The principle mined ore was silver, though, copper, lead, and small amounts of gold were also extracted.
In 1885, a prospector named Thomas D. Fuller built the first cabin in the area in which would later become the town of Ruby.
Others, including Thomas Donan, William Milligan, and John Clonan also made some of the first discoveries.
Despite the fact silver still existed, it was simply no longer profitable work mining and refining the ore.
Accurate records of production were sparsely created, thus it is unknown the exact amount of output and earnings.
Today, the district remains abandoned, though rumors of plans to reopen the Fourth Of July Mine have been circulated, though no real developments have occurred.
Water can also cover up a winze, which is a shaft within the mine, or entrap dangerous gases in which are released upon disturbing of the surface tension.