For nearly a year, this monthly column has showcased an event or a person from Battle Mountain's history. This month, the column centers on an event in the town's future: the release of a book about its past.
On July 4, 2014, the Lander County Historical Society will unveil to the public All Roads Lead to Battle Mountain: A Small Town in the Heart of Nevada, 1869-1969. Containing never-before-published photographs, interesting maps, and lots of detail about the town's first century, this book offers a comprehensive review of the people, places, and events that shaped Battle Mountain's development.
The idea about producing a full-length book about the town's history began in the Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum in the summer of 2013, and interest soon spread throughout the community. Generous grants ensured that the project launched immediately, and the work continued under the careful watch of the Historical Society's Board of Trustees.
For several months, I explored Battle Mountain's history by diving deeply into early newspapers, county and state records, and distant archives. Many others also contributed significant amounts of time and energy to the project by answering questions and seeking out resources. Current and past residents generously opened their photo albums and shared family stories. Descendents of the earliest residents provided new insights. Without fail, everyone was gracious and kind, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through Battle Mountain's past.
In the end, more information was accumulated than could be included in the space available. All of the related research notes will be filed at the Cookhouse Museum and made available to future researchers.
Reno graphic artist Nancy Peppin started the design process late in 2013, and within a few months, after editing and indexing, the book was finished and ready to go to print. The Board chose Dynagraphic Printing in Reno to do that important work. With that decision, the book became a true Nevada project from start to finish. The Nevada 150 Commission officially dubbed All Roads Lead to Battle Mountain as a Sesquicentennial Legacy Project in honor of Nevada's 150th anniversary of statehood.
In the meantime, local businesses enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity to join the early supporters to ensure that the book was fully funded. That generosity ensures that all proceeds from book sales will go directly to the Lander County Historical Society.
In 1870, the residents of the new town of Battle Mountain heartily celebrated Independence Day with festivities that featured a parade and concluded with a grand ball. Throughout the years, regardless of weather or economy, this holiday has remained a favorite in Battle Mountain, making July 4th an ideal time to release this new book. I am looking forward to this year's street dance and parade and then meeting you all under the shady trees of Elquist Park as we celebrate that all roads really do lead to Battle Mountain.
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