Mining Above the Timberline – Legends of America
Perched atop the rugged terrain of Mount Kearsarge, one of the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada range in Inyo County, California, lies a relic of a bygone era: the Rex Montez gold mine. Situated at an astounding elevation of 13,000 feet above sea level, this mine holds the distinction of being located far above the timberline, in a realm where perpetual snow reigns supreme.
A Realm of Perpetual Winter
The sheer altitude of the Rex Montez mine presented formidable challenges to its operation. Nestled in a landscape devoid of trees, the mine was perpetually blanketed in snow, even during the summer months. This necessitated the transportation of all essential supplies, including wood for heating and cooking, via pack mules. Water, a precious commodity in this arid environment, was sourced from the laborious process of melting snow.
Despite the harsh conditions, the miners of Rex Montez persevered, constructing comfortable boarding and lodging houses to provide respite from the elements. For three to four months each winter, the mine was effectively cut off from the town of Independence, a mere eight miles away, yet tantalizingly visible from the mine’s lofty perch.
Undeterred by the isolation and frigid temperatures, mining operations continued unabated throughout the winter. The mine’s tunnels and drifts, perpetually encased in ice, offered a unique working environment, akin to a vast, natural refrigerator. The mill, located at the base of the main peak, five miles below the mine, operated only during the summer months when the pack trail was clear of snow.
The Perils of Descent
Venturing down from the mine during the winter months was a perilous undertaking, fraught with danger and hardship. The steep, snow-covered slopes posed a significant risk of accidents, and the arduous return journey was equally challenging.
One tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dared to traverse the treacherous terrain. A Chinese cook, eager to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Independence, attempted to descend from the mine during the winter. Tragically, he became lost in the blinding snow and perished. His body remained undiscovered until the summer thaw, when a miner stumbled upon it, frozen solid in a deep ravine.
A Grim Discovery and a Twisted Tale
The discovery of the cook’s body sparked a flurry of activity in Independence’s Chinese community. A reward of $500 was offered to anyone who could recover the remains. A resourceful miner, enticed by the prospect of financial gain, carefully extracted the body from the snowbank and concealed it in the nearby brush. He then proceeded to Independence to claim the reward.
However, the Chinese community, facing financial difficulties, was unable to fulfill the full amount of the promised reward. Undeterred, the miner, fearing that the body would thaw and decompose in the warm sun, negotiated a reduced sum of $250, which he promptly accepted. He then led the Chinese community to the location of the body, ensuring its swift retrieval. The bones were eventually sent back to China, fulfilling the deceased cook’s final wish.
From Reward to Ruin
The miner, flush with his newfound wealth, embarked on a spree of revelry that ultimately led to his downfall. In a drunken rage, he shot and killed the town’s Sheriff. He was apprehended, tried, and sentenced to death. However, fate intervened, and he was deemed insane, thus escaping the hangman’s noose. Years later, the author of this account encountered the miner in the Stockton Asylum, noting a cunning glint in his eye that suggested a degree of lucidity beneath his apparent madness.
A Glimpse into the Past
The tale of the Rex Montez mine offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who sought their fortunes in the unforgiving landscape of the Sierra Nevada. It is a story of perseverance, hardship, and the enduring allure of gold. The mine, though long abandoned, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American frontier.
About the Author
This account was penned by William Daugherty for the Reno Evening Gazette in 1891. The Reno Evening Gazette, first published in 1876, served as a vital source of news and information for the residents of Nevada for over a century. In 1977, it merged with the Nevada State Journal, forming the Reno Gazette-Journal, which continues to serve the community today.
Note: This article has been edited for clarity and readability, with minor grammatical changes and spelling corrections made to suit the modern reader.
See Also:
- Mining on the American Frontier
- Nevada Mining Tales
- Nevada – The Silver State
- Pioneers on the Nevada Frontier (Reno Evening Gazette)