Tonopah, Nevada: Big Bill Murphy, Hero Miner

A dramatic metal statue honors the bravery of "Big Bill" Murphy, who gave his life saving men from the 1911 Belmont Mine Fire. A nearby wall mural depicts Big Bill's funeral procession.

Address:: 201 US-95, Tonopah, NV
Directions:: Downtown, in front of the post office. On the west side of US-95/S. Main St. at its intersection with Bryan Ave.

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Big Bill Murphy, Hero Miner.

Big Bill Murphy, Hero Miner

The memorial is on the main road heading into or out of town. Thank you, Big Bill, for all you did to save so many -- and you gave your life in doing so.

[Rose Howe, 03/24/2021]

Mural: funeral procession for Big Bill.

Big Bill Murphy, Hero Miner

Beautiful mural, if in town, be sure to see it. It's right off the main road.

[Mary, 04/29/2020]

It's the funeral procession for Big Bill Murphy, who died while selflessly rescuing a bunch of miners from a 1911 mine fire.

Big Bill Murphy.

Tribute Statue and Mural to Big Bill Murphy

Tribute statue is to Big Bill Murphy, who saved several injured miners in the Feb. 23, 1911, Belmont Mine fire before dying himself. The mural is across the street.

[Sandy Wilder, 07/30/2019]

According the sculpture's plaque, "Murphy went down in the mine cage a number of times to bring up stricken miners. On the last trip, he did not return."