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Description

This circa mining map represents a portion of the Eureka Mining District in Nevada, centered on the Atlas Mine.

The Eureka Mining District, located in central Nevada, just south and west of the town of Eureka, gained prominence following the discovery of ore in 1864. Peak mining production in this district occurred between 1870 and 1890, marking it as a significant period in the history of Nevada’s mineral exploration. The map outlines several key features and workings associated with the mines in this area.

The Atlas Mine, depicted as a central point on the map, lies within a north-south trending mineral belt known as the Dunderberg-Windfall Belt. This belt extends from the northwest corner of section 25, township 19 north, range 53 east, running southward for over two miles. The mine saw peak production between 1875 and1879, hence the dating of this map, which is an estimation.  The region is characterized by rock formations ranging from the Early Cambrian period to more recent geological periods, reflecting the complex and rich mineral composition that attracted mining operations during the late 19th century.

Several of the mines within this belt, including the Dunderberg, Atlas, and Hamburg mines, are notable for their high productivity, particularly in the late 1870s and early 1880s. Despite their historical significance, many of the mine workings depicted on this map, such as tunnels and shafts, have become inaccessible over time, making this map an important historical record of the district’s once-flourishing mining industry. 

The red gridlines across the map indicate a surveying overlay, which was likely used to demarcate claims and coordinate mining efforts. The detailed notations of specific shafts, tunnels (including the Frazer Tunnel), chutes, and property boundaries, such as the "New Shaft" and "Original Main Shaft (Incline)," provide further insight into the technical operations of the Atlas Mine and its surrounding area. The intricate network of mine tunnels and shafts highlights the complex engineering feats achieved during this era of Nevada’s mining boom.

Condition Description
Hand drawn map on drafting linen. Soiled, with pencil annotations and old folds.