1870s Mine Camp In Mojave National Preserve Tin Camp, Stone Camp, Sagamore Mine, Rappel Down Shaft

Lying in one of the most scenic canyons in the Mojave National Preserve, Tin Camp, Stone Camp, and the Sagamore Mine are currently in the York Fire Burn Area. We hope that what was one of the largest remaining mining camps in the Preserve has survived the fire.
Our visit to this area took place in November of 2022, and now, in late July of 2023, the York Fire, which is the largest fire currently burning in California, is devastating this area.

Silver was first discovered here in 1870 by Mormon pioneers. The silver was located in narrow quartz veins, and many other high-grade mineral outcroppings were identified in the area as well. Mining activity increased in the following years, and in 1873, a 15 stamp mill with a 40HP steam engine was installed. It was one of the earliest milling operations in the region. The mill proved to be a failure and was shut down the following year and moved to Ivanpah. In the following years, lead, copper, and zinc deposits were also discovered in the New York Mountains. Around 1890, 80 miners were employed at what was then called the New York Mine. Sometime around 1907, the mine now under new ownership was renamed the Sagamore Mine. 1917 was the mine's most productive year. It yielded 110,000 pounds of lead and 5,200 ounces of silver. The mine was worked sporadically until about 1945. We hope you enjoy the video and that this beautiful area was somehow spared by the York Fire.