Goodsprings, Nevada – Still Kicking in the Desert Dust

“Things are quiet here; if people keep on moving away, this ain’t going to be nothing but a damned ghost town.”

– Sam McClanahan, from Ghost Towns of the West by Lambert Florin, 1970.

In the vast, sun-baked expanse of the Nevada desert, where the relentless sun beats down on a landscape sculpted by time and the harsh elements, lies a resilient testament to the pioneering spirit: Goodsprings, Nevada. More than just a blip on the map, this unincorporated town carries within it the echoes of a vibrant past, a story etched in weathered buildings, rusting relics, and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants. It’s a place where the whispers of prospectors, the rumble of ore wagons, and the laughter of saloon patrons still seem to linger in the air, a tangible connection to the days when fortunes were sought and dreams were forged in the heart of the American West.

The story of Goodsprings begins long before the arrival of European settlers. The area’s natural springs, a precious commodity in the arid landscape, provided sustenance and a vital lifeline for the Ancient Puebloans and later the Paiute Indians. These indigenous peoples understood the value of the springs, utilizing them for their survival and establishing a connection to the land that predates recorded history. Their presence is a silent but powerful reminder of the deep-rooted history that underlies the more recent chapters in the town’s narrative.

The first documented encounter with the springs by white settlers occurred in 1830 when a caravan traversing the Old Spanish Trail stumbled upon this desert oasis. These early travelers recognized the significance of the water source, marking it as a valuable landmark on their arduous journey. However, it wasn’t until several decades later that the seeds of a permanent settlement would be sown.

Mining activity in the vicinity of what would become Goodsprings began in 1856, with Mormon pioneers establishing a lead mine at nearby Potosi. This marked the commencement of large-scale resource extraction in the region and the oldest lode mine in Nevada. While Potosi predates Goodsprings, its presence highlights the early recognition of the area’s mineral wealth and set the stage for the discoveries that would eventually lead to the town’s founding.

The true genesis of Goodsprings can be traced to 1861 when a cattleman named Joseph Good discovered silver near the springs. This pivotal moment transformed the area from a simple watering hole into a potential boomtown. Good established a small store to cater to the trickle of prospectors and settlers drawn by the promise of riches. However, it wasn’t until further discoveries of silver and lead deposits around 1868 that a more substantial settlement began to take shape. Initially called Goods Springs, the name gradually evolved into the more succinct and memorable Goodsprings.

The allure of precious metals continued to fuel the town’s growth. By 1882, gold had also been discovered, leading to the establishment of the Goodsprings or Yellow Pine Mining District. This formal recognition of the area’s mining potential solidified Goodsprings’ status as a destination for those seeking their fortune. The Keystone Mine, located about five miles west of town, proved to be the most lucrative, yielding significant quantities of gold. In 1893, a post office was established at the Keystone Mine, indicating a growing population and the need for essential services. At this time, the area supported around 200 people, with a few stores and numerous small mines scattered across the landscape, each contributing to the burgeoning economy.

The early days of mining were not without their challenges. In 1895, a wage dispute at the Keystone Mine led to a dramatic standoff. The miners, frustrated by unpaid wages, took control of the mine and held it for three months. During this period, they managed to extract enough ore to pay both their own wages and those of local Indians who had been cutting wood for the mine. This incident highlights the resourcefulness and determination of the early residents of Goodsprings, as well as the complex relationships between miners, mine owners, and the indigenous population.

As the mining industry continued to develop, infrastructure improvements became essential. In 1901, the Yellow Pine Mining Company was formed, consolidating ownership of most of the area’s mines and constructing a mill to process the ore. One of the most significant challenges was transporting the ore to distant shipping points, a laborious task that relied on wagons. The arrival of the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad in nearby Jean in 1905 provided a much-needed solution. This rail line connected the region to broader markets and significantly reduced the cost and effort required to transport ore.

The township of Goodsprings was officially platted in 1904, signaling a shift from a haphazard collection of tents and shacks to a more organized and permanent settlement. Gradually, more substantial buildings replaced the temporary structures, reflecting the growing confidence in the town’s future. To further improve transportation, the Yellow Pine Mine built a narrow-gauge railroad spur from Jean to Goodsprings, utilizing remnants of the railroad line that had served the Quartette Mine in Searchlight. Completed in 1911, this spur transported tons of ore from the Yellow Pine mill to Jean, effectively resolving the transportation bottleneck and paving the way for further growth.

The population of Goodsprings swelled as the mining industry flourished, reaching its peak around 1915, with an estimated 1,000 residents. The town boasted a variety of businesses, including multiple stores, restaurants, saloons, a post office, a school, a grand hotel, a hospital, and even a weekly newspaper, the Goodsprings Gazette. The town’s prosperity was such that residents of the much smaller Las Vegas would travel to Goodsprings for their shopping and entertainment needs.

The community’s success attracted ambitious entrepreneurs like George Arthur Fayle, an ore hauler from Calico, California. Fayle moved to nearby Goodsprings Junction (later renamed Jean in honor of his wife) in 1904 and established a tent store for miners and ore-hauling businesses, with financial backing from his uncle, Samuel Yount. Later, he bought into his uncle’s store in Goodsprings, renaming it the Yount and Fayle Store. In 1912, Fayle relocated his family to Goodsprings and began to expand the business. In 1913, he constructed the Pioneer Saloon, which stands to this day as a testament to the town’s enduring spirit.

The year 1913 also saw the construction of a permanent school building, which still serves as the oldest school in Clark County built and continuously used as a school. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it embodies the community’s commitment to education and its long-term vision for the future.

In 1916, Fayle built the Fayle Hotel, a luxurious establishment that catered to both residents and visitors. Advertised as the "finest hotel in the west," it featured 20 guest rooms, electric lights, hot and cold running water, steam heat, and a fine dining restaurant. The hotel was initially so successful that Las Vegas residents would make the trip to Goodsprings to enjoy its amenities. However, Fayle’s uncle, Samuel Yount, had reservations about the hotel’s viability, and his prediction ultimately proved correct. The Fayle Hotel eventually became a financial burden, and in 1966, it was destroyed by fire, marking a significant loss for the community.

The Goodsprings Gazette, established in 1918, served as a vital source of news and information for the community. The four-page weekly newspaper was founded by Frank A. Doherty and continued publication after his death, operated by his wife, Florence, until 1921. The newspaper provided a voice for the town and documented its daily life, leaving behind a valuable historical record.

Tragedy struck Goodsprings in 1918 when George Fayle succumbed to the Flu epidemic that swept across the United States and Western Europe. His death marked the end of an era for the town, as Fayle had been a driving force behind its growth and prosperity. He was buried in the Goodsprings cemetery, where his headstone remains the largest, a lasting tribute to his contributions.

The end of World War I in 1918 brought about a decline in demand for lead and zinc, leading to mine closures and a decrease in the town’s population. By 1920, only about 400 people remained in Goodsprings. The narrow-gauge railroad to Jean ceased operations in 1930, and the tracks were removed in 1934, further isolating the town.

Despite these setbacks, Goodsprings experienced a brief resurgence during World War II, but it never fully recovered its former glory. The town gradually transformed into a shadow of its former self, with a population dwindling to less than 100 residents.

Despite its decline, the Yellow Pine Mining District had generated over $30 million in revenue from lead, gold, copper, and zinc, accounting for one-third of Clark County’s total metal production. This economic output solidified Goodsprings‘ place in Nevada’s mining history.

In January 1942, Goodsprings was thrust into the national spotlight when a TWA Skysleeper carrying actress Carole Lombard, her mother, 15 army fliers, and the crew crashed into the Potosi Range. All 22 people on board perished in the tragic accident. Lombard’s husband, actor Clark Gable, stayed at the Fayle Hotel and sought solace in the Pioneer Saloon while awaiting news of the crash.

Today, Goodsprings remains a small but resilient community. Some residents live in restored buildings, while others reside in mobile homes or newer structures. The town’s most iconic landmarks, the Pioneer Saloon and the Goodsprings General Store, continue to operate, providing a tangible link to its past. The Pioneer Saloon features its original long cherry wood bar, which was transported from Rhyolite, Nevada, after that town became a ghost town. The saloon also boasts an old pot-belly stove, said to date back to Civil War times, which is still in use.

The Memorial Room within the Pioneer Saloon serves as a museum, with walls covered in old newspapers and photographs documenting the town’s history, including the tragic airline crash that claimed Carole Lombard’s life.

The landscape surrounding Goodsprings is dotted with remnants of its mining past. Rusting tin buildings, an old stone structure, a large foundation, and the ruins of the Yellow Pine Mill stand as silent reminders of the industry that once thrived here. The A.G. Campbell cabin, built in 1886, is believed to be the oldest building in Goodsprings. The 1913 school continues to serve students, and the post office, an 1890s wooden cabin, a church, and numerous old homes and buildings still stand, albeit in varying states of disrepair.

Located east of Goodsprings on State Road NV-161, the town’s cemetery serves as a final resting place for many of its early residents, including George Fayle.

Today, the 200 residents of Goodsprings enjoy a quiet lifestyle, with many commuting to Las Vegas for work. The town offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, while still providing a connection to Nevada’s rich history.

To reach Goodsprings from Las Vegas, travel south on I-15 to the Jean-Goodsprings exit, then turn west on Nevada Highway 161 for seven miles. The journey offers a glimpse into the vastness and beauty of the Nevada desert, setting the stage for an exploration of this unique and resilient town.