Barcelona

Mexican miners made silver discoveries here as early as 1866. The camp didn't get its start until 1874, when a man by the name of Castilian grandee Emanuel San Pedro led a group of Mexican prospectors into what would be known as the Spanish Belt. Several mines, to include the Barcelona mine, were founded that same year. The camp grew to over 150 residents. The camp contained an assay office, blacksmith, three boardinghouses, shop and store. The Austin to Belmont stage route was also rerouted to serve Barcelona. Fading ore saw only a handful of remaining residents by 1877. A small revival began in 1879-1880 but was short lived. 1917 saw another burst of renewed activity. The Spanish Belt Consolidated Silver Mines Company began work on the Barcelona and San Pedro mines. This operation employed 25 men. A large vein was hit in 1918. By 1920, the tunnel extended to over 4,200 feet. Other companies that began work in the area included the West Spanish Belt Silver Mining Company and the Belmont Big Four Mining Company. A ten-stamp mill was built in 1920. In 1921, a concentration and flotation plant were added. It appeared as if this new revival was going to be very successful. Unfortunately, it would only last a year. The properties sold for $17,000 at a bankruptcy sale in 1923. In 1926, the mill was dismantled and moved to the town of Clifford (see that page in the Nye County section). According to Hall, in the 1980's, a small operation began work in the area. This is confirmed by a long-time, northern Nye County native who also stated that the area was worked on a very small level in modern times. There are two sections to see when traveling to this area. The original stone cabins are to the north. The mill relics are in the canyon to the south. In those photographs, there are clearly remnants from both the early 1900's and the late 1900's. The USGS lists a discovery year for the Barcelona Mine as 1870, with the discoverers being listed as "Mexicans". In 1980, the USGS listed the Barcelona Mine as active and being worked by four men. The USGS stated that the mine was also active from 1981-1983 and became inactive in 1984. A second USGS report lists the discovery year of the Barcelona Mine as 1866, with a first year of production being 1870.

Post Office: None.

Last Trip/ Road Conditions: The photographs are from the last trip in July 2022. Whether going to the upper section to the north, or the mill section in the south, the roads are rough. Four-wheel drive at a minimum is recommended. You can also come in from Flower's Camp in the east/northeast. I haven't been that route, but I hear that this route can be even worse. This location is way out in the middle of nowhere. Go prepared!