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UNITED STATES | South-Central Nevada, Nevada Travel Guide
Saturday, April 20, 2024
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Goldfield
Esmeralda County Courthouse, Goldfield, Nevada (cc)
Goldfield
Founded in 1902, Goldfield is one of the state’s finest examples of a well-preserved, turn-of-the-century frontier community. Once the largest city in the state, Goldfield’s mines were producing $10,000 a day worth of ore in 1907, keeping a population of more than 20,000 dizzy with gold fever. The 1906 world lightweight championship bout, promoted by soon-to-be boxing legend Tex Rickard, went 42 bloody rounds before Joe Gans won on “Battling” Nelson’s low blow. By 1920, however, the largest of the mines had been played out and shut down, and in 1923 a fire destroyed most of the structures and burned the soul out of Goldfield. Today a population of about 400 lives out the dream here, 67 miles north of Beatty and hip-to-hip with the Nellis Air Force Bombing and Gunnery Range. The most amazing sight is the four-story brick Goldfield Hotel, constructed in 1908 for $500,000. It boasted an all-mahogany lobby, crystal chandeliers, a gourmet dining room and a phone for every guest. Renovations are about 80% complete, with the locals always eager to find a buyer to finish the job. The fortress-like Esmeralda County Courthouse, built in 1908 and still in use today, was originally outfitted with a set of Tiffany crystal lamps. Stop to quench your thirst at the Santa Fe Saloon (1905) and tell your friends you wet your whistle at one of the oldest continually operating bars in the West, then head to The Mozart for a quick bite to eat.
About 30 miles southwest of Goldfield via US 95, NV 266 and unpaved NV 774, the town of Gold Point is still breathing, more than 130 years after it was founded as Lime Point. There are 50 or so buildings dating back at least 70 years, including the old post office that is now the local museum. Gold Point is also the home of Earth Connections, a nonprofit conservation group that cares for threatened and endangered animals. Tourists can visit a wolf or hawk. Gold Point also offers RV hookups and guided tours.
Last updated March 16, 2012
Posted in United States | South-Central Nevada
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