You’ll find Reilly ghost town at the western edge of Panamint Valley in California’s Argus Range. Edward Reilly established this silver mining settlement in 1882, ordering a 10-stamp Anthony Mill to process ore discovered years earlier. Today, only stone walls, mill foundations, and mine entrances remain amid the harsh desert landscape. Operations ceased within two decades as silver quality diminished. The site’s isolation has preserved these historical remnants for those willing to navigate the challenging terrain.
Key Takeaways
- Reilly was a short-lived silver mining settlement established in 1882 on the western edge of Panamint Valley in California.
- The ruins include foundations of the Anthony 10-stamp mill, scattered ore dumps, and tunnel entrances in the Argus Range.
- Edward Reilly purchased the original mining claim where silver was discovered in 1875 and developed commercial operations.
- The site gained official recognition on mining maps by 1902, marking its brief historical significance in California’s mining era.
- Accessible only via rough unpaved roads, Reilly exemplifies the dramatic boom-and-bust cycle typical of California ghost towns.
The Silver Dreams of Edward Reilly
When Edward Reilly purchased his mining claim on the western edge of Panamint Valley in September 1882, he set in motion a brief but significant chapter in California’s silver mining history.
Originally from New York, Reilly demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial initiative by immediately organizing mining operations at the site, where silver ore had first been discovered in 1875. Much like other operations in the Wild Rose District, his venture was part of the significant mining activity that flourished in the region during this period.
Reilly’s legacy in the region was cemented when he ordered a 10-stamp mill by October 1882, just weeks after acquisition. This substantial investment revealed his silver aspirations and strategic vision for commercial viability. The impressive masonry walls of his house and the stamp mill are among the few structures still visible today at the site.
The swift procurement of industrial milling equipment signaled Reilly’s unwavering commitment to transforming raw discovery into profitable enterprise.
The claim gained official recognition on mining maps by 1902, establishing its historical significance. Though the townsite would eventually become a ghost town, Reilly’s ambitious development represented a pivotal moment in Panamint Valley’s mining economy.
Exploring the Remote Panamint Valley Settlement
Today, the remote outpost of Reilly stands as a tribute to Edward Reilly’s silver ambitions in the harsh Panamint Valley landscape.
Situated on the western edge of Panamint Valley, this forgotten settlement requires your determination to visit—accessible only via rough, unpaved roads demanding high-clearance vehicles.
When you arrive, you’ll discover remnants of once-innovative mining technology: foundations of the 10-stamp Anthony Mill established in 1882, scattered ore dumps, and weathered tunnel entrances. Much like Panamint City, which once housed a population of about 2,000 by 1874, Reilly represents the dramatic cycle of mining boom and bust.
The ghost town preservation here happens naturally through isolation, with USGS maps marking “Anthony Mill Ruins” as evidence of the silver operations that once thrived. Hiking to these sites requires trekking through water washes similar to trails found at other abandoned mining locations.
The site offers a rare, undisturbed glimpse into industrial silver extraction techniques of the late 1800s, standing in silent witness to California’s boom-and-bust mining heritage.
Rise and Fall: Mining Operations in the Argus Range
As prospectors ventured beyond the Coso and Slate Ranges in the 1860s, mining activity gradually spread into the rugged Argus Range, though development progressed slowly due to the area’s extreme isolation.
Early mining techniques were primitive, with lone miners working surface claims until silver discoveries attracted serious investment.
The watershed moment came in 1882 when the Argus Range Silver Mining Company formed with $200,000 in capital, purchasing Reilly’s claims for $500,000.
They constructed a 10-stamp mill at the range’s base, processing ore from the St. George Mine and others nearby.
This economic impact transformed the region as Reilly’s population boomed.
However, the prosperity proved short-lived. As ore quality diminished, operations ceased.
Despite revival attempts in the 1920s, including a 300-foot shaft, significant mining never returned, leaving only the Anthony Mill ruins as evidence.
The 66-acre property containing these mining operations is now situated within the Bureau of Land Management wilderness area in Inyo County. For researchers seeking detailed information about this location, Wikipedia offers disambiguation pages to direct users to specific Reilly-related articles.
What Remains Today: A Photographer’s Guide
The ghostly remnants of Reilly persist in the rugged Argus Range, offering photographers a compelling glimpse into California’s mining past. You’ll find foundations of original structures, scattered mining debris, and occasional standing walls amid the arid landscape north of Trona.
For best results, wide-angle lenses capture the expansive desert context, while macro photography equipment reveals intricate details of weathered artifacts. Bring sturdy tripods to navigate the uneven terrain. Photographic techniques utilizing golden hour light dramatically enhance the textural qualities of rusted rails, decayed wooden structures, and abandoned equipment. Among the most striking features are the roofless stone cabins that have withstood the test of time since the town’s abandonment. Like many California ghost towns established in the mid-1800s, Reilly’s historical timeline reflects the boom and bust cycle typical of mining settlements.
Access requires off-road vehicles or hiking commitment, as no paved roads reach the site. Exercise caution around hazardous mine shafts and respect these fragile historical remains.
Pack safety gear and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve what remains for future explorers.
Visiting Reilly: Travel Tips and Historical Context
When Edward Reilly purchased his mining claim in September 1882, he couldn’t have known his ambitious silver venture would become a fleeting footnote in California’s mining history. Within a month, he’d ordered a 10-stamp mill and launched operations at the western edge of Panamint Valley.
Today, your journey to this remote ghost town requires careful travel logistics. Located at the base of the Argus Range just north of Slate Range Crossing in Inyo County, Reilly demands backcountry navigation through desert terrain. The E Clampus Vitus organization has been instrumental in preserving the historical narrative of such ghost towns through their commemorative plaques and local education efforts.
The site, which appeared on maps for approximately twenty years, offers glimpses into the brief silver boom initiated by the Wibbetts Brothers’ 1875 discovery.
Pack accordingly—the same isolation that challenged miners in the 1880s remains a factor for modern explorers seeking the Anthony Mill remains. Remember that federal law prohibits artifact removal from these historic sites, as mentioned in the Safe Visiting Guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Any Famous Outlaws or Gunfighters Visit Reilly?
Straight from the horse’s mouth, no famous outlaws or gunfighters visited Reilly. Historical records don’t mention any notable historical figures or famous visitors in this remote, short-lived mining settlement.
What Was the Total Value of Silver Extracted From Reilly?
You won’t find a documented total value of silver extracted from Reilly. Historical records are scarce, despite the mining town’s historical significance within California’s broader silver mining districts during the late 1800s.
Were There Any Notable Disasters or Accidents in Reilly?
You won’t find specific disaster records for Reilly in historical archives. The mining accidents timeline remains obscure, though nearby Panamint City’s destruction by flash floods suggests similar vulnerability in Reilly’s short twenty-year existence.
Did Indigenous Peoples Have Any Connection to the Reilly Area?
Yes, indigenous peoples had deep connections to Reilly’s area. You’ll find their indigenous history intertwined with the rich riparian habitats they sustainably managed through controlled burning, reflecting the land’s cultural significance to their traditional way of life.
Are There Any Local Legends or Ghost Stories About Reilly?
You’ll find limited documentation on Reilly hauntings, though Jumbo Reilly features prominently in local folklore as a giant with legendary strength. Unlike nearby ghost towns, Reilly lacks specific supernatural accounts in historical records.
References
- http://www.misadventuresmag.com/ghost-town-tour-california/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_California
- https://nvtami.com/inyo-county-california-ghost-towns/
- https://www.vredenburgh.org/mining_history/pages/reilly.htm
- https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=260671
- https://www.ghosttowns.com/states/ca/reilly.html
- https://backcountryexploring.com/reilly-townsite/
- http://www.tucsonfirefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/History-of-Bisbee-1877-1937.pdf
- https://npshistory.com/publications/deva/hrs/section3b.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reilly
