Ophir
From Mojave Underground USA Wiki
Ophir Utah is a small semi ghost town just off highway 73. The Ophir Hill mine has many artifacts that have been removed from the mine and placed outside. It makes for a good tourist destination. The land owners do not take lightly finding people on their property without permission; if traveling through the area, please respect any Private Property and No Trespassing signs.
Contents |
History
Named after the King Solomon's (of the Bible) mines, Ophir got its start as US Army troops prospected the area. General Patrick Connor and his troops made some of the first claims in the area which would become Ophir in 1865. The Ophir mining district was organized in 1870 and by 1871 more than 2,500 mining claims had been staked as the town's population reached 1,200. Most of these mines yeilded very shallow lodes, causing many to eventually leave. A drop in silver prices eventually led to the slowing and stop of most production in Ophir. High amounts of silver are still held within the larger mines, and the claims are still held, showing mining might one day resume again within these hills.
Ophir's profits from silver and gold were record breaking. Within a few weeks, over $1,000,000 of nearly pure silver was dug from the Kearsage Mine. Other high producing mines included the Velocipede, Shamrock, Miner's Delight, Wild Delirium, and the massive producer, The Ophir Hill Mine. The Ophir Hill Mine boasted some rich areas averaging 20,000 ounces of ore per ton.
"This was the typical mining town - saloons, gambling and dance halls, red-light houses, hotels [The Pioneer, built 1870], cafes, stores, and living quarters".
Mine Closures
In late 2007, many of the mines in the Ophir area were either gated or backfilled by the Utah Department of Oil, Gas, and Mining.
Requirements
4x4 vehicle is exploring outside of city Mine Exploration Gear
Forum Link
http://www.mojaveunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 23 people, 10 households, and 6 families residing in the town. The population density was 143.0 people per square mile (55.5/km²). There were 33 housing units at an average density of 205.1/sq mi (79.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.65% White and 4.35% Asian.
There were 10 households out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, and 40.0% were non-families. 40.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 3.17.
In the town the population was spread out with 8.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 8.7% from 25 to 44, 43.5% from 45 to 64, and 30.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females there were 109.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $50,000, and the median income for a family was $49,167. Males had a median income of $46,875 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,906. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.
Location
40.369102, -112.258534
References
Carr, Stephen L. The Historical Guide to Utah Ghost Towns
Carter, Kate B. Our Pioneer Heritage Vol 14. Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1971 Salt Lake City, Utah
Thompson, George A. Some Dreams Die: Utah's Ghost Towns and Lost Treasures
Please respect the property of the Ophir Canyon area.
