Beyond the flash and splendor of Las Vegas, Nevada is a region of mystery and history. Beneath the neon lights, etched into the barren landscapes and abandoned villages, is a lost chapter of the Wild West.
Every town has its own story of boom and collapse, bearing witness to the spirit of adventure that never goes away and the memories of those who once ventured out into the wide desert sky in search of their fortune.
Come explore these eerily beautiful monuments to the turbulent and rich history of Nevada while we wait in silence for interested onlookers to once again stroll along their streets.
Unionville
Unionville had a typical growth and subsequent fall when the mines were worked out, just like the majority of other ghost towns scattered around the Silver State.
During the massive boom that occurred between 1863 and 1870, this little community served as Humboldt County’s county seat. Though the current population is less than two dozen, it’s difficult to imagine Unionville at 1,500 years ago.
Unionville, with a population of just 20, may be considered a true living ghost town by some, but it certainly feels that way given that the closest services are an hour away and real human sightings are few and far between.
Unionville was not always a peaceful little oasis, with the exception of one surviving business, The Old Pioneer Garden B&B Guest Ranch.
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St. Thomas
When Lake Mead initially flooded in the 1930s, a ghost town inside the park’s boundaries was buried. During its Mormon era, St. Thomas prospered as a stopping point on the Arrowhead Trail connecting Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.
In the northernmost region of the park, St. Thomas is situated close to the Overton Arm of the Muddy River, which supplies Lake Mead. Guests in low-riding cars should exercise caution as the approach route is occasionally bumpy and muddy.
There may now be traces of the settlement due to Lake Mead’s declining water levels brought on by the extreme drought. Now, tourists are able to stroll around the abandoned remains of a traditional western town that was previously submerged more than 60 feet above the tallest building.
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Blair
Three miles north of Silver Peak, Blair was founded in 1906 by the Pittsburgh Silver Peak Gold Mining Company. By 1906, the mining boom in Tonopah was driving neighboring mining communities into a frenzy.
A rail spur was built by the company’s business to service the town and mill. In 1906, a newspaper and a post office were founded. A two-story hotel was built, and the local miners and mill workers were served by a number of saloons.
Mining continued until the low-grade ore became unprofitable to mine, which was around 1916. By 1920, the town was largely abandoned. Blair now consists only of the foundations of mills and the remains of stone constructions.
Blair doesn’t have as much left to explore as other Nevada ghost towns, but if you’re in the area, I still recommend visiting.
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Aurora
The town of Aurora was established in 1863, coinciding with the discovery of the Wild West Vein in the Nevada Territory, which was christened after the dawn goddess.
Samuel Clemens came in the area about the same time to support his brother Orion, who had been named Secretary of the Nevada Territory and had assisted in bringing the territory into statehood.
By the time the Nevada Territory became a state in 1864, the majority of Aurora’s wealth had already been taken. Nearly all of Aurora’s stamp mills had shut down and nearly all of its homes had been abandoned by 1870.
Aurora was formerly one of Nevada’s most well-known boomtowns, but almost all of its buildings have been destroyed. Although some foundations are still visible, the high desert has reclaimed the majority of Aurora.
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Tybo
Tybo, or “white man’s territory” in Shoshoni, was established in 1870 following the discovery of gold ore in central Nevada’s Hot Creek Mountains.
To keep up with this growing population, a post office, newspaper, general store, jail, literary society, Wells Fargo office, school, hundreds of saloons, blacksmith shops, an IOA branch, and even an official town brass band were established.
The Tybo Consolidated Mines Company faced severe difficulties in the early 1880s as a result of a sharp decline in ore quality, which forced the mine to close.
To Conclude
Ghost towns in Nevada whisper tales of a bygone period, each with its own tale of pioneers and prospectors. These deserted locations serve as silent reminders of the state’s turbulent past, from the thriving early days of Unionville to the underwater ruins of St. Thomas.
Therefore, tour Nevada’s ghost towns and find the remnants of the Wild West if you’re searching for an adventure outside of the glitter of Las Vegas.
