Category: Ghost Towns

Ghost towns are fun places to explore and commonly great destinations for a 4×4 trip.

Gold Hill Nevada

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Gold Hill, Nevada is a small unincorporated community located in Storey County, Nevada, United States. It is situated on the eastern side of the Virginia Range, about 10 miles south of Reno. The history of Gold Hill dates back to the early 1850s when gold was discovered in the area.

Gold Hill, Nevada Circa 1867, 1868 Photographer Timothy H. O'Sullivan
Gold Hill, Nevada Circa 1867, 1868 Photographer Timothy H. O’Sullivan

The discovery of gold in Gold Hill is credited to two miners, Peter O’Riley and Patrick McLaughlin, who were working on the Comstock Lode. In 1859, O’Riley and McLaughlin found a rich vein of gold near the top of a hill. They named the hill Gold Hill and the area soon became a booming mining town.

By 1860, the population of Gold Hill had grown to over 1,000 people. The town had several saloons, a hotel, a newspaper, and a variety of other businesses. The mining companies in the area were also thriving, with the largest, the Consolidated Virginia and California Mine, producing millions of dollars worth of gold and silver.

Gold Hill was a rough and rowdy town, with gambling, drinking, and fighting being common occurrences. However, the town also had a more cultured side, with several theatrical performances and lectures taking place in the local opera house.

In 1875, tragedy struck Gold Hill when a fire destroyed much of the town. Despite the setback, the mining companies continued to operate and the town slowly began to rebuild.

Gold Hill, Nevada, View from above the Yellow Jacket. Date of photo: Late 1870s Photographer: Carleton Watkins
Gold Hill, Nevada, View from above the Yellow Jacket. Date of photo: Late 1870s Photographer: Carleton Watkins

Over time, the mining industry in the area declined and many of the mines were shut down. However, Gold Hill remained a small community and its historic buildings and landmarks have been preserved.

Today, Gold Hill is a popular tourist destination, with many of its historic buildings, including the Gold Hill Hotel and the Gold Hill Brewery, still standing. Visitors can also take a tour of the nearby mining sites and learn about the history of mining in the area.

In conclusion, Gold Hill, Nevada has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early days of the mining industry in the American West. Despite facing setbacks and challenges over the years, Gold Hill has managed to preserve its unique character and charm, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and tourists alike.

Gold Hill Nevada Trail Map

Gold Hill Nevada Summary

NameGold Hill, Nevada
LocationStorey County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.2931, -119.6566
Elevation5,980 Feet
GNIS
Population8,000 Max
95 Current
NewspapersGold Hill Daily News Oct 12, 1863 – Apr 1882
Daily Morning Message June 16, 1864
People’s Tribune (The) Jan – June 1870
Post OfficeJul. 13, 1862 – Feb. 27, 1943

Ryan California

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Ryan, California, is a small unincorporated community located in the southeastern region of San Bernardino County, California. The town is located in the Greenwater Range in Death Valley National Park. This community has a long and fascinating history, spanning from the early 1900s to the present day.

Postcard showing a panoramic view of Ryan, a mining camp in the Death Valley, California, ca.1920 - Photo Credit “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library.
Postcard showing a panoramic view of Ryan, a mining camp in the Death Valley, California, ca.1920 – Photo Credit “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library.

The Beginning of Ryan, California

Ryan, California, was founded in 1908 by the Ryan brothers, who were attracted to the area for its rich mineral deposits. The Ryan brothers were mining entrepreneurs who owned several mines throughout California, and they saw the potential for a profitable mining operation in the southeastern San Bernardino County.

The brothers built a mining camp and named it Ryan, after themselves. The camp quickly grew into a bustling town, with hundreds of workers and their families living in the area. The Ryan brothers continued to expand their mining operations, and the town grew to include a post office, school, and several businesses.

The Ryan brothers were successful in their mining endeavors, but their success was short-lived. In 1913, a devastating flood destroyed much of the town, including many of the mines. The Ryan brothers were unable to recover from the disaster and were forced to sell their mining claims.

The Rise of Borax

After the flood, the town of Ryan struggled to survive. However, a new opportunity arose when the Pacific Coast Borax Company began mining operations in the area. Borax was a mineral that was in high demand at the time, and the Pacific Coast Borax Company saw the potential for a profitable operation in the Ryan area.

The company built a railroad to transport the borax from the mines to processing plants in other parts of the country. The railroad was a major economic boost for the area, and many new workers came to the town to work in the borax mines.

The town of Ryan grew once again, and new businesses opened to serve the needs of the growing population. The Pacific Coast Borax Company also built a new school for the children of the workers and provided other amenities for the community.

During this time, Ryan was a bustling community with a population of over 500 people. The town had a hotel, a general store, a post office, and several other businesses. The Pacific Coast Borax Company was the main employer in the area, and the town depended on the success of the company.

Photograph of the "Baby Gauge" (aka "Baby Gage") mine train at the mining camp of Ryan, Death Valley, ca.1900-1950. A car with one headlight can be seen at center on tracks pulling a platform with four benches upon it. Someone can be seen driving the car, while four men and women sit on the benches. A small wooden shack with a portion of the roof missing can be seen behind the platform, while a ladder, wooden planks, and more tracks are visible at left. A valley and mountains can be seen in the background. - “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library.
Photograph of the “Baby Gauge” (aka “Baby Gage”) mine train at the mining camp of Ryan, Death Valley, ca.1900-1950. A car with one headlight can be seen at center on tracks pulling a platform with four benches upon it. Someone can be seen driving the car, while four men and women sit on the benches. A small wooden shack with a portion of the roof missing can be seen behind the platform, while a ladder, wooden planks, and more tracks are visible at left. A valley and mountains can be seen in the background. – “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library.

The Decline of Borax

The town of Ryan continued to thrive for many years, but the decline of the borax industry led to a decline in the town’s population. The Pacific Coast Borax Company closed its operations in Ryan in the 1920s, and many of the workers moved away to find work elsewhere.

The town struggled to survive without the borax industry, and many of the businesses in the town closed their doors. The school closed, and the post office was shut down. By the 1930s, the town of Ryan was mostly abandoned, and only a few people remained.

The Revival of Ryan

In the 1950s, a new industry brought life back to the town of Ryan. The United States Air Force began using the area around Ryan for training exercises, and a new airfield was built in the area. The airfield brought new jobs to the area, and the town began to grow once again.

The Air Force base, known as the Ryan Airfield, was in operation from the 1950s to the 1980s. During this time, the town of Ryan saw a new era of growth and prosperity. New businesses opened, and the population of the town grew to over 500 people once again.

However, when the Air Force base closed in the 1980s, the town of Ryan once again faced a decline. Many of the businesses that had opened.

Tours

Ryan is closed to the general public for safety and historic preservation reasons, the Death Valley Conservancy offers occasional public tours. Tour participants can be selected by signing up on the Death Valley Conservancy’s website.

Town Summary

NameRyan California
Also Known AsColemanite,
Devair,
New Ryan
LocationDeath Valley National Park, San Bernardino County, California
Latitude, Longitude36.3213, -116.6697
Elevation928 meters / 3045 feet
GNIS1661348

Ryan Town Map

References

Ludwig Nevada

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Ludwig Nevada is a ghost Town is a historic site located in Lyon County, Nevada. The town was founded in the late 1800s by John Ludwig, a German immigrant who came to the area in search of fortune during the mining boom that swept across the western United States.

Ludwig was originally a hub of commerce for the surrounding area. The town was strategically located at the junction of several important transportation routes, making it a popular stopover point for travelers and a center of trade for local farmers and ranchers. The town’s economy was driven by the mining industry, which brought many people to the area in search of work and opportunity.

At its peak, the town own was a bustling community with several hundred residents. The town had a number of businesses, including a general store, a post office, a hotel, and a saloon. The town also had a school, a church, and several residences.

However, as the mining industry declined and the region’s population dwindled, Ludwig began to fade into obscurity. By the early 20th century, the town was largely abandoned, and many of its buildings had fallen into disrepair.

In the decades that followed, the town became a popular destination for ghost hunters and history buffs. The Ludwig Historical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the town’s heritage, was founded in the 1980s. Since then, the society has worked tirelessly to restore the town’s buildings and promote its history and culture.

Today, the Ludwig ghost town is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore its historic buildings and learn about the town’s colorful past. The town’s schoolhouse and church have been restored and are open to the public, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the town’s residents.

Visitors to Ludwig can also explore a number of other historic buildings, including the old general store, the post office, and several residences. The town’s saloon, which was partially destroyed by fire in the 1990s, has also been partially restored and is a popular attraction.

In addition to its historic buildings, Ludwig Ghost Town is also home to a number of events and activities throughout the year. The town hosts an annual Ghost Town Days festival, which features live music, food vendors, and a variety of historical exhibits and demonstrations. Visitors can also take guided tours of the town and learn about its history and heritage from knowledgeable local guides.

Overall, Ludwig Ghost Town is a fascinating and unique destination that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Nevada’s mining towns. Its well-preserved buildings, educational exhibits, and lively events make it a must-see destination for history buffs and anyone interested in exploring the rich heritage of the American West.

Ludwig Ghost Town Summary

NameLudwig Nevada
Also Known AsMorning Star, Morningstar
LocationDouglas County
Latitude, Longitude38.9551, -119.2758
GNIS857470
Elevation5,169 Feet
Population750
Years Active1907-1930
Post OfficeMorningstar Post Office June 1908 – November 1911,
Ludwig Post Office November 1911 – July 1932

Ludwig Trail Map

Frenchman Station Nevada

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Frenchman, or Frenchman Station is an unincorporated community and old stage stop locate in Churchill county, Nevada. The property was devlopred by Aime “Frenchy” Bermond, a native of France who came to Nevada in 1899. The station and stage stop is a relay point along the freight route between Fallon and the mining camps of Fairview and Wonder

Frenchman Station, Nevada 1910 - Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North, p 94, Mrs. Lyle de Braga Collection
Frenchman Station, Nevada 1910 – Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North, p 94, Mrs. Lyle de Braga Collection

In the early 1900s, the station provided lodging and food, with a hotel, restaurant, saloons and stables and travellers. Water is hauled into the location from Luck Boy Springs, which is located about twelve miles away. Frenchy had the water hauled in by paid freighters. A sign proudly stood at the holding tank that read: “If you don’t want to pay for this water, leave it alone.”

Frenchy died in 1926, however his station is sold numerous times. The station remains open until 1985. The U.S. Navy bought out the community in 1985 due to its proximity on the northern boundary of the Dixie Valley bombing range. The remaining buildings were demolished two years later. Today, the location is not much more than a wide spot in the road.

Location Summary

NameFrenchman Station
LocationChurchill County, Neada
Also Known asFrenchman, Bermond
Latitude, Longitude39.2793679, -118.2701317
GNIS857995
Elevation4,157 Feet
Post OfficeNov. 24, 1920 – May 31, 1926

Trail Map

References

Hazen Nevada

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Hazen Nevada is a small inincorporated town in Churchill county, Nevada located about 16 miles northwest of Fallon.. The town is formed when the Southern Pacific realigned its route to the East of Wadsworth in 1902. A Post Office is established in 1904 and several saloons “hydrated” workers digging the a nearby 31 mile long canal between the Truckee River and the Carson River.

"Saloons and disreputable places of Hazen (Nev.) June 24, 1905." By Lubkin - NARA - 532037.jpg
“Saloons and disreputable places of Hazen (Nev.) June 24, 1905.” By Lubkin – NARA – 532037.jpg

The small rail town is the location of the last lynching in the state of Nevada. Desperado, Willian “Nevada Red” Wood was hung from a telegraph poles not far from the tiny jail, on February 27th, 1905 after robbing canal builders and the citizens of Hazen. Journalists at the time noted, “Keep the good work up! Ornament all telegraph poles with the carcasses of this type of men”

William "Nevada Red" Wood, was Hung on February 27th, 1905 in Hazen, Nevada
William “Nevada Red” Wood, was Hung on February 27th, 1905 in Hazen, Nevada

Hazen became an important four way rail junction for the Southern Pacific, which installed a round house and handsome depot. In 1908, a fire burned much of the town, however the town soon rebuilt. A small school educated the children of several nearby ranches. The Palace Hotel was a main attraction of the little community. The hotel was host to a restaurant and grill. The store located in Hazen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Town Summary

NameHazen, Nevada
Other NamesHazen Station.
LocationChurchill County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.5653, -119.0464
GNIS864634
Population250
Post Office1904 – Current
Elevation4,000 Feet
NewspaperThe Harvest

References