Gold Rush towns that time forgot
When gold was discovered in California in the 1850s, it triggered a rush west, with thousands of mining towns springing up across the American frontier. But when the riches ran out, most were quickly abandoned. Today, a few survive remarkably intact, offering a glimpse into a long-lost way of life.
Virginia City, Montana
Virginia City, Montana
The remote town didn’t have law enforcement or a justice system for quite some time and, as a result, robberies and murder were the norm in this rough town. Gangs and outlaws, known as road agents, are thought to have killed around one hundred people between 1863 and 1864 alone.
Virginia City, Montana
Nevada City, Montana
Nevada City, Montana
Together with Virginia City, both towns were a major center of commerce and were known as the Richest Gold Strikes in the Rocky Mountain West. Before the gold mining came to an end in 1922, it’s estimated that about $2.5 billion of gold was extracted in today’s market value.
Nevada City, Montana
Today, a train connects both towns while live reenactments every weekend from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day offer a glimpse into life in the Wild West in the 1800s.
Nelson, Nevada
Nelson, Nevada
One of the first major gold mines in Nevada, it was at the epicenter of the Gold Rush. Gold, silver, and copper mining continued until the town was completely abandoned in the 1940s. Today, the wooden town is owned by the Werly family.
Nelson, Nevada
Old West buildings line the main street while more modern additions like mid-century oil signs and a 1950s-style gas station contribute to its peculiar appearance. There’s a mini museum and, if you’re brave enough, the family also provides guided tours through the Techatticup Mine tunnels, which extend deep into the surrounding hills.