by several of the companies. The construction of these will give employment to both men and teams. A mining town in Nevada, with resources, is always good where teaming is relied upon as the chief mode of transportation. It will require a vast number of teams to supply the fuel to run the Tuscarora mills, to say nothing of the freighting from the railroad at Elko. The present population of Tuscarora is about 2,500. A well-informed mining man predicts that it will be 5,000 before the close of the present year. But in any event it is quite apparent that our northern neighbor is to grow and prosper largely the coming season. We congratulate her on her promising outlook for bullion, business and dividends.
-Eureka Sentinel, March 3, 1888

Someone couldn't solve their difference peacefully.

A DASTARDLY DEED.
Giant Powder Exploded Under the Bedroom of Supt. Price and Geo. W. Peltier—Miraculous Escape.
A dastardly attempt at assassination was made upon Superintendent Price and George W. Peltier about half-past 2 o'clock this morning by exploding dynamite under their bedrooms. The first explosion took place under the corner of Mr. Price's bedroom, blowing up the woodshed and wrecking the furniture inside the building, and shaking that gentleman up considerably. About two minutes later the powder under Mr. Peltier's room exploded. It was here that the greatest damage was done. Nearly the entire side of the house being torn out, the bedstead broken to pieces and the whole interior of the room wrecked, and Mr. Peltier thrown out of bed. Whoever fired the blast must have been pretty well acquainted with the surroundings and also the interior of the towns as the charges were placed nearly under the beds of both gentlemen. That under Mr. Peltier's was probably the largest and the fuse lit first as the fuse found there was about 16 feet long while that at Mr. Price's was considerable shorter. The only theory advanced as to how the parties escaped with their lives is that the force of the explosion was down and that the heavy spring mattresses broke the concussion. There is no clew except that Mr. Peltier was warned by a party a month or two ago that an attempt would be made on his life, but no attention was paid to the warning. The supposition is that it is the work of a hired assassin.
-Tuscacora Times-Review, April 23, 1889

No news is not neccessarily good news.

The Tuscarora Times-Review has suspended pubication.
-The Central Nevadan, January 12, 1905

It may not be spelled properly, but with a name like "Duke Mayhem," you can't help but come out on top.

GREAT INDEED IS TUSCARORA
Only Twenty-five Feet More Before the Famous Old Dexter Mine Will Again be Unwatered
When one hears of operations at Tuscarora. it at once recalls to mind that older time when the camp was in the zenith of its glory and when the precious metal out put reached its millions yearly; when vim and push was the watchword, and the dropping of the stamps and the keen whistle of the mills were the music which turned night into day, and the streets were crowded with those going to and fro; and mayhap, preparing for a trip into the mountains, following some recent strike or in search of a field unknown. For many years the old camp has been silent but the advent of Duke Mayhem with his energy and great executive ability, have indeed lent life to the mining industry and it is gratifying to note that his labors are bringing merited results. For months he has had a force of twenty-five men working night and day on the engine and pumps at the famous old Dexter mine, in an earnest endeavor to un-water the property, and he has now reached a depth of 277, feet and only 25 feet further to go before uncovering the big electric pumps for 20 years buried in the bottom of the 300 foot shaft; but just at this time he is up against the hardest formation of his life, for the coal supply has been exhausted and the roads are blocked, and it is necessary to use sage brush for fuel to keep his engines going. Months of hard work and a large amount of money has been expended in this work, and the Journal hopes that this effort will he crowned with sucess. For it means very much to the whole Tuscarora district as it will be followed by aggressive operations in several of the properties, and this will most certainly stimulate work in others. The district has produced $30,000,-000, and the work now framed up by Mr. Mayham will again put the camp in the producing list.
-Nevada State Journal, January 19, 1906

Tuscarora began to dwindle at this point. Still, even as late as the 1930's, activity proceeded.

PLANE CARRIES MINE EQUIPMENT
ELKO, Nev., Jan. 21.—(Special)— John Campbell. Salt Lake City pilot, with two passengers aboard in addition to some drilling equipment, took off for Tuscarora yesterday afternoon. His plane is equipped with skis and the pilot intended to land at the T. T. Fairchild ranch in Independence valley near the famous old mining camp. He left Salt Lake City and landed in Ventosa because of the snowstorm. He took off for this city yesterday afternoon and landed here at 1:45 o'clock. Many residents were watching for the approach of his plane as none with skis have set down here since the early airmail days. On leaving the local field Campbell said he intended to make one round-trip yesterday. He was-accompanied by P. Atkins. Boyle Brothers Drilling Company representative, and Gordon Griswold, employe of the local air-port. In addition he had a load of drilling equipment that he is transporting to the Tuscarora mining district. It will take three trips to complete the transportation of equipment.
The plane was chartered from Salt Lake City to take a diamond drill to the Dexter mine in Tuscarora. Charles L. Ort of the Independence Gold Syndicate of Toronto, Can., who has been interested in the development of the Dexter mine, arranged for the services of the ship through Kim Wolverton, local flyer. Work has peen going on recently and the water has been pumped to a low level in the mine. The next step is to use a diamond trill in order to make tests at depth.
-Reno Evening Gazette, January 21, 1932

There was more here than gold and silver.

MERCURY RETORTS FOR TUSCARORA
Mining operators of the coast, represented by W. B. Lenhrt, have just installed two retorts on the Horn quicksilver mine at Tuscarora, in Elko county. Considerable development work was performed last year, and the ore is said to be of an excellent grade.
-Reno Evening Gazette, May 6, 1942

Eventually, however, the population dwindled and only a few were left.

TUSCARORA SCHOOL CLOSED FORMALLY
The Tuscarora School officially is now closed. The Elko county School District Board of Trustees approved the closing of the school because there is only one family with children living in Tuscarora at the present time.
--Nevada State Journal, June 17, 1964

Now home of the famous Tuscarora Pottery School, founded in 1966 and still going. This place is as quiet as Midas, and be aware people live here, so be careful where you tread. The road from Midas to Tuscarora is quite good and well-marked.