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NYE COUNTY GHOST TOWNS
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"Preserving the Glory Days: Ghost Towns and Mining Camps
of Nye County, Nevada"
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LAUVILLE Photos
Short-lived mining camp from the early 1900s. Only had a population of 15. Disappeared from maps by 1912. Stone cabin ruins are all that is left.
LEARVILLE (Searville)(Learnville)
Short-lived camp next to Northumberland that sprang up in 1868 around 10-stamp Quintero mill. Company folded a couple months after completion. Machinery used in Northumberland mill in 1879. An open-pit mining operation has obliterated the site.
LEELAND
Station on Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad from 1906 to 1940. Main supply point for the town of Lee. Peak population of 25. Nothing remains today.
LIBERTY
Liberty was a prominent mine, although a camp never really formed. Discovered in 1867. Active until 1874, produced $112K. Worked off and on during the 1870s and 1880s. Reopened by Tonopah interests in 1904 and soon was shipping $25K a month. Production was $500K before closing in the teens. Worked a little during 1920s and 1930s. Only stone foundations of a mill and a collapsing shaft remain.
LOCKES (Ostorside)(Kaiser)(Keyser Springs)
A ranching settlement established in 1875. Earlier, freight wagons traveling from Hamilton to Reveille used the springs for water. A gas station and restaurant operated here from the twenties until the fifties. The site has been abandoned for years. A number of buildings remain.
LODI (Bob)(Marble)(Lodi Tanks) Photos
Discovered in 1874. Illinois Mine mainstay of camp. By 1878, population 100+. Mine closed in 1880 after producing $400K. Revived in 1905. By 1909, many businesses and 100-ton smelter. Water began flooding mine in 1915 and forced closure. Mine worked again from 1921 to 1928 but only on upper levels. Total production: $1.3 million. Only one building but extensive ruins remain. Fascinating site.
LOGAN STATION
Served as a stop on the Belmont-Austin stage line beginning in 1867. Once route was changed, station abandoned in early 1870s. Foundation marks site.
LONGSTREET Photos
Discovered in 1907. Much skepticism about the camp and the camp died after a year. Only serious activity began in 1928. Mill built and operations continued until 1931. Total production: 10K. Peak population of 25. Very little remains because buildings and mill removed in 1940s. More interesting buildings are left at the Longstreet Ranch.
LONGSTREET RANCH (HAWS CANYON) Photos
This was Jack Longstreet's southern ranch. While his main ranch was located further north up in Stone Cabin Valley, during the winters, he moved his cattle down into the Kawich Range. The site has been abandoned for many years and one building struggles to stand.
LONGSTREET RANCH (WINDY CANYON) Photos
LOWER REESE RIVER VALLEY Photos
LOWER TOWN (Six Mile Canyon) Photos
Small camp formed in 1867 when a five-stamp mill was built. It shut down after a few months and Lower Town was quickly abandoned. Only faint mill foundations remain. Later, Carrolton was established in Six Mile Canyon but also lasted only a short time. A series of charcoal kilns were built and a few remain.
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MANHATTAN Photos
First discoveries in 1866, mines worked to a small extent with no town forming. Major discoveries in 1905 led to huge boom. With a month, 500 people. Steady production and by 1915, 1,000 residents. During the 1920s, mines closed one by one and Manhattan faded. A revival from 1932 to 1935 produced $500K. A dredging operation from 1938 to 1947 produced $4.6 million. Total production: $12+ million, not including current open pit mine production. Remains extensive and interesting. Many buildings are left and fascinating cemetery is located nearby. A Definite Must!!!
MANSE RANCH (White's Ranch)(Yount's Ranch)
Established in 1860s. Stopping place for prospectors traveling the area. Post office from 1891 to 1914. Peaked in 1911 with a population of 50 in the area. Abandoned since 1930s.
MARYSVILLE
Short-lived camp formed in 1863. Population rose to 20 before being abandoned in fall 1864. Stone cabin ruins remain.
McCANN STATION (Swastika)
Stop on the Belmont-Tybo-Eureka stage route in the 1870s. Little use after that. Some limited mining took place between 1912 and 1914 but little was produced. Nothing is left.
MEIKELJOHN
Short-lived camp that formed in 1908 but only lasted a couple of months. Nothing at all remains.
MELLAN (Queen City)
Small mining camp that never produced but lasted 10 years. Founded in 1930 and camp of 15 formed near site of Queen City which had lived and died during 1905. Abandoned during World War II after producing on $5K. In 1950s, a few buildings still remained. Off-limits to public, on Test Site.
MEXICAN CAMP
Short-lived camp that formed in the early 1900s and only lasted a couple of months. Peak population was 25. Nothing remains.
MIDAS
Small off-shoot camp of Ione which existed from 1880s until turn of the century. Only couple of buildings ever built, mainly just miner housing away from Ione. Only scattered rubble remains.
MIDWAY
Water stop on Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad from 1907 to 1914. Only tower foundations remain.
MILK SPRINGS Photos
MILLETT Photos
Ranch built here in 1873, bought by Millett in 1896. In 1905, rich strikes in Twin River District led to the formation of a small town of 300 at Millett. Two-story hotel built. The mines faded and by 1911, only 50 remained. Town empty by 1916. Remains of Millett on private ranch include a couple buildings, crumbling stone walls, and the original ranch house.
MILTON Photos
Primarily a vegetable "ranch" established during the 1880s, although mining strikes in canyon above brought prospectors in 1863. 20-stamp mill built in 1865. Abandoned by end of 1865. One structure remains at Milton and mill foundations are located in canyon.
MINNIMUM'S (Baumann's) Photos
Station established in 1862, stop on Belmont-Austin stage route. Route abandoned by the 1880s. Mining discoveries just to west brought miners to the area and many built stone homes at Minnimum's. Population reached 25. The area was completely abandoned by the teens. Stone cabins with brush and mud roofs remain amid scattered foundations. Definite must because of the quality of the ruins.
MONARCH
Big promotional scam which took place in 1906. Tremendous promotional campaign led to the sale of 2,300 lots. By October, population was 150 and numerous stage lines came here. Promoter absconded with more than $75K and left $73K in debts. Town folded by end of year. Only scattered wood boards remain.
MOORES CREEK STATION
Served as an occasional stop on Belmont-Austin stage route in the 1870s when Moores Creek canyon served as an alternative route when the normal route was impassable. Abandoned by the 1880s. A ranch has been active here since the 1880s. A small camp sprang up in 1908 when silver and gold was discovered nearby but by summer, the little camp of 20 was abandoned. Very little marks the site today.
MOORE'S STATION Photos
Stage stop on the Belmont-Tybo-Eureka line. Established in the 1870s and beautiful two story stone house built. Boasted one of the first orchards in Nevada, which still bears fruit. After stage line was abandoned, Moore's Station became a ranch headquarters. One of my favorite places in Nevada and numerous attempts to purchase failed. After being abandoned for twenty years, it is now occupied and thankfully being restored. Besides the impressive station house, many other stone buildings are crowded nearby.
MOREY Photos
Discovered in 1866 but camp didn't form until 1869. Post office opened in 1872. Ten stamp mill built in 1874 and population was 95, but by the end of 1875, most had left. Revived in the 1880s and had 35 residents. Post office finally closed in 1905. Only occasional activity afterwards. Total production: $475K. Only the ruins of a few stone cabins remain, most of the remnants were wiped out in an earthquake caused by an underground nuclear test conducted near Moore's Station.
MOUNTAIN VIEW Photos
MUD SPRING STATION
Water stop on Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad from 1906 to 1914. Only foundations are left.
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NORTH MANHATTAN
Short-lived mining camp and formed then died during 1905. Tent camp of twenty. Small mill operated during 1918. Only tailing piles remain.
NORTHUMBERLAND (Bartell)(Monitor)(Revive) Photos
Discovered in 1866. Camp formed in 1868 but abandoned by 1870. Revived in 1875. By 1879, population was 50 but by 1881, abandoned again. 1885 and 1886 revival brought 50 to district. Largest activity began in 1939. 100-ton mill built and 75 workers hired. Forced by War Board to close in 1942 after producing $1+ million. Currently large open pit operation which has obliterated all remains of Northumberland.
NYALA (Mormon Well)(Polygamy Well)(Sharp Ranch) Photos
Ranching settlement established during the 1860s. In 1913, a regular small town began to form. A boardinghouse, general store, and restaurant opened. Post office from 1914 to 1936. Most of the original buildings are still in use today.
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OAK SPRINGS
Discovered in 1905 but little done. Occasional activity in 1911, 1917, and 1938. Total production: $5K. Off-limits to public, on Test Site.
OASIS RANCH Photos
Abandoned ranch that was used to supply the nearby mining camp of Arrowhead with fresh meat and vegetables.
OPHIR CANYON (Twin River)(Toiyabe City)(Ophir City) Photos
Discovered in 1863. Twin River Mining Company and Murphy Mine mainstays of town. By 1867, population 400. Tough rock raised costs. Company folded in 1868. Mine reopened in 1872. Company reorganized and ran mine from 1874 until the 1890s. The town's population never exceeded 100 after the peak in 1867. From 1863 to 1894, $3+ million produced. Some minor activity in the teens and twenties. Ophir used to boast spectacular stone ruins of the mill and mine offices but they were razed by the Forest Service in the 1980s. Stone ruins, a couple of structures, mine workings, and a small cemetery are left.
ORIGINAL (Orion)(Amargosa)(Bullfrog)(Aurum)
Small settlement that formed near the Bullfrog Mine during 1904. By summer, 100 people were in the tent camp. Shortly after, the entire town was picked up and moved to the new town site of Bullfrog. Nothing remains at the site except some scant remains at the mine itself.
ORIZABA Photos
Discovered 1909. Progress hindered by 100K gallons of water entering mine each day. Completely abandoned by 1926. Total production: $128K. Extensive ruins at two mines, and three structures still stand.
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PACTOLUS
Short-lived gold mining camp. Discovered 1902. Only Doctor Mine produced, from 1905 to 1907. Small revival during 1920s which brought 30 back to the camp. Only one building remains.
PARADISE PEAK (Jim Graham's Camp)
Initial discoveries by Jim Graham in 1863 but only limited production occurred in the area until the 1930s. Mercury was discovered and a large scale operation was active until the late 1940s. In 1985, FMC began a huge open pit gold mining operation which produced 986K ounces of gold and 19 million ounces of silver from 1986 to 1990. It was mined out in 1993. All remains of earlier operations were wiped out by the big pit.
PARK CANYON Photos
Originally formed in 1865. Huge stone mill built in 1867 and ran until 1869. Population as high as 50 before being abandoned in 1870. Revival in 1885 and 1886. Largest revival from 1905 to 1916, but most miners resided at Millett. Only one building and scattered cabins are left. Mill ruins at the mouth of the canyon are interesting. Old mill in canyon boasts only stone foundations.
PEAVINE Photos
Ranching settlement dating from 1870s. Served as stop on Belmont-Sodaville stage. Population never exceeded 25 and the ranch is still in operation today. A number of old stone buildings remain.
PENELAS Photos
Penelas Mine discovered in teens by Severino Penelas, worked mine alone until his death and had hoarded $100K. Major operation by Penelas Mining Company in 1931. Worked mine until 1942. More than 30 buildings built at town. Total Production: 900K. Only mill and building foundations remain.
PETERSGOLD
Water stop and wood camp on Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad from 1907 to 1914. One faint foundation remains.
PHONOLITE (Bruner) Photos
Discovered in 1906, assays of $2,500/ton led to quick formation of a small town. However, the town's name was accurate and the strikes turned out to be phony and was abandoned by 1909. Renamed Bruner, new and serious activity began in 1911 and the town had 20 residents. The mines and mill were active until 1924. A new mill was built in 1926 but when it burned in 1930, the town joined the ghosts for good. Huge concrete mill foundations, the ruins of two cabins, and a few stone foundations are all that is left.
PINE CREEK Photos
Stage stop on Belmont-Austin stage route from the 1860s to the 1880s. Post office from 1873 to 1875. After stage route was moved, Pine Creek became most prominent ranch in Monitor Valley. Owned at one time by Governor Tasker Oddie. Still an active ranch today. Only one original building is left.
PIONEER (Mayflower)(Crystal Springs)(Foundatin City)(Giles Camp)(Bryan Camp) Photos
Activity began in 1906. Major development began in 1908 after discovery of Pioneer Mine. Peak population of 1,000 in 1909. The booming town was devastated by a huge fire that swept through downtown in 1909. Took life out of town, partially rebuilt but never recovered. By 1911, population down to 300. Soon it was down to less than 100 even though mining continued until 1931. Total production: $1.6 million. Only one building remains. Only foundations and rubble mark the town site.
POTOMAC (Cimmeron)(San Lorenzo) Photos
One of the earliest camps in Nye County, forming in October 1863. Two arrastras built to treat ore from nearby Liberty. Activity ended in 1870s and nothing else took place until 1930s. The Booths worked three mines and had a small work crew. Activity continued through the late 1950s. Total production: 15K. Cabins and mill remain.
POTTS Photos
Potts has always been a small ranching settlement, established in the 1870s. Post office from 1898 to 1941. After then, the ranch saw little use and was incorporated into another nearby ranch. The ranch house remains along with a number of other buildings and stone dugouts. Worth the trip.
PRITCHARD'S STATION Photos
Station on the Belmont-Tybo-Eureka stage line during the 1870s and 1880s. A post office operated for a short while in 1874. Once the stage line was abandoned, Pritchard's Station was used as little more than a line shack for cowboys. The station still stands and is one of the most beautiful and little known structures in Nye County. A must visit if you are in the area.
PUEBLO (Gold Center) Photos
Formed in 1863 after discoveries in nearby Park Canyon. Nothing really happened at Pueblo until 1905. Within weeks, sixty tents sprang up during March 1906. However, the gold veins were shallow and the camp was abandoned in within weeks. A few buildings stand.
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QUARTZ MOUNTAIN #1 (Northwestern Nye County) Photos
While first discoveries were made in 1920, no activity occurred until 1925. Once started, the boom was on and within months, 500 people lived here. More than 15 mining companies were active in the district. However, while there were many deposits, they were small and miners struggled to keep finding new ore. By 1930, none could be found and the town was completely empty. Hardly anything has taken place since. A couple of buildings stand and the mine workings are very interesting. At least ten collapsed buildings are scattered around the town site. Even without many standing buildings, Quartz Mountain is one of the county's most interesting ghost towns.
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN #2 (Southern Nye County) Photos
Small camp formed in 1905 but quickly abandoned. New activity in 1920. 100 ton mill built and a number of buildings. Folded in 1930s. Buildings still standing in 1950s. Off-limits to public, on Test Site.
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RALSTON Photos
Station on Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad from 1907 to 1914. Small camp of 15 existed at station. Nearby silica operation operated from the teens until 1927. Nothing remains except foundations.
RAY Photos
Judge L.O. Ray discovered silver on Christmas Day 1901. By February, 1902, 200 miners had flocked to the camp. Its location hindered development and by time the first shipments were made in 1903, the ore was already fading. By the end of 1904, only a handful of determined prospectors remained. Since Ray was short-lived, no substantial buildings were built and only faint depressions mark the site.
REPUBLIC Photos
Republic sprang up around the Cirac Mine in the early 1900s but the camp was abandoned by 1908. New discoveries in 1913 revived the camp and by summer, there were 40 frame houses and tents at Republic but by 1916, the town was empty again. Another revival began in 1928 and limited production took place until the late 1930s. A couple of buildings and mine ruins remain.
REVEILLE (GILA) MILL Photos
Gila Mill built in 1869, 12 miles from Reveille. New 10 stamp mill built in 1875. Ran until 1879. Used some in 1880s but idle until 1904 after new discoveries at New Reveille. Operated off and on until 1948. Mill ruins and small cemetery remain.
REVEILLE, NEW (Morristown) Photos
Formed in 1904. Post office opened but not until 1906 that reliable deposits were found. By 1907, population of 150 but ore slowly ran out and town abandoned by 1911. Most buildings torn down but some stone and adobe ruins main.
REVEILLE, OLD Photos
One of first settlements in Nye County, established in 1866. Soon, more than 40 mines active. Town soon had population of 150. Reveille had up and downs the next 20 years but never was abandoned. Post office open from 1867 to 1902. When New Reveille formed in 1904, some people lived in Old Reveille, but the old town finally gave up the ghost in 1911. Total production: $4 million. Cyanide leaching operation active during 1970s and 1980s. Stone ruins abound. The old wood school has vanished. Hard to find cemetery located on hill to west of town site. Well worth the trip.
RHYOLITE Photos
While it was relatively short-lived, Rhyolite is one of the most interesting stories of dramatic rise and swift fall of any town in the west. Rhyolite town site staked out in November 1904. Growth and building was incredible. by 1907 and 1908, population was anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000. Numerous newspapers were in publication and substantial multi-story buildings were built. The town was served by three railroads during its time of existence. Electric streetlights were installed. The post office had the 7th largest clientele in Nevada. The town even had its own stock exchange. 85 mining companies were working the district. The financial panic of 1907 had a terrible delayed impact on Rhyolite. By the end of 1909, less than 1,000 were left. 675 by 1910 and the street lights were shut off. By 1920, only 14 people remained. The last resident died in 1924. Rhyolite is one of the most fascinating places to visit and SHOULD NOT BE MISSED! The Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad depot still stands and was used as a museum for years. The bottle house, built with 51K bottles, stands and is being restored. The other ruins are fantastic, including the Cook bank, Porter store, school, jail, etc. The town site is being cared for by the Friends of Rhyolite, which has taken on the challenging task of preserving the town from vandals. A huge open pit operation is now working nearby but, besides of shaking damage from blasting, has tried to minimize impact on the town site. Visiting this town in 1978 is what solidified my interest in ghost towns and I urge anyone who has a chance to spend a couple of days here.
ROSE'S WELL (Palmer's Well)
Well dug in early 1900s by a pair of men who ran a freight line from Las Vegas to Beatty. A stage station was built and it was the only spot between those two towns to offer the comforts of home. Became a way station for the Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad when the rails reached here in 1906. Site abandoned when railroad folded in 1918. Only well marks the site.
ROUND MOUNTAIN (Gordon)(Shoshone)(Brooklyn) Photos
Discovered in 1905 but substantial new deposits found in 1906 led to the boom. 400 in area by summer. By end of 1909, six mills in operation. Consistent production until 1940. Production to 1940: $7.8 million. More than 200 still here then. By time the huge open pit operation began in the 1970s, only 100 remained. Round Mountain Gold produced 1.6 million ounces of gold and 24.1 million ounces of silver from 1977 to 1993, and still is producing increasing amounts every year. Most of the buildings have been removed to make way for pit expansion and a new town, Hadley, has formed in the middle of the valley.
ROYSTON (Quincy)(Hudson) Photos
A small boomtown that formed during 1921 after $20K in silver was taken out of a 24' shaft in only six weeks. Some activity had taken place earlier from 1904 to 1912 but little was produced. By the end of 1921, Royston had 300 residents. However, by the end of the next year, the once bustling town was virtually empty. Some of the mines were worked intermittently for the next 20 years but little production took place. Total production: $160K. Remains are virtually non-existent, only wood scraps mark the town site.
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SAN ANTONIO (San Antonia)(San Antone) Photos
San Antonio became a major stop on the Westgate-Ione-Belmont stage line during the 1860s. Fremont had used the plentiful springs during his trek across Nevada in 1845. A two-story station/hotel was built in 1865. At its peak, San Antonio had a population of 100. However, the town survived and died with Belmont's fortunes and by 1880, both were in steep decline. By 1890, the stages stopped running. In 1896, new strikes to the south revived the town until trains reached the new towns of Tonopah and Goldfield. By 1910, only the ranch was still in operation. It was abandoned in the 1960s. Only crumbling walls of the station are left. A number of other ruins are scattered around the station.
SAN CARLOS Photos
Water stop on Bullfrog-Goldfield Railroad from 1906 to 1928. Nothing remains.
SAN JUAN Photos
One of the earliest discoveries in the county, 1862. Fifty people came but the veins faded after a month, and the camp folded. It wasn't until 1930s that intense activity took place but little production. By time the district was abandoned for good in 1950, only $11K had been produced. One stone cabin and mine head frames remain.
SAWMILL (Willows Creek Ranch)(The Willows) Photos
The camp of Sawmill grew up around a sawmill that supplied lumber for Morey, Tybo and Hot Creek. In the 1870s, it served as a horse-changing stop on the Eureka-Tybo-Belmont stage line. Later, Sawmill became a ranch which has been little used during the past 25 years. The ranch house and other old ranch buildings remain.
SHAMROCK (Camp Tungsten) Photos
Initial discoveries were made in 1863. The Indianapolis and North Star mines were worked intermittently until 1888. The discovery of mercury deposits in 1907 is what made Shamrock. The mines produced as much as sixty flasks of mercury a day until deposits faded in 1929. An earthquake collapsed the shafts in 1932 and ended any hopes of a revival. A mill still stands amid some scattered ruins.
SILVER BOW (Stephanite)(Wheaton) Photos
Discoveries in 1904 led to large rush to area. Post office opened in 1905. More than 150 residents by 1906. But by 1908, abandoned. Small revival in 1913, mill built and 25 people. Another revival in 1929 and 1930. 50 ton mill built. A few buildings still stand. Stone ruins and mill foundations remain. Small cemetery nearby. Very difficult to get to, 4 wheel needed.
SILVER GLANCE
Sister camp of Hannapah. Discovered in 1905. Active until 1909. Occasional revivals in the teens and twenties. Total production: 300+K. Nothing remains at the townsite today.
SILVERTON (Black Rock Summit)
Short-lived camp which sprang up in 1921, as a result of discoveries made in 1914. A number of wood buildings were built during the quick boom but by 1922, the ore was gone and everyone left. Only $22K was produced. Only foundations and mine dumps remain.
SOUTH BULLFROG
A promoter's dream. Townsite platted in 1906 and a couple businesses opened but financing for the town couldn't be found and everything was gone within three months. Nothing remains.
SPANISH SPRING Photos
Little known but important stage stop on Tonopah-Manhattan stage route, established in 1905. Abandoned in 1907 after station burned. One stone cabin and scattered wood remains at left.
SPRINGDALE Photos
Station on the Bullfrog-Goldfield Railroad beginning in 1906. Very important shipping point for nearby Pioneer. By 1907, close to 100 residents. Springdale began decline when Pioneer faded in 1911 although 75 where still here but by the next year, only 10 were left. A few gas stations operated here until the new US 95 bypassed the old town. All remains, some of good quality, are located on the ranch that is still in operation.
SPRINGFIELD MINING DISTRICT
Formed in 1874. Sheba Mine produced some but area was abandoned by 1876. Ruins of small stone cabin remain.
STARGO Photos
Little known mining camp discovered in 1907 and died by 1908. Only one flattened stone cabin remains.
STIRLING (Sterling)(Timber Mountain)
Short-lived mining camp that only existed from 1908 to 1909, although mining on the mountain had occured as early as 1869. Peak population of camp was 25 but after deposits proved to be shallow, quickly abandoned. No buildings are left, only rubble.
STONE HOUSE (Smith's Station) Photos
Served as stop on Belmont-Austin stage route from 1860s to 1880s. During this time and after, ranch operated here. Ranch abandoned in the 1960s. Station house still stands but barely. The shell is there but the interior is gutted. The building makes this site a definite must.
STONEWALL (Fork's Station) Photos
After discoveries in 1904, 150 people came to area but abandoned by 1905. Also served as stop on Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad. Revived in 1917. Lasted until 1926. Only remains are mine ruins at Sterlag tunnel. Very rough ride to disappointing site.
SULPHIDE
Small camp that sprang up in 1909 and disappeared by 1910. Off-limits to public, on Test Site.
SUMMIT STATION Photos
An original stop on the Belmont-Tybo-Eureka stage. Only operated for a few years in the 1870s since the stage route was changed, being replaced by Hick's Station. Only the ruins of the stone cabin station remain.
SUMO (St. Elmo)
During late 1860s, St. Elmo sprang up after ore was discovered but died quickly after the pocket was emptied. In 1905, new camp of Sumo formed after four mining companies began operations. Sumo had a peak population of 40. But the copper ran out and was abandoned by 1906. Shallow shafts and wood scraps mark the site.
SUNNYSIDE (Whipple Ranch)
Sunnyside is a still existing small settlement established in the 1880s. Post office active from 1880 to 1933. The ranch is still in operation but only some log ruins remain of the early days of the ranch.
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TATE'S STATION
Stop on the Austin-Belmont stage route during the 1880s and 1890s. Station closed in 1901. Site is part of nearby ranch. Station house and a sod stable remains.
TELLURIDE
Small camp that sprang up in 1908 but was gone by 1910. Had a peak population of 25. Only tailing piles mark the site. An open pit gold operation in 1989 and 1990 produced 30K ounces of gold.
TOLICHA
Ore discovered in 1905 but nothing developed until 1917. Camp of 25 formed. 10 ton mill built in 1920. District abandoned by 1927. Total production: $180K. In 1950s, one building remained. Site off-limits, on Test Site.
TONOGOLD Photos
Short-lived camp that sprang up in 1914. By September, 50 men were working the mines. A camp never really formed because the miners simply lived in nearby Tonopah but by the end of 1914, interest was gone and Tonogold was no more. Nothing remains.
TONOPAH (Butler) Photos
Not a ghost town but one of the most prominent mining towns in Nevada. Discovered by Jim Butler in May, 1900. January, 1901, population was 40, March, 60, by April, 250. First year of production was $750K. By the end of 1902, 3,000 people called Tonopah home. The Tonopah and Goldfield Railroad arrived in 1904. Tonopah became the county seat in 1905, replacing Belmont. Tonopah's mines produced consistently until the Depression. From 1900 to 1921, the peak years, $121 million was produced. In 1913 alone, $10 million was mined.After the late 1940s, little mining actually took place anymore. Total production tops $150 million. Today, tourism plays an important role in Tonopah's welfare. Many original landmarks remain, including the Mizpah Hotel. Many old mine headframes dot the landscape. Two highlights of the town are the Central Nevada Museum and the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, both of which offer excellent views into Tonopah's past. The mining park encompasses some of the best mine remains in town and a guided tour is offered. At the museum, indoor and outdoor displays give a strong sense of what life was like in a mining town.
TOYAH
Toyah was a stop on the Belmont-Ione stage run during the 1860s. Only faint wood remains are left of the station.
TRANSVAAL (Nyopolis)(Gold Gulch)
Short-lived camp but wild boom and bust story. Discovered in February 1906. By April, 75 tents and a population of 150. By the third week of May, completely abandoned. No permanent structures ever built, nothing remains.
TRAPPMAN'S CAMP (Carr's Camp)(Yellowgold)
Discovered in 1904. Camp of 15 formed, abandoned by 1906. Not much interest until 1931. New camp of Carr's Camp formed. Still active when mines forced to close because of formation of Test Site. Total production: $100K.
TROY Photos
Discovered in 1867. 20-stamp mill built in 1870. By 1871, 100 residents. Post office from 1873 to 1876. Troy abandoned soon after. Revival from 1908 to 1915. A 20-ton flotation mill was built in 1936 and operated until 1949. Five buildings remain in Troy, three of which are occupied by hunters during season. The mill ruins are very interesting and the stack still stands.
TWIN SPRINGS Photos
Small ranching settlement dating from 1870s.
TYBO Photos
First discoveries in 1866, but Tybo didn't form until 1874. By 1876, population was almost 1,000. Fifteen brick charcoal kilns built in canyon during 1877. From 1877 to 1880, Tybo was county's top producer. However, the main company folded in 1881 and by the end of the year, only 100 left. The mines were idle the next 25 years and only a handful of people populated the town. A huge fire in 1994 destroyed more than 30 buildings. By 1911, only 4 residents were left. Major revival began in 1916. Large 100-ton mill built and operated until 1921. Last revival took place from 1926 to 1937 when Treadwell Yukon had major operation. Tybo's population rose to more than 200 during this time. Total production: $9.8 million in silver and lead. Today, a few people still live in Tybo. A plethora of buildings, mine ruins, and kilns remain in and around Tybo. A small cemetery is nearby. Tybo is one of Nye County's best ghost towns.
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UNION Photos
Union, a minor camp, came to life in 1863, but folded by 1866. Not much happened at Union during the 1870s and 1880s. When nearby Berlin boomed, Union became the preferred place for the miners to live since it was much quieter. It peaked during 1904 and 1905 when it contained more than 20 buildings. When Berlin shut down in 1910, so did Union. Today, the site is part of the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, and a campground is located nearby. One building stands amid scattered melting adobe walls.
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VAN NESS Photos
Small mining camp two miles from Barcelona. Work on claims began in early 1920s. By 1929, mercury operation was in full swing and camp had population of 20. By 1935, ore ran out and camp was abandoned. Short revival in 1940 and 1941. Total production: 100+K. Very interesting remains. Ruins of cabins are scattered around virtually complete mine workings.
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WAGNER Photos
Water stop on Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad from 1906 to 1918. Some scattered concrete foundations remain.
WAHMONIE Photos
First discoveries made in 1904 but development didn't take place until 1928. One of the last boomtowns in Nevada. By end of February, 1,350 claims filed. By March, 500 people arrived. Streets crowded with automobiles. During the summer of 1928, population peaked at 1,500. Faded quickly as ore values dropped to $3 a ton. No mining taking place by summer of 1929 and only handful of people remained. Completely abandoned by 1931. Off-limits to public, on Test Site.
WARM SPRINGS Photos
First settled in 1866. More popular for its warm springs than anything else. After the turn of the century, a store and lodging house were built. A more recent saloon and gas station complex has closed. The springs still flow and while the swimming pool is private, a couple of shacks are available for visitors to use.
WASHINGTON Photos
The Warner Mine was discovered in 1860, making Washington the earliest camp in Nye County. Additional discoveries led to small rush during 1862 and 1863. About 50 people lived here at its peak. However, by 1865, the mines had all closed. Washington experience small revivals in the early 1870s and early 1880s but little was produced. Best production took place from 1918 to 1922 when intensive work was conducted, although the cost was more than the ore value. Only occasional efforts took place after. Ruins of three mills remain along with a number of stone ruins. Site is well worth the long trip.
WELLINGTON (O'Brien's)
Short-lived mining camp established in 1904. Number of buildings and mill built. Abandoned by 1905 and no other activity took place. In the 1920s, buildings and mill still stood. Off-limits to public, on Test Site.
WHITE CAPS Photos
Small mining center near Manhattan that formed in 1915. 10 stamp mill and 75 ton cyanide plant built. Mines here active until 1940. Production from 1915 to 1940: $2.7 million. New activity started in 1980s and still is going on. Very extensive and interesting ruins. Number of buildings remain. Also, mill and furnace remnants. Must see site!
WHITE ROCK SPRING
Small mining camp that formed in early 1900s. Little production and abandoned by 1910. Off-limits to public, on Test Site.
WILLOW CREEK
First discoveries in 1911. Willow Creek Mining Company mainstay of the camp. Active off and on until 1920. Area mines worked occasionally from the 1920s to 1950, when all activity ceased for good. Total production: 100K. One building stands and scattered ruins dot the area.
WILLOW SPRINGS
Established as a stop on the Belmont-Westgate stage line in May 1867. Once nearby Cloverdale developed, the Willow Springs station was closed. Only rocks and a spring mark the site.
WILSON'S CAMP
Small camp formed after discoveries in 1904. Extreme difficulty in transporting ore doomed camp. Camp abandoned by 1906. Off-limits to public, on Test Site.