Located about fifty miles north of Tonopah, Manhattan Nevada is ghost town located at the end of Nevada State Route 377 in Nye County, Nevada. Originally founded in 1866, the location is one of many which experienced a silver boom. The ore from this production was processed in Belmot, Nevada however the district was in 1871.
1905 brought new life to the district as a gold boom and “4,000 people flooded into the region”. The story is that on April 1st, 1905, John Humphrey and two companions discovered a gold while riding after cattle in the area. The new mine was dubbed the April Fool mine. Better discoveries were soon found in the area, undoubtedly due to the influx of people and a total of eight townsites were stacked. The end of 1905 found a gold ledge assayed at $10,000 per ton and several hundred citizens living in the town.
Manhattan continued to flourish in 1906 with the town swelling by 4,000 people in just two weeks time. Freight wagons, automobiles and stages all hauled supplies into the fledgling town and the road between Manhattan and Tonopah was traveled 24 hours a day. To support this influx of people and entrepreneurial saloon keepers sold floor space for people to sleep and a bath cost $3. Although most people lived in a quickly erected tent city, lots along main street were sold for between $1300 and $1900 and several wood framed structures housed the various local businesses.
The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 dealt a blow to the mining industry when Manhattan was “humming loudest”. Investment from the bay area dried up, while the citizens of San Francisco prioritized the rebuilding efforts. Local mines all but ceased production during this time.
The town on Manhattan saw a resurgance in 1909 and the population of 800 to 1000 people and their town matured into great little town. Local mines produced Gold, Silver and Copper, while Frank Garside published a weekly newspapper, the Post. The town continued its mining operations, including a gold dredge.
In total, the mines of Manhattan Nevada produced a total of 10.3 million dollars until it ceased operations in 1947. Today, Manhattan is home to 124 people and boasts two bars, The Miner’s Saloon and and The Manhattan Bar and Motel.
My family was in Nevada around 1920’s Ruth and Ely….I have seen Rawhide, when my uncle worked in Gabbs, Have been in
Manhattan when my other uncle lived in Manhattan and Tonopah, currently I live in Sparks. Too me the state is OK much history here….I only wish that when people visit the Ghost towns that they leave things the way they found it. So that others
could also enjoy the history. Gary O’Dell
We visited a few months ago, early 2022. Did a loop from Tonopah across several ghost towns. Loved the whole area! In Manhattan we visited the church, library, school… so much history. Everyone was extremely friendly. I am glad these places are quite remote it takes a bit of effort to get to them, I also hope they continue to stay well preserved. If you go to visit be prepared in regards to vehicle, food, water, gas etc. Stay on marked trails/roads and leave everything how you found it! Enjoy this great state so many hidden secrets =] MOJO ADVENTURES – IG: @mojo.adventures – YT: Mojo Adventures NV
Pingback: Manhattan NSHM Nevada State Historic Marker #97 - Destination4x4