Graffiti-covered concrete wonders hint at a vibrant past. Today, we stand at the edge of the Three Kids Mine. This defunct open-pit manganese mine played a crucial role in American history.
From 1917 to 1961, Three Kids Mine supplied manganese. It was essential for military equipment during both World Wars. Three men discovered a high concentration of manganese here. Their names were B.R. Jefferson, B. Edwards and J. Marrs. This discovery coincided with World War I. Open-pit mining operations began immediately. The mine provided the United States military with manganese for steel combat helmets.
After World War I ended, demand decreased. The mine became almost dormant for two decades. As World War II ignited demand again, a mill was constructed in 1942. This helped process the ore. However, war activity declined once more. The mill closed in 1944. Mass production restarted in 1951 after the mill was remodeled. For another decade, manganese production continued. Finally, the pits were exhausted. Three Kids Mine closed permanently in 1961.
Did you know that Harry Frehner hauled ore using a 10-horse team? He pulled three heavy-duty freight wagons to the Las Vegas rail yards. This happened between 1914 and 1918. Crowds lined Fremont Street to watch.
The Manganese Ore Company owned Three Kids Mine. It was a subsidiary of The M.A. Hanna Company. In 1944, M.C. Lake stated that this was the largest open pit deposit of good grade manganese ore available in America. The milling plant was owned by the Defense Plant Corporation. It produced thousands of tons of high-grade manganese nodules. Two acid-proof thickeners were part of the process. These were 250 feet in diameter. They were the largest ever constructed.
In 2014, Henderson acquired the Three Kids Mine site. The Three Kids Mine Remediation and Reclamation Act was passed. Cleanup began in May 2024. It is expected to continue until 2026. A residential development is planned. It will consist of 3,000 homes. A park will cap the pits.
The mine has also appeared in movies. A major battle scene from “Cherry 2000” was filmed here. The movie was released in 1987.
Look closely at the thickener pits. They feature graffiti art. The “Wheel of Misfortune” is a notable mural. It was created in 2012 by the artist Aware. The wheel resembles a prize wheel from “Wheel of Fortune”. “Prizes” include “$000”, “Lose a Home”, and “Lose All Hope”.
The Three Kids Mine stands as a testament. It represents industry, history, and art. It is a transformation from a mining site. Now it will become a residential community. This place reminds us of the ever-evolving landscape of Southern Nevada.