Nevadaville, Colorado – Another Gilpin County Ghost Town – Legends of America
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Gilpin County, Colorado, lies Nevadaville, a silent testament to the state’s rich mining history. Like its bustling neighbors, Black Hawk and Central City, Nevadaville emerged in 1859 during the frenzied gold rush sparked by John H. Gregory’s discovery in Gregory Gulch. This initial strike sent waves of hopeful prospectors flooding into the area, leading to the rapid establishment of mining camps and towns.
Initially christened Nevada City, the settlement soon faced a naming conflict with other communities in the region bearing the same name. To avoid confusion, when the town applied for a post office, it was officially designated Bald Mountain. However, the residents remained steadfast in their affection for the original moniker, and the town continued to be known by various iterations, including Nevada, Nevada City, and Nevadaville. The name "Nevada" itself is derived from the Spanish language, meaning "snow-clad" or "snowy land," a fitting description for the area’s often snow-covered peaks.
Nevadaville rapidly transformed into a vibrant community, primarily populated by Irish miners drawn to the lucrative Burroughs and Kansas Lodes. The town quickly sprouted a variety of businesses to cater to the needs of its growing population. Among the town’s earliest institutions was a Masonic lodge, established in 1859 under the Kansas Grand Lodge and named Nevada Number 36. However, its affiliation soon shifted to the newly formed Grand Lodge of Colorado, which assumed jurisdiction over the territory. The lodge was then renamed Nevada Lodge Number 4 and remarkably continues to hold meetings to this day, a testament to the town’s enduring legacy.
By 1860, Nevadaville was a hive of mining activity. The Sullivan, Forks, and numerous other lodes were actively being mined, supported by approximately 30 mills processing the extracted ore. This flurry of activity fueled a surge in population. In 1861, a devastating fire swept through the mining camp, destroying over 50 buildings. Undeterred, the resilient citizens quickly rebuilt, restoring the town to its former vitality. While Nevadaville never reached the size and prominence of Central City or Black Hawk, it flourished in its own right. At its peak in the late 1800s, the town boasted a population of around 4,000 residents.
However, the easily accessible near-surface gold veins were depleted by the early 1860s. The rudimentary ore mills of the time struggled to efficiently extract gold from the deeper, more complex ores. Despite this challenge, Nevadaville managed to sustain its prosperity thanks to the construction of ore smelters in nearby Black Hawk. These smelters provided a crucial outlet for processing the town’s ore, ensuring the continued viability of its mining operations.
As the 20th century dawned, the inevitable decline arrived. The ore deposits were gradually exhausted, and Nevadaville slowly transformed into a ghost town. The once-bustling streets fell silent, and the vibrant community dwindled as residents sought opportunities elsewhere.
Today, Nevadaville stands as a preserved relic of Colorado’s mining past. The town still boasts several original buildings, providing a tangible glimpse into its historic character. Scattered throughout the area are also a few old gravesites, serving as poignant reminders of the lives lived and lost in this once-thriving community. The surrounding landscape is dotted with the remnants of old mines, testaments to the industry that shaped the town’s identity.
It is important to note that all of the buildings and surrounding land in Nevadaville are privately owned and not open to the public. However, visitors are welcome to stroll along Nevadaville’s old Main Street, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic ghost town. A handful of residents still call the area home, and the Masonic Lodge, a symbol of continuity, remains active, making it the only ghost town lodge in Colorado that still holds meetings.
Nevadaville is located approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Central City. To reach the old townsite, take Nevadaville Road. As you wander through the silent streets, imagine the hustle and bustle of a bygone era, when Nevadaville was a vibrant hub of mining activity, filled with the hopes and dreams of those who sought their fortunes in the Colorado mountains.
Among the notable landmarks still standing in Nevadaville are the weathered remnants of the Bald Mountain Trading Post and the historic BonTon Saloon. These buildings, though showing their age, evoke a sense of the town’s former commercial and social life.
Nevadaville is a poignant reminder of the boom-and-bust cycles that characterized many mining towns in the American West. It is a place where history comes alive, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the spirit of the Old West.
Also See:
- Central City – Boom & Bust
- Central City-Black Hawk-Nevadaville Photo Gallery
- Colorado Ghost Towns & Mining Camps
- Gilpin County Ghosts
Sources:
- Spring, Agnes Wright; Rush to the Rockies 1859, Colorado Magazine, April 1959
- Uncover Colorado
- Wikipedia
I hope this is helpful!