"Tourist trap? I think many would disagree with the last line of this plaque." I've sat here for about half an hour and only one car has whizzed on by. Looks like I have plenty of time (with little to distract me!) to think about my next conundrum ... how Contact received its name." -- May 2009

Along US 93, 16 miles south of Jackpot

Original Date Visited: 5/18/09
Signed: No

Notes: Now here's for those of you wondering why this marker has so much text and why it looks aesthetically so different from the others in the system. Aside from a few exceptions, Markers 260-269 were done using a new informational-style format, an idea that refaces the marker using mostly a vinyl face to resist weathering. These markers contain as much information as possible, including graphics and visuals, completely based on the area's history and marker context. It seems like Marker 270 was the cutoff and reverts back to the style we're used to, but this ten series of markers are a cool treat for us marker hunters.

The base for Marker 261 was done by using native rhyolite and tailings materials from the town of Contact to match the town's mining history. The SHPO copied this same type of base and marker content for use in Marker 254 which also represents Nevada mining.

Street View

Here's what you'll see!

Exact Description:
In the 1870s gold was mined in Contact, and a five-ton smelter, built in Contact, ceased functioning after three test runs. But with a renewal of mining in 1905, Contact was laid out below the older camp in a more favorable location near the Salmon Falls River. Businesses were established including a hotel, several saloons, and a store. The weekly Contact Miner provided a voice beginning in 1913. During WWI a large amount of copper was mined.

The Union Pacific Railroad built the Oregon Short Line which ran nearby in 1926. Mining resumed. In 1928-1930 Contact had a population of 260 people, saloons, a hotel, post office, school, electric power and a water system was brought to camp in anticipation of a large mining expansion. But a depressed copper market shelved the camp's dreams of permanence.

Thereafter Contact was relocated on U.S. 93 and became a tourist stop.

A Visit to Contact

COVERED IN US MY 93 ROAD TRIP

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Related Links & Markers:

Nevada Towns: Contact Contact (Nevada Expeditions)

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