7 Must-See Historic Towns in Nevada
Nevada was one of two states that joined the Union during the Civil War, becoming a part of the country in 1864. Before that, the land that makes up Nevada was absorbed into the country after the United States' victory in the Mexican-American War in 1848.
It became financially successful because of its silver and gold mines, and even more people started to pour in after they discovered a large, iconic mine, called the Comstock Lode.
Nevada has come a long way from its mining roots. Today, the Las Vegas Strip shines as a worldwide spot for fun, drawing people in with its games and shows. This gradual change has made tourism and gaming the big players in Nevada's economy. Even with all the changes the state has seen, the state's story has not been forgotten and remains a vital part of Nevada's personality and soul. Read on to learn about seven must-see historic towns inside the “Battle Born State.”
Virginia City
Virginia City might look small now with around 600 residents, but back in the day, it was an important part of the old American West. Right next door is the famous Comstock Lode, which produced massive amounts of silver and gold, pulling out millions of dollars worth of value from its ore.
In the present, you can take a tour of the Comstock Gold Mill, taking a journey of turning ore into gold and silver. While here, take a walk through the town's main throughway - C Street. The road is lined with old-time saloons, stores, and buildings that still carry the allure of the American West.
Mark Twain, a famous writer known all around the globe, had his home right here in town. Nowadays, guests can explore the Mark Twain Museum located within the Territorial Enterprise building. It is a perfect place to discover more about Samuel Clemens' life in Virginia City.
Lovelock
In the 1860s, George Lovelock founded a town while managing a sizable ranch in the nearby valley. The residents named the town after him after his contributions, and Lovelock gradually turned into a key spot for farming and raising animals.
In the present, Lovelock is known for its rustic, historic buildings. One of its special buildings is the Pershing County Courthouse, designed by Frederic DeLongchamps, finished in 1921, and fashioned after the Pantheon in Rome.
The Marzen House Museum stands as one of the oldest homes in town. It has been carefully brought back to its former glory and was transformed into a museum in the 1980s. After that, check out the Lovelock Post Office, originally from 1937. The building is a prime example of the Moderne architectural style, a trend that worked on streamlined forms and incorporated nautical elements reflective of the machine age.
Genoa
Genoa is the oldest non-Indigenous permanent settlement in the state, started in 1851. If you have a passion for learning about history, the Mormon Station State Historic Park showcases a copy of the town’s first trading post, created by settlers who came from Salt Lake City.
The Genoa Historic District is an extraordinary area in Genoa, famous for its historic and stunning Late Victorian buildings. Inside the district, the Genoa Courthouse Museum, with its brick facade and thin white columns is hard to miss.
The museum teaches about the local history in depth, highlighting times during Nevada’s territorial era, early settler life, and the culture of Indigenous Americans.
Started in 1919 to pay for streetlights, the Genoa Candy Dance has grown into a big yearly event. Even now, the festival plays a part in helping the town's finances, thanks to everyone buying candy and getting together to celebrate.
Eureka
Eureka got its name after a group of silver miners hit it rich, yelling out "Eureka" after their discovery. In 1878, Eureka was at its busiest, with more than 9,000 residents because of all the money pouring in from mining. The town had countless bars, gambling halls, theaters, several newspapers, hotels, eating spots, and even an opera house.
That opera house remains, known as the Eureka Opera House. The structure boldly shows its 19th-century design with impressive facade and an ornately detailed inside.
The Eureka Courthouse is worth walking over to see, with its brick and sandstone façade. The building, constructed in 1880, is the center for law and government work in Eureka County and is still in everyday use.
Eureka has kept its important heritage alive, and many structures were maintained instead of replaced. Present-day visitors can enjoy a self-guided walking tour, experiencing the history that still lingers in the air.
Austin
Austin's roots go deep into the silver discoveries of the 1860s. When silver was found, the population ballooned with people looking to strike it rich. The town was also a key component of the Pony Express system, which was a quick way to send letters to towns in California, back in the 1860s. Austin became a crucial spot for the riders to switch horses and pass along messages.
No shortage of history remains in town, like the Stokes Castle, a three-story stone structure built in 1897, and the International Hotel, a historic lodging house dating back to the silver mining era.
Austin is also a superb spot for exploring the vastness of outer space. Near Austin, the Kingston Campground is perfect for observing stars with so little light pollution. You can bring a telescope or just gaze up to enjoy the sparkling stars and shapes in the sky.
Ely
Near Ely, mountain ranges rise all around, like the Schell Creek Range to the east and the Egan Range to the south. Like so many Nevadan towns, mining was key to its growth and prosperity. Its copper mines, like the Robinson Mine, brought an economic boom to the region, attracting miners, entrepreneurs, and workers.
The Ely Historic District is a special spot in town to see that keeps and maintains the buildings and structures from the town's early years. People who visit can take in buildings from Victorian times, all of which give a peek into the town's heritage and past. Ely's White Pine County Museum is a must-see spot that displays classic old items, antique pictures, and teaches about the area's interesting past.
The growth of the town owes its foundation to the building of the Nevada Northern Railway. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is essential for learning about this important connection, with guided tours and train rides.
Winnemucca
As people emigrated across the country, the California Trail was a major route on the way to the Pacific Ocean. Winnemucca was a vital spot along the way, and now it is an interesting collection of peoples and their past.
Long before settlers came, the Northern Paiute people lived in the area. Their culture and heritage remain important to the region.
The town also has long-standing ties to the Basque region since for centuries there was a large amount of immigration from the region to partake in jobs like sheepherding.
The Humboldt Museum in town is a special place that keeps and displays the history of the area. It has collections about Native American lives, stories of early settlers, and old mining work. Oh, and don't forget, there is a world-class rodeo in town to experience. Every year, the town celebrates the Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend, drawing crowds and competitors from all over the area.
In Conclusion
When you are into Nevada you can dive into the state's fascinating past. It remains full of stories about old mines, American West escapades, and has an important mix of the many cultures that call Nevada home.
From the early days of silver and gold rushes to the modern allure of Las Vegas, the state's evolution reflects the resilience and adaptability of its people. So, if you want to venture into old mines, or take in a huge rodeo, come explore the fascinating layers of Nevada's past and present.
