Category: Destination4x4

Johntown Nevada – Lyon County Ghost Town

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Johntown, Nevada, holds the distinction of being the state’s first mining town and its first ghost town. Situated in Gold Canyon, between Dayton and Silver City in Lyon County, Johntown emerged in 1853 as a key settlement during Nevada’s early mining era. Its brief existence laid the foundation for the discovery of the Comstock Lode, a monumental event in American mining history. Though no physical remnants of the town survive today, its legacy endures through historical markers and its role in shaping Nevada’s identity.

Placer mining, 1880s, in Gold Canyon. The original site of Johntown mining settlement , south of Silver, City Nevada - Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, Howell North, 1970, p 70. courtesy of Nevada Historical Society
Placer mining, 1880s, in Gold Canyon. The original site of Johntown mining settlement , south of Silver, City Nevada – Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, Howell North, 1970, p 70. courtesy of Nevada Historical Society

Founding and Early Development

Johntown was established in 1853 by James Fenemore, a teamster who created a mining camp along the Gold Canyon road. The region had seen minor gold discoveries as early as 1849, when emigrants passing through to California found traces of gold near Dayton. By the early 1850s, the area attracted a growing number of miners, including a significant population of Chinese prospectors. Their presence inspired the town’s name, “Johntown,” derived from “John Chinaman,” a term commonly used to refer to Chinese immigrants during that period.

The town’s early economy relied on placer mining, with miners using rudimentary tools like rockers and long toms to extract gold from the canyon’s deposits. Mining was seasonal, constrained by water availability, which limited operations to the wetter months of winter and spring. Despite these challenges, Johntown grew into a thriving camp and became the largest mining settlement in what was then the western Utah Territory.

Role in the Mining Industry

Johntown’s miners focused on gold, though the yields were modest and labor-intensive due to the scarcity of water. The town’s significance, however, lies in its connection to the Comstock Lode. Several individuals who would later become central figures in that silver discovery resided in Johntown during its peak, including the Grosh Brothers, Peter O’Riley, Patrick McLaughlin, H.T.P. Comstock, and James Finney (“Old Virginny”). Their presence in Johntown positioned the town as a launching point for one of the richest mining booms in the American West.

Cultural and Social Life

Life in Johntown reflected the rugged nature of a frontier mining camp. One notable resident, Eilley Orrum (later Mrs. Sandy Bowers), ran a boarding house that served as a social hub for miners. She provided lodging and meals, later leveraging her earnings to become a prominent figure in the Comstock era. Nearby, “Dutch Nick’s” saloon hosted weekly “grand balls” every Saturday night, featuring music, dancing, and gambling. With only three women in town, local stories claim that Sarah Winnemucca, a Paiute Indian princess, occasionally attended to even out the dance floor.

Johntown also made history with the Gold Canyon Switch, Nevada’s first newspaper. Handwritten by editor Joe Webb from 1854 to 1858, this unique publication circulated among miners, offering news and entertainment. No copies of the Switch have survived, but its existence underscores Johntown’s cultural vitality.

Decline and Legacy

The discovery of silver in the Comstock Lode in 1859 triggered Johntown’s rapid decline. As miners abandoned Gold Canyon for the richer deposits near Virginia City, Johntown emptied out, earning its status as Nevada’s first ghost town by the early 1860s. Key establishments, including Dutch Nick’s saloon and Eilley Orrum’s boarding house, relocated to Gold Hill, leaving Johntown behind.

Today, the site of Johntown is private property, marked only by a historical plaque on Nevada State Route 341, south of Silver City. Erected in 1967 by the E Clampus Vitus organization, the marker commemorates Johntown’s pioneering role in Nevada’s mining history.

Conclusion

Johntown, Nevada, was a short-lived but influential settlement that bridged the gap between small-scale gold prospecting and the massive silver boom of the Comstock Lode. Its early miners, diverse population, and cultural contributions highlight the tenacity of those who shaped Nevada’s frontier. Though it stands today only as a memory, Johntown’s story remains a vital chapter in the history of the American West.

Nevada’s first mining town established in 1853. A boarding house was operated here by Eilley Orrum (Mrs. Sandy Bowers). Other prominent residents, discoverers of the fantastic Comstock Lode, included the Grosh Brothers, Peter O’Riley, Patrick McLaughlin, H.T.P. Comstock, and James Finney (Old Virginny).

Nevada Historical Marker No. 39

Johntown Trail Map

Town Summary

NameJohntown
LocationLyon County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.251944, -119.623611
GNIS858442
Elevation4,720 feet
Population180
NewspaperThe Gold Canyon Switch (handwritten)

References

Midas Nevada – Elko County Ghost Town

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Midas, Nevada, is a small unincorporated community in Elko County, celebrated for its historical significance as a gold mining town. Established in the early 20th century, Midas has experienced cycles of prosperity and decline, yet it persists as a “living” ghost town with a small, enduring population.

In 1907, the settlement of Midas, was called Gold Circle, because the mining area encircled the camp. - Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970)
In 1907, the settlement of Midas, was called Gold Circle, because the mining area encircled the camp. – Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970)

Early History and Founding

The story of Midas began in June 1907 when James McDuffy discovered gold at the base of the Owyhee Bluffs. Initially named Gold Circle, the town emerged as a bustling mining camp alongside a neighboring settlement called Summit. By April 1908, Gold Circle’s population surpassed 1,000 as prospectors flocked to the area. A post office opened in 1907 and operated until 1942, supporting the growing community.

In 1909, the federal government renamed Gold Circle to Midas, likely to distinguish it from other Nevada towns with “gold” in their titles, which had caused postal confusion. The name Midas, evoking the mythical king who turned everything to gold, aptly reflected the town’s raison d’être. However, early growth was hampered by the absence of local stamp mills to process ore, forcing miners to ship only the richest material to distant facilities. By late 1909, the population dwindled to 250, though the addition of six stamp mills that year laid the groundwork for future resurgence.

Midas, 1908 - Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North,
Midas, 1908 – Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North,

Mining Industry in Midas

Gold was the lifeblood of Midas, though the ore also yielded silver, copper, lead, and zinc. The Elko Prince Mine emerged as a key operation during the town’s early years. After the initial boom of 1907–1908, the lack of processing infrastructure led to a bust. A second boom from 1916 to 1921 was fueled by the stamp mills, which processed 119 tonnes of ore daily, revitalizing the economy.

Mining declined after the 1920s, and operations halted in 1942 amid World War II, reducing the population to a mere handful by 1950. A modern revival began in 1998 with the Midas Mine, operated by Hecla Mining. This underground facility employs advanced techniques to extract gold and silver, sustaining Midas’ mining legacy into the 21st century.

Social and Cultural Life

At its peak, Midas supported a lively community with saloons, restaurants, a jail, a town hall, and a schoolhouse built in 1927, which served until 1952. The school burned down in 2005, leaving behind playground remnants as a nostalgic relic. Social life included dances, elections, and occasional violence, such as murders on Main Street.

The Midas Bighorn Saloon, housed in a 120-year-old building, remains a cultural cornerstone, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Since 1994, the nonprofit Friends of Midas has preserved the town’s history through photographs, letters, and documents, ensuring its stories endure.

Current Status and Legacy

Today, Midas blends history with modest vitality. With an estimated population of 349 and a median age of 46.4, it hosts full-time residents and seasonal homeowners. Beyond mining, the town attracts hunters and recreationists drawn to its rugged surroundings and historic charm. Preservation efforts by Friends of Midas and the saloon’s continued operation keep the past alive.

Conclusion

Midas, Nevada, embodies the resilience of America’s mining frontier. From its Gold Circle origins to its modern mining renaissance, the town has navigated booms, busts, and reinvention. Though small, Midas remains a vibrant link to Nevada’s gold rush heritage, balancing history with a quiet, enduring present.

Town Summary

NameMidas, Nevada
Also Known As Rosebud, Gold Circle
LocationElko County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude41.2440709, -116.7967729
GNIS845906
Elevation1750 meters / 5742 feet
Post Office1908 – 1942
Population2000
NewspaperGold Circle Miner (The) Apr 11, 1908
Gold Circle News June 20 – Sept 26, 1908
Gold Circle Porcupine May 20, 1914

Midas Town Map

References

Onion Valley Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Onion Valley Campground is a scenic, high-elevation campground in the Inyo National Forest, located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near Independence, California.

At approximately 9,200 feet (about 2,800 meters) in elevation, it offers a pristine alpine setting tucked near the end of Onion Valley Road. The campground sits alongside a creek (Independence Creek), surrounded by lodgepole pines, aspens, rugged granite peaks, wildflower meadows in early summer, and nearby waterfalls.

Its proximity to the John Muir Wilderness and the Kearsarge Pass Trailhead (just ¼ mile away) makes it a popular basecamp for backpackers, hikers, and those seeking solitude in one of California’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. The campground typically operates from mid-May to mid-October, depending on snow conditions.

Detailed Amenities

Onion Valley Campground has 29–30 single-family campsites (some sources list slight variations), which are generally private with scenic views. Key amenities include:

  • Campsites: Picnic tables and fire rings/grills at each site. Sites can accommodate tents and smaller RVs/trailers (up to about 25–30 feet).
  • Bear Safety: Mandatory bear-proof food storage lockers at every site due to high bear activity. Bear-proof trash receptacles are also provided.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets (no flush toilets or showers).
  • Water: Potable water is available in some descriptions, though official Forest Service info often notes it may not be (confirm current status when reserving).
  • Firewood: Available for sale in the campground.
  • Other: No hookups, no dump station, no cell service. Campsites are primitive but well-maintained.

Reservations are recommended and can be made through Recreation.gov, especially during peak summer months.

Activities

The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts:

  • Hiking & Backpacking — Primary draw. The Kearsarge Pass Trail leads into the John Muir Wilderness and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. Popular destinations include Robinson Lake, Gilbert Lake, Flower Lake, and beyond to Kings Canyon/Sequoia areas. Day hikes and multi-day trips are common.
  • Fishing — Excellent trout fishing (rainbow, brown, brook, and others) in nearby Independence Creek, Robinson Lake, and other alpine lakes.
  • Wildlife Viewing & Photography — Stunning mountain scenery, wildflowers, waterfalls, and dark skies for stargazing.
  • Horseback Riding — Equestrian-friendly trails in the area.
  • Other — Nature viewing, relaxing by the creek, mountain biking (on select routes), and exploring the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape.

Wildlife in the Area

The high Sierra environment supports diverse wildlife. Campers should practice proper food storage and bear awareness.

  • Mammals: Black bears (frequent visitors—use lockers!), mule deer, mountain lions (rarely seen), pine martens, and pikas (cute, rabbit-like animals common in rocky talus slopes).
  • Birds: Various species typical of alpine and subalpine forests.
  • Fish: Trout in streams and lakes.
  • Other: Occasional smaller mammals and reptiles; wildflowers attract pollinators in summer.

Tips: Bring layers for cool nights even in summer, prepare for afternoon thunderstorms, and follow Leave No Trace principles. The drive up Onion Valley Road is steep and winding but offers beautiful views.

This campground provides a peaceful, immersive high-country experience perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Always check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions, fees, and alerts before your trip.

Boyer, Nevada – Churchill County Ghost Town

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Churchill County, Nevada
Churchill County, Nevada

Boyer, Nevada, is a ghost town located in northeastern Churchill County, Nevada, near the mouth of Cottonwood Canyon in Dixie Valley.

Establishment and Naming

Boyer was established in the early 1860s, with its post office opening on April 22, 1896, and operating until January 31, 1914. The town was named after Alva Boyer, a prospector and the first postmaster, who settled in the area and established the Boyer Ranch. Alva’s discovery of copper in the region marked the beginning of Boyer’s brief but notable history as a mining and ranching community. The town’s location, approximately 50 miles south of Lovelock, positioned it as a minor hub in Churchill County, connected to the Southern Pacific Railroad for shipping and banking purposes.

Economic Activities

Mining

Boyer’s economy was primarily driven by copper mining, which began in the early 1860s. The Boyer copper deposit, part of the Table Mountain Mining District, contained chalcopyrite and other copper sulfides found in fine fractures and amygdule fillings within mafic volcanic rocks. In 1861, several wagon-trains transported rich copper sulfide ore from Boyer to Sacramento, and subsequently to smelters in Swansea, Wales, indicating the high value of the ore extracted during this period. By 1907, mining activities were still significant, with reports of a proposed traction wagon road from Mill City to Goldbanks, including Boyer as a stop, highlighting its role in regional mining logistics. However, the lack of a local mill limited the processing of lower-grade ores, as only ore valued at $90 per ton or higher was economically viable for shipment.

Ranching

In addition to mining, Boyer supported a ranching community centered around the Boyer Ranch, established by Alva Boyer. The ranch served as a critical component of the town’s identity, providing agricultural support and serving as a base for the post office and mining operations. The 1907 Nevada Directory noted Boyer as a shipping point and banking town, with a weekly stage to Lovelock costing $3.00, underscoring its role in regional trade and communication.

Connection to Eagleville

Boyer was often associated with Eagleville, a mining area 11 miles northeast of Rawhide, approximately 50 miles from Boyer. Eagleville, active from the 1880s, had a post office from June 3, 1889, to March 13, 1913, and was known for placer mining between 1905 and 1908. Despite their proximity, the two towns were distinct, with a notable 1907 postal cover bearing both Boyer and Eagleville postmarks, suggesting some level of mail exchange or regional connectivity. The rarity of this cover, noted as unique in 2016, highlights the historical significance of Boyer’s postal operations.

Decline and Ghost Town Status

Boyer’s decline began in the early 20th century, culminating in the closure of its post office in 1914. Several factors contributed to this decline, including the exhaustion of easily accessible high-grade copper ore and the lack of infrastructure, such as a local mill, which made processing lower-grade ore uneconomical. The town’s remote location and reliance on distant markets for ore processing further limited its sustainability. By the mid-20th century, Boyer had become a ghost town, with only remnants of the Boyer Ranch and mining structures remaining, as documented in modern photographic records.

Churchill County Context

Churchill County, established on November 25, 1861, and named after Mexican-American War hero Brevet Brigadier General Sylvester Churchill, provided the broader historical and geographical context for Boyer. The county, with its seat in Fallon, was characterized by rugged terrain, including mountainous ridges and desert landscapes, which influenced the development of isolated communities like Boyer. The county’s economy benefited from reclamation projects like the Carson-Truckee Project (1903) and Lahontan Dam (1914), which transformed parts of the desert into agricultural land, but these developments primarily supported Fallon and other larger settlements, leaving remote areas like Boyer less impacted.

Conclusion

Boyer, Nevada, represents a quintessential example of a short-lived mining and ranching community in Churchill County. Named after Alva Boyer, the town thrived briefly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to copper mining and ranching activities. Despite its economic contributions, the lack of local processing infrastructure and the exhaustion of high-grade ore led to its decline, resulting in its current status as a ghost town. Today, Boyer serves as a historical reminder of Nevada’s mining heritage and the challenges faced by remote communities in sustaining economic viability.

Sources

  • Nevada Expeditions, “Boyer”
  • Mindat.org, “Boyer copper deposit”
  • Uncovering Nevada, “Eagleville, 1907, Boyer Nevada”
  • Wikipedia, “Churchill County, Nevada”
  • Britannica, “Churchill County, Nevada”

Grays Meadows Campground

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Grays Meadows Campground (often referred to as part of the Grays Meadows complex) is a scenic campground in Inyo National Forest, located in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

It sits at an elevation of about 6,100 feet along Independence Creek, roughly 6 miles west of the small town of Independence, California. The campground offers a beautiful mix of sunny and shaded sites in a high-desert landscape dominated by oak groves, with the dramatic peaks of Mt. Williamson and Mt. Whitney (the highest in the contiguous U.S.) providing stunning backdrops.

Lower Grays Meadows features 52 campsites (the overall Grays Meadows complex includes an adjacent Upper section with additional sites). It is popular with hikers, anglers, and those seeking a peaceful base for exploring the nearby John Muir Wilderness. The campground typically operates seasonally from late April through mid-October, though dates can vary with weather.

Amenities

  • Campsites: Individual sites with picnic tables, fire rings/grills, and bear-proof food storage lockers (essential due to frequent bear activity).
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets (generally kept clean by camp hosts).
  • Water: Potable water available seasonally (confirm current status before visiting).
  • Other: Camp hosts on-site, firewood for purchase, and parking for vehicles (most sites accommodate smaller RVs or trailers up to about 40 feet; not ideal for large RVs). No showers, hookups, or dump stations.
  • Pets are allowed (two per site, must be leashed).
  • Some sites are reservable via Recreation.gov; others may be first-come, first-served.

Activities

  • Fishing — Independence Creek is regularly stocked with trophy-size rainbow trout. The early trout season (starting in March) is a big draw.
  • Hiking & Backpacking — Excellent access to trails into the John Muir Wilderness. The challenging Shepherd Pass Trail (leading to alpine lakes and high peaks) is nearby. Other options include day hikes and longer backpacking trips.
  • Wildlife Viewing & Nature Appreciation — Abundant opportunities to observe local animals and birds.
  • Other — Picnicking, photography, mountain biking (on certain roads/trails), and relaxing by the creek. In spring, it can serve as a base for skiers and snowboarders accessing higher terrain.

Wildlife in the Area

The eastern Sierra location supports diverse wildlife:

  • Mammals — Black bears (common; proper food storage is mandatory), mule deer, mountain lions, pine marten, and pika.
  • Birds — Numerous species typical of the Sierra Nevada and high-desert transition zone.
  • Fish — Rainbow trout in Independence Creek, plus other native and stocked species.
  • Other — Occasional sightings of smaller mammals and reptiles. Raccoons are also reported by campers.

Bear safety is emphasized: always use provided lockers, keep a clean camp, and never leave food unattended.

This campground is ideal for those who enjoy a semi-primitive experience with easy access to town (Independence is about 15 minutes away) while being immersed in dramatic mountain scenery. Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months. Always check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions, fire restrictions, and availability.