A little to the east of Valmy is the town of Battle Mountain. The Battle Mountain community boasts an area population of 20,000 and has been in existence since 1870 when a local mining settlement was deserted and the inhabitants relocated to Battle Mountain Station along the Central Pacific Railroad. Residents of Battle Mountain trace their roots back to Basque pioneers and annually celebrate their heritage with a Basque Festival each winter and a come-one, come-all Basque picnic each summer.
Early success of the town was dependent on the railroad and local mines that popped up along the slopes of the Reese River Canyon. By the 1930’s most of the mines had been shut down and boarded up. 30 years later, the DuVal Company invested twenty million dollars into the development of large copper ore bodies reinvigorated growth in the city. Since that initial period of chaos the mine now produces gold instead of copper.
In Battle Mountain be sure to check out the “Battle Mountain Music Festival,” the Chukar Tournament held every November; or watch the sunset from about 3 miles out of town on the overlook and view the Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles and Hawks soaring majestically above you.
For you race fans, be sure to check out the “Pony Express 100” car race in midsummer between Battle Mountain and Austin and the newly constructed Battle Mountain Race track, an IMCA sanctioned lighted dirt circle track.
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