Schellbourne
Schellbourne, in the oothills of the Schell Creek Range was a Sho-
shone village site long before it began its recent historic career in
1859. Captain James Simpson passed through the site and this point,
looking for a short route across the Great Basin. That same year an
overland stage and mail station was built at Schellbourne. In 1860,
the Pony Express Company used the same facilities, and when the
telegraph arrived in 1863. It passed over the same route.
During the rush to Virginia City Mines in 1859 and 1860, it became
necessary for the army to send troops to this point to protect the
personnel of that Western Pilgrimage.
Silver ore was discoavered in hte Mountains immediately to the east
of Schellbourne in the early 1870's, and it became part of the Aurum
Mining District in 1871. An active mining camp developed with a
population of over 500 persons. The district and adjacent valley
were then acquired by "Uncle Billy" Burke as a ranch. Schellbourne
has operated as the headquarters for various ranches since that time.
State historical marker No. 51
Nevada State Park System
White Pine Public Museum Inc.
(Three miles east)
