The Journey is the destination
Lyon County, Nevada, is a picturesque region nestled in the western part of the state, characterized by its diverse landscapes and rich history. Located east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lyon County boasts stunning natural beauty, including rugged desert terrain, rolling hills, and expansive valleys. Its largest city, Yerington, serves as a hub for agriculture and mining, reflecting the area’s economic roots. Visitors and residents alike enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing in the Walker River, and exploring historic sites like Fort Churchill State Historic Park. The region blends small-town charm with vast wilderness, making it a unique destination for those seeking both tranquility and adventure in the heart of Nevada.
Located in Gold Canyon between Silver City and Dayton, Johntown Nevada is the first ghost town in Lyon county. None of the buildings are currently standing to mark the site of the original workings. The camp was started as a placer mining operation just off of the road in Gold Canyon in the early 1850s. The initial camp started when James Fenemore setup his tent in the side of the hill and started washing gravel for gold.
One of the lesser known yet longest running gold mining camps is Pine Grove, Nevada. Located in Lyon County, Nevada just East of the 338 highway .Pine Grove was founded in 1866 when gold was discovered by William Wilson and he founded the Wheeler Mine the following year. Within a year the town grew to about 300 people and the site was named Pine Grove Hills.
A post office was opened in 1868 in the small town along with a newspaper. A two stamp stamp mill was built to process the gold and silver ore.
The town of Pine Grove grew to 1000 people by the time the 1880s came around and the three mills processed $10,000 in gold bullion in a week. At its height, the town was spread out over a mile. The citizens enjoyed saloons, three hotels, stores, assorted businesses to support the mining effort. A dance hall was also built to keep everyone entertained.
The mining effort stalled in 1883 due to a depression in the United States. Work recovered, and the mines were again active from 1900 to 1910 with marginal results. Although there was some prospecting, mining ceased production for a final time in 1918.
The town continued to support a small population, however it finally expired in the 1930’s after over 50 years to activity.
| Name | Pine Grove |
| Location | Lyon County, Nevada |
| Post Office | Sept 1868-Oct 1869 Nov 1869-Nov 1912 |
| Newspaper | The Pine Grove Chronicle ( 1872-1872 ) |