Six Mile Canyon

Storey County

Placer mining in Six Mile Canyon may have began as early as 1858, but the Flowery District wasn't organized until after an 1859 discovery by James F. Rogers. A camp called Flowery or Flowery City was established in 1860, but was quickly overshadowed by growth in Virginia City and never truly blossomed.

In the 1860s and 70s, several mills were operated throughout the canyon as Virginia City grew, the largest being the Gould & Curry. Others included the Omega, Empire State, and Lady Bryan (old Flowery City). Residences were also built in the canyon as Virginia City spilled over. By the end of the century, however, most of the mines and mills had closed.

The massive Butter's Mill (named for Charles Butter) was erected in 1902 to refine tailings piles at the base of Sugarloaf. At the time, it was the largest cyanide mill in the United States, treating some 100 tons per day and employing around 300. It later treated ore from Tonopah before finally closing in 1927. It's impressive foundations are the most prominent reminder of Six Mile Canyon's history.

Butter's Mill

Barrett Mill

Barrett Mill
overhead

Barrett Mill

Pfiefer Mill

The Comstock Lode
Virginia City • Mines & Mills • Six Mile Canyon
Gold Hill • Yellow Jacket Mine • American Flat
Silver City • Mills • Dayton • Rock Point Mill • Sutro
Daney Mine • Carson River Canyon Mills • Eureka Mill

Bibliography

Mines and Mills of the Comstock Region Western Nevada by Mary B. Ansari (Reno: Camp Nevada, 1989), 27, 29.
Nevada Ghost Towns & Mining Camps by Stanley W. Paher (Las Vegas: Nevada Publications, 1970), 31.
Virginia City and the Silver Region of the Comstock Lode by Douglas McDonald (Las Vegas: Nevada Publications, 1982).