Delamar

State: Nevada County: Lincoln County Founded: 1892 Abandoned: 1909 Peak Population: 1,500-3,000

Delamar was called 'The Widow Maker' because silica dust from the dry-crushing mills killed hundreds of miners from silicosis. At peak, 1,500-3,000 lived here producing $13 million in gold. The deadly working conditions were legendary—so many miners died that their widows gave the town its grim nickname.

Quick Facts

  • Known as 'The Widow Maker' for killing so many miners
  • Silica dust from dry-crushing mills caused deadly silicosis
  • So many miners died that widows became the town's defining feature
  • Produced $13 million before workers refused to die for gold

Location

Address: Lincoln County, Nevada

Coordinates: 37.4647, -114.7331