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Tuscarora
Elko County, Nevada
Historic Tuscarora's
Cemetery
Tuscarora was built in the 1860's to furnish housing for miners in the nearby mountains. The nearby mines' peak silver production occurred in the 1870's, as did the population of 3,000 people, about half of them Chinese immigrants.
According
to resident, Dennis Parks, the current population of Tuscarora numbers
at about 20 full-time residents. Dennis Parks is a globally renowned artist
who creates unique works of pottery, on display in the house pictured
below.
More information about Tuscarora is available at ghosttowns.com.
The door is always
open. Let yourself in, enjoy the exhibits, and take some of the literature.
The above works
are marked with price tags that further evidence the talent and respect
Parks has earned among his peers and those who appreciate and collect
his pieces. Parks also conducts pottery workshops in Tuscarora. People
from all over the globe have attended his workshops, keeping Tuscarora
on the map. A community such as Tuscarora, its eerie emptiness, inspiring
surroundings, and remarkable vistas, can bring out the artist in even
the least artistic individuals. A visit to this town is well worth the
drive.
The former Tuscarora Elks' Lodge
The remains of what was likely a large stately home. These are found at
the entrance to the town.
Tuscarora post office.
Most of the graves in Tuscarora's cemetery are quite old. As can be expected,
many died young in the late 19th Century from flu epidemics. Disease and
the demanding lives these early miners and settlers lived apparently resulted
in an average life span of about 55 years.
We met with Dennis Parks at his home just up the road from the museum.
It was a comfortable, yet humble dwelling, filled with books, works of
art and two very friendly dogs. Mr. Parks and his wife were very kind
and provided us with a hand-drawn map to some camping and fishing areas
west of town. We ended up camping at the spot pictured above.
Following his map and avoiding ranch land as he advised, we found a lovely grassy area along the banks of McCann Creek about ten miles west of Tuscarora. We desired to get over the next range of mountains to fish in Toe Jam Creek, but learned from a passing rancher that the roads were still snow-covered and impassable. That, coupled with the fact that Ryan's Pathfinder wouldn't start without a hefty push (dead battery), kept us on lower ground for the afternoon. We parked at the top of a hill after unpacking so we could roll out in the morning.
Our camp site was marked with a weathered boot on a fence post. Considerate
ranchers and/or hunters had left a well dug fire pit and steel grates
for grilling. The sun was perfect for an afternoon nap and the water provided
a refreshing bath after four days of smelling like a potpourri of armpits,
campfire smoke, dead fish, and garlic.
Ryan and Dave enjoying the restful afternoon.
In late may, the Great Basin Desert is in bloom with wildflowers. I couldn't
resist taking a few photos.
Our camp was fairly well sheltered from the cool breeze, but there were
still a few chilly moments toward evening. Ryan decided to "layer"
with some long johns, but didn't want to dig a pair of long pants out
of his pack. We mocked him incessantly for the remainder of the day. He
indulged us.
My long afternoon nap resulted in the season's first sunburn.
Our campsite.
The friendly gentleman in this truck was stuck on the pass to Toe Jam
Creek (our original destination) for two days. Two friends drove up to
rescue him that day.
A herder's camp on
the way from Tuscarora to McCann Creek. Jim Drysdale
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