Entry No. 47 — the Las Vegas file — filed under: history

Frenchman Mine

Established in 1907, the Frenchman Mine was a notorious stock scam orchestrated by a Belgian immigrant who was mistaken for French. The promoters lured investors with false claims of rich gold and gypsum veins, building a 100-ton mill in 1913 before abruptly fleeing the area. Today, only concrete foundations of the mill and scattered tailings piles remain at the base of Frenchman Mountain.

The move: Hike the trails along the southern base of Frenchman Mountain to photograph the concrete mill ruins and watch the sunset over the Las Vegas Strip.

📍 Before you go The mine shafts are sealed and dangerous, but the concrete mill ruins and tailings piles are legally viewable from the surrounding public trails.

• 📍 Sunrise Manor
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Frenchman Mine, Sunrise Manor, NV 89110, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: raisethestakeseditions.com · nevadaexpeditions.com

last checked: 2026-07-20