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.
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.
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
| Name | Gold Hill, Nevada |
| Location | Storey County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.2931, -119.6566 |
| Elevation | 5,980 Feet |
| GNIS | |
| Population | 8,000 Max 95 Current |
| Newspapers | Gold Hill Daily News Oct 12, 1863 – Apr 1882 Daily Morning Message June 16, 1864 People’s Tribune (The) Jan – June 1870 |
| Post Office | Jul. 13, 1862 – Feb. 27, 1943 |