University of Nevada Press, Reno, Nevada 89557 USA
Copyright 1994 by University of Nevada Press
All rights reserved
Manufactured in the United States of America
Design by Kaelin Chappell
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Hall, Shawn, 1960
Romancing Nevadas past : ghost towns and historic sites of Eureka, Lander, and White Pine counties / Shawn R. Hall.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
ISBN: 978-0-87417-228-7 (pbk.: alk. paper)
1. Ghost townsNevadaEureka CountyGuidebooks. 2. Ghost townsNevadaLander CountyGuidebooks. 3. Ghost townsNevadaWhite Pine CountyGuidebooks. 4. Historic sitesNevadaEureka CountyGuidebooks. 5. Historic sitesNevadaLander CountyGuidebooks. 6. Historic sitesNevadaWhite Pine CountyGuidebooks. 7. Eureka County (Nev.)Guidebooks. 8. Lander County (Nev.)Guidebooks. 9. White Pine County (Nev.)Guidebooks. I. Title.
F847.E8H34 1993
917.93'150433dc20
93-22777
CIP
Frontispiece: Prospect, 1907. (Denver Public Library)
This book has been reproduced as a digital reprint.
ISBN: 978-0-87417-010-8 (ebook)
This history of Eureka, Lander, and White Pine counties is happily dedicated to my most ardent supporter, my mother
LORRAINE LOREY HALL
She has taken the time not only to be a parent but also to be a great friendsomething that is not easy to do, especially with a free-minded and fiercely independent person like myself. This book also means a lot to both of us, as it was our first coadventure in the wilds of Nevada. Thank you, Mom!
PREFACE
Although the research for this second volume of my Nevada ghost town series was completed several years ago, finishing undergraduate and graduate studies forced me to curtail my writing activities for a whileand thus the long delay in the appearance of the present study. Many people have asked me about my sequel to the Nye County book, and I am very happy now to have my history of Eureka, Lander, and White Pine counties published. I want to thank all of my earlier readers for their kind letters, and I invite the readers of this book to write to me with any comments or suggestions.
I have striven to cover all of the historical sites in these three counties and to give each place the attention it deserves. Directions to each site are included so that the reader on vacation can visit the wonderful ghost towns that these counties offer. I have included photos with the text and have tried to provide a contrast between the ghost towns at the time of their maximum population and their present condition. While the history of these counties is extremely rich, the scenery offered is spectacular. That alone makes a visit to this area worthwhile, for the beautiful surroundings accentuate the unique appeal of the ghost town settings.
Since many of the historical sites in the three counties are on private property, visitors must take care to respect warning signs. If there is any doubt, one should seek permission from the owner. Please do not tear buildings or ruins apart for relics, or vandalize the old remains. Such senseless acts benefit no one and deprive many others. Take as many photos as you want, but please leave what still stands alone so future generations can enjoy these sites for years to come.
I have already begun work on an Elko County book and hope to have that project completed by 1994. I look forward to meeting many more fascinating Nevadans as I continue my travels through the Great State of Nevada.
Happy Ghost Town Hunting!
Shawn Hall
Elko, Nevada 1993
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book represents a final product that many people have been instrumental in helping to complete.
First, I would like to thank the residents of Eureka, Lander, and White Pine counties, who made me feel very welcome during my travels. This book is a tribute to them and to their ancestors. In particular, I would like to thank Charlie and Lois Chapin, Al and Jean Legarza, Bud Easton, John and Elizabeth Wear, Bob Hanks, and Marie-Teresa Fowell (White Pine Museum).
Photographic assistance came from many quarters: Bob Nylen and Gloria Harjes of the Nevada State Museum, Eslie Cann and Judith Rippetoe of the Nevada Historical Society, Heidi LaPoint of the Western History Research Center at the University of Wyoming, Mati Stephens of the MacKay School of Mines, the Bancroft Library, the Denver Public Library, the United States Geological Survey, the Library of Congress, and the Northeastern Nevada Museum.
Special thanks go to my best friend, Bruce Franchini. As my friend and fellow camping enthusiast, he has joined me in exploring the lost sights of Nevada.
Finally, I want to thank everyone for receiving my first book so well. This book is for you. I hope you will enjoy it.
Eureka County
A Short History of Eureka County
Eureka County was created from Lander County on March 1, 1873. Long before any town was established, emigrants were traveling through Eureka County on their way to California. Many journals relate tough times getting across Nevada. Places such as Gravelly Ford were important rest stops for emigrants preparing to cross the dreaded desert.
The core of Eureka Countys history revolves around Eureka, the county seat. While initial mining discoveries were made in 1864, it wasnt until 1870 that Eureka began its impressive production. Eurekas prosperity led to a flurry of prospecting throughout the county. Towns such as Mineral Hill, Ruby Hill, and Vanderbilt sprang up. Palisade became an important shipping point for virtually all supplies heading to the south, first for freighters and later for the Eureka and Palisade Railroad.
The Pony Express has an important page in Eureka Countys history. Four original stations were located in the county. Freighting and stage lines were prevalent for many years. Eureka and Palisade became centers of goods for towns, mining camps, and ranches in a wide area. The arrival of the Eureka and Palisade Railroad (later the Eureka-Nevada Railroad) in 1875 allowed for the countys continued growth.
Eureka always remained the heartbeat of the county. When Eureka was successful, the county prospered. However, when the major mines of Eureka closed, the county experienced depression-like times.
When Eureka faded in the 1890s, the county fell upon quiet times. Ranching became the mainstay of the economy. While some new strikes were occasionally mademost notably Buckhornit wasnt until microscopic gold was discovered in the 1960s that the county was once again at the forefront of Nevada mining production. The incredible amounts being produced from the Carlin Trend in northern Eureka County easily outdistance production numbers from the early years. In addition, new mines in operation near Crescent Valley and Ruby Hill promise to add even more. Eureka County has found a new prosperity that should continue for many years.
Alpha
DIRECTIONS: Located 38 miles north of Eureka, via Nevada 278.
Alpha, the most prominent of the early Eureka and Palisade Railroad stations, flourished because circumstances were perfect for its success. The railroad had proceeded southward from Palisade, but construction was halted at Alpha during the fall of 1874. The boom at Eureka brought hordes of travelers, which allowed Alpha also to boom. During 1874 and 1875, the town was expanded to include a 75-guest hotel, saloons and stores, and all of the Eureka and Palisade Railroad shops and buildings.
