Ranch History (continued)

SSR Timeline
The land making up what is now the SSR was originally home to the Washoe Tribe. A long oral history and occupation of the area was known before the Euro-Americans arrived in 1849. It is assumed the Washoe primarily used the area for gathering plant resources and hunting.

No known prehistoric (Native American) resources have been identified on the Ranch, however, the agricultural fields limit ground visibility and the possibilities of identifying potential resources.

1860: One of the first mills to be built was a small mill to process ores from the Mexican claim owned by a Spanish-Mexican named Gabriel Moldonado. By 1861, there were 76 mills surrounding the Comstock Lode.

This mill was called the Mexican mill and was located 3 miles north of where SSR is. Nothing remains of the mill. It stood where the Empire Ranch Golf Course is now. The mill was damaged in the floods of 1862, then enlarged and expanded. In 1863 the mill burned to the ground and was immediately rebuilt, employing the state-of the-art Freiburg milling process as well as pans, circuits and equipment to conduct custom milling of ores besides silver. The Mexican Ditch was built to service the Mexican and Mead Mills.

1861: First recorded agricultural development, recorded by the Government Land Office, along the Carson River in Eagle Valley.

1864: Rosalia Morres obtained land within the current SSR boundaries. Thereafter four other individuals (Ortley, Saxton, Elissonberry and Anderson) obtained lands that make up portions of the current SSR.

1920 (by): Only two ranches remained on the current SSR property. The Ulrich family owned the White House up until about the 1940's.

1934: Records indicate that Alfred Chartz owned (maybe the first owner) the Red House. Chartz is recognized as one of Nevada's outstanding lawyers. He also owned a house in Carson City (412 North Nevada), known locally as the Chartz House.

1946: The Dominique Herlax (Basque) family occupied the Red House. The son, Maurice Herlax, is currently living in California. He has graciously agreed to provide additional information on the ranch history.

1947: Jack and Evelyn Bird bought the White House property. During this time the Bird's improved the property by expanding the house and installing indoor pluming and electricity. They raised turkeys (note turkey barn), hogs and cattle, and grew alfalfa.

1957: Merchant Family purchased the White House and Red House properties and renamed the two ranches Silver Saddle Ranch.

1997: Silver Saddle Ranch acquired by BLM.