Central Nevada Museum & Historical Society
Jim Butler was camping around Tonopah Springs in 1900 when his burro wandered off.
While chasing it, Butler picked up a rock to throw at it and discovered some promising looking ore. He continued his journey and showed the samples to others, who showed little interest. After returning to his home in Belmont, Butler told a young attorney named Tasker Oddie about his discovery. Tasker had a friend who taught chemistry in Austin, and he enlisted the teacher’s help in assaying the sample. The ore valued at more than $200 a ton.
He’s considered the founder of Tonopah and Jim Butler Days is named in his honor.