Nevada Ghost Towns: Nelson

Few mining ghost towns live up to the mythology of the rough and tumble wild west than Nelson, Nevada. At its height, violence and lawlessness were so prevalent that law enforcement avoided the town. Despite the unruliness, Nelson was home to the most successful gold mining boom in southern Nevada history.

Establishment

The Spanish were the first to attempt to mine the area in the 1700s. Looking for gold, they only found silver and abandoned their efforts. In the late 1850s, prospectors discovered gold and resumed mining. Nelson’s most well known mine, the Techatticup Mine, was established in 1861.

Mining Chaos

Nelson and the surrounding Eldorado Canyon attracted a rough cast of characters. The majority of its residents were deserters of the Civil War in search of a hard to find place. Disputes over mining claims, including ownership of the Techatticup itself, lead to frequent violence and murder. With the nearest sheriff some 200 miles away and a cold reception likely awaiting any visiting deputies, law enforcement rarely made appearances in Nelson.

Despite the chaos, Nelson’s mines produced an estimated $10 million worth of ore between 1864-1900. Mining continued throughout the first half of the 20^th century, finally ceasing in the 1940s.

Rebirth

Nelson sat largely abandoned after mining stopped. The town got its second chance in 1994, when Tony and Bobbie Werly purchased the town. The family restored many of the old buildings and even opened up the Techatticup Mine for public tours. Today, Nelson is a popular tourist destination, only 45 minutes south of Las Vegas. It’s also been featured in numerous music videos, video games, and movies with cool explosions.

For more information on visiting Nelson, go to www.eldoradocanyonminetours.com.