I’ve driven by this spot for years, but desperate for a photo for the day, I stopped here today during my run to the grocery store.  Just off Hwy 50,  the Rock Point Mill:

Founded in the early 1850s, after gold was discovered in the area, Dayton is one of Nevada’s most historic mining communities. A trip through the town reveals a quaint and historic downtown with a handful of well-preserved buildings.

However, the east edge of town, adjacent to Dayton State Park, is a lesser-known historic site that helps tell the story of Dayton. Nestled in a grove of graceful cottonwoods is the Rock Point Mill, one of Dayton’s oldest remnants of its mining glory days.

Charles C. Stevenson, who was Nevada’s governor from 1887 to 1890, built the mill in 1861. Constructed at a cost of $75,000 (a considerable sum at the time), the mill had 40 stamps that crushed silver and gold ore carried over the mountain from Gold Hill via an elaborate tram system.

I knew none of this when I pulled over to the side of the road to explore. I didn’t have much time, and I’d like to go back and give the place a closer go-over, but here are a few shots from my cursory visit.

There were three hawks flying overhead, but I only managed to get this fellow’s picture.

Detail!

As I mentioned, time was short, so I jumped back in the car to head to the grocery store, but on my way I was distracted by what I thought were more hawks. Nope. Turkey vultures!  There was this handsome guy.

Actually, there were three (but just two in this photo).