From Ghosttowns.com: The gold rush was on in the Pahranagat Valley of Nevada when farmers in 1890 and 1891 discovered gold in the hills around the mountainous valley. In 1892, the Ferguson Mining District was formed. Reports came into Pioche that assays of $75 to $1000 a ton of ore was being mined resulting in the first rush of miners stampeding to the district.While miners temporarily camped in Golden City and the town of Helene, the town of Delamar soon developed shortly thereafter when Capt. John DeLamar of Montana purchased the principal claims in 1893 for $150,000 and established the early settlement of the town. The first post office was opened in June 1894 and by the end of 1895, the camp had become a full-fledged town containing many businesses and more than 300 dwellings. By 1897, Delamar was home to more than 3,000 residents and supported numerous stores, saloons, a theater and other establishments.
The extensive mining operation led to the town's reputation as the "Maker of Widows" as the "Delamar Dust" or silica dust inhaled by the miners led to many deaths. Two years after 1900 when a fire destroyed half the town, Capt. DeLamar sold his interest in the mines which had produced an estimated $8.5 million in gold. The new owners, under the control of a Simon
Bamberger, continued to outproduce all other mines in the state until 1909 but the operation was closed soon after. The site was reopened briefly from 1929-34 and evidence of a mining operation continues there today. Nestled in the Delamar Mountain range are partially standing rock buildings, mill ruins and a cemetery, which some relatives apparently still visit.