Nevada Ghost Towns: Goldfield & Unionville
Throughout Nevada’s history, mining communities have popped up seemingly overnight after the discovery of ore. Tens of thousands traveled to these communities in search of their fortune, only to see many of them die out after the boom came to an end. While the people have left, Nevada’s ghost towns still have a story to tell and are an important part of the Silver State’s history. Learn about two of these communities: Goldfield and Unionville.
Goldfield
Goldfield is one of the best examples of the boom and bust mining cycles that took place throughout Nevada in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Established in 1902 after the discovery of gold in the area, its population swelled to an estimated 30,000 people by 1906, making Goldfield the largest City in Nevada. The town even hosted a championship boxing match on September 3, 1906 between Joe Gans and Oscar Nelson that drew attendees from all over the country and lasted an astonishing 42 rounds.
By 1910, ore production in Goldfield had significantly declined, as had its population. A few hundred people still call the town home today, and Goldfield serves as the Esmeralda County Seat. A few signs of the town’s remarkable past remain too. The Goldfield Hotel, a four-story, 150 room building constructed in 1908 still stands (though it hasn’t been open to guests since the 1940s) and has been featured on a number of paranormal TV shows.
Unionville
One of Nevada’s earliest mining communities, Unionville flourished between 1863-1870. The town received its unique name after citizens supporting the North in the ongoing Civil War elected to change the town’s name from Dixie, which it had originally been given by its pro-Southern founders.
Despite being home to one of Nevada’s first successful mining booms, Unionville’s largest contribution to history is the story of a failed miner. A prospector who would eventually go by the name Mark Twain briefly tried to find his fortune in the area before giving up and trying his hand at writing.
Today, roughly 20 people live in Unionville and the town is home to a bed and breakfast.