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Prospecting For Gold in Nevada in the 1950s

This Gold Placer Map of Nevada, compiled and published by Walter J. Robertson in the 1950s, represents a guide to potential placer mining locations across Nevada. Robertson, an author known for his work on gold panning and prospecting, created this map as a practical resource for amateur and professional prospectors alike.

The map was originally issued with a set of "Confidential Tips on Placer Mining in Nevada," a booklet intended to provide further insider knowledge on mining sites, sourced from lesser-known records and private sources. 

The map highlights various counties in Nevada, marking numerous placer mining districts where gold had previously been found. Each location is numbered and categorized by major and minor placer districts, allowing users to locate specific sites of interest. Detailed references to locations like Churchill County’s Eagleville, Esmeralda County’s Klondyke, and Humboldt County’s Paradise Valley reflect Robertson’s attempt to encompass Nevada's most promising areas for placer gold. 

In addition to the map, Robertson offered several instructional booklets designed to enhance the prospecting experience, including titles like Prospecting for Gold, Fortunes in Minerals, Popular Prospecting, and How to Know the Minerals and Rocks. These titles are advertised on the map for prices ranging from $1.00 to $5.00, or as a complete set for $10.00, reflecting the practical focus of Robertson's publications. 

The map and accompanying notes also include cautions about the challenges and risks associated with desert prospecting. Robertson advises prospectors to check road conditions, inform others of their plans, and join the “American Prospectors” organization for additional support and community insights. He notes that although gold had been found in the locations marked, there are no guarantees of continued success, and legal permissions may be required to mine in certain areas.