Celebrating the Fourth in Past Boom Towns
The Fourth of July, a day of national pride and jubilation, has long been a cornerstone of American identity. As the nation matured, so too did the traditions surrounding this momentous occasion. For those who have witnessed countless Independence Day celebrations, the holiday serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s enduring spirit and unwavering promise. In the burgeoning states of the American West, particularly in Nevada, the Fourth of July took on a unique significance, embodying both patriotism and the rugged individualism of the frontier.
Nevada: A Land of Pioneers and Celebrations
Nevada, often hailed as the "Silver State," held a special allure for pioneers and adventurers seeking fortune and opportunity. Within its vast and untamed landscapes, the spirit of the Fourth of July resonated deeply among the hardy souls who had carved out a life amidst the sagebrush and mountains. For these pioneers, the holiday was not merely a day of festivities, but a symbol of their hard-won freedoms and their unwavering belief in the American dream.
As William Daugherty, a keen observer of Nevada’s history, noted in his 1891 article for the Reno Evening Gazette, it was a challenge for many to recall where they had celebrated each Fourth of July since making Nevada their home. Life in the boom towns was transient, marked by constant movement and the relentless pursuit of riches. Yet, despite the ever-changing landscape, the spirit of the Fourth remained a constant, uniting the diverse population in a shared sense of national pride.
The Early Years: War, Resilience, and Hope
The early years of Nevada’s Fourth of July celebrations were often tempered by the ongoing Civil War. News from the front lines arrived slowly via the Overland Stage, bringing both hope and despair. In the mining camps, representatives from all corners of the nation gathered, their feelings running deep. Despite the undercurrent of tension, a spirit of mutual respect prevailed, as evidenced by the flags that flew proudly from saloon staffs, serving as a reminder that the country remained united.
Celebrations during these times were simple yet heartfelt. People gathered in congenial groups, singing patriotic songs led by the jovial Dan Morgan, a lover of melody. Discussions often revolved around Nevada’s quest for statehood and the need to attract investment from the East to develop the state’s vast resources, including mines, mills, wood ranches, and the fertile meadowlands of the Reese River Valley.
Boom Times and Elaborate Festivities
As Nevada’s mines began to yield their riches and eastern capital poured in, the Fourth of July celebrations grew more elaborate and extravagant. In 1865, the town of Austin witnessed a particularly joyous celebration, fueled by the newfound prosperity. A year later, the festivities moved to the rock-ribbed Ophir Canyon, where the Twin River S.M. Co. provided employment for hundreds of laborers, miners, and millmen. Although lacking in formal orators or poets, the canyon echoed with song, led by the stalwart Billy Smith, who would later become the U.S. Postmaster of Eureka, and his brothers. Despite the lack of culinary expertise, the celebration was a resounding success.
In 1867, Ophir Canyon once again played host to the Fourth of July festivities, culminating in a lively stag dance, a testament to the scarcity of women in the mining camps. The following year, Austin outdid itself, hosting not one, but three processions to accommodate the growing population. The first two processions were intensely partisan, led by Major Bradley and Major Sherman respectively. Each procession was elaborate and impressive, showcasing the community’s newfound wealth and pride.
A Burlesque Parade and Reconciliation
The partisan fervor that marked the morning processions threatened to overshadow the spirit of unity that the Fourth of July was meant to embody. However, cooler heads prevailed, and a group of representative men conceived a brilliant idea: a burlesque parade in the afternoon to diffuse the tension and foster a sense of camaraderie.
The proposition was met with enthusiasm, and by 4 p.m., the burlesque parade was in full swing. Participants from the rival morning processions joined forces, creating a spectacle of comical proportions. The procession mocked everything that had been taken seriously earlier in the day, eliciting uproarious laughter from the spectators.
The climax of the burlesque parade occurred in front of the National Bank, where masked figures delivered parodies of speeches, poems, and orations. Despite the disguises, the crowd quickly recognized prominent citizens such as Judge W.H. Beatty, Colonel Harry I. Thornton, John Dennis, Judge John H. Boalt, Mayor J.S. Slanson, and the Honorable Tom Wren. The jollity and good-natured ribbing swept away the last vestiges of ill-feeling, leaving behind a sense of unity and brotherly love.
A Circus and a Tightrope Walk
To cap off the remarkable day, a small circus that had wandered in from Virginia City added to the festivities. John Dennis announced from the platform that the evening’s entertainment would include a tightrope performance by none other than Majors Bradley and Sherman, the leaders of the morning’s rival processions. The announcement was met with thunderous applause, and the two majors, with a touch of humor and a great deal of skill, put on a show that delighted the crowd.
The 1868 Fourth of July celebration in Austin became legendary, remembered as a turning point in the town’s history. Never again would partisan feelings be allowed to disrupt the proper observance of this cherished anniversary.
Enduring Legacy
William Daugherty’s account of these early Fourth of July celebrations in Nevada provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the pioneers who shaped the American West. Their celebrations were not mere displays of patriotism, but expressions of their resilience, their optimism, and their unwavering belief in the promise of the nation.
As we celebrate the Fourth of July today, it is worth remembering the spirit of those early pioneers who found ways to unite, even in the face of adversity. Their legacy reminds us that the true meaning of Independence Day lies not only in commemorating the nation’s birth, but also in celebrating the bonds that unite us as Americans.
See Also:
- Mining on the American Frontier
- Nevada Mining Tales
- Nevada – The Silver State
- Pioneers on the Nevada Frontier (Reno Evening Gazette)
About the Author:
This article was inspired by the writings of 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, continuing to serve the community as the Reno Gazette-Journal.