Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site
Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site Overview
Located in the ghost town of Elgin in Lincoln County, Nevada, the rural historic school is known as the Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site and features many of the school’s original furnishing and other items are authentic to the time period.
Elgin was settled in 1882 and established in March 1913. A post office was established at Elgin in 1913 and remained in operation until 1966.
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Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site History
Rancher James Bradshaw donated seven acres of land for the school in 1921 after Lincoln County approved funding for its construction. His son Rueben Bradshaw built the schoolhouse, which was completed in 1922.
Several generations of children were educated in this one-room school, which covered grades one through eight from 1922 through 1967.
The school closed in 1967 when its last student reached 8th grade.
In 1998 the schoolhouse was restored to its original appearance and can be toured by visitors thanks to the local volunteers who offer guided tours.
The Elgin Schoolhouse became a Nevada Historic Site in 2005
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA
Area Size
0.069 acres
GPS Coordinates
37.351942, -114.536505
Address
- 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV (775) 726-3564775-726-3564
- P.O. Box 985 Caliente, NV 89008
- krsp@parks.nv.gov
How to Get to Elgin School House State Historic Site
Elgin School House State Historic Site is located in Rainbow Canyon, which is located directly south of Caliente.
From Caliente, watch for signs pointing south on NV-317 to both Kershaw-Ryan and Elgin, which are both located within Rainbow Canyon. Follow NV-317 through an amazingly scenic canyon drive for about 20 miles, and watch for a sign prompting a left turn to Elgin. Cross the railroad tracks, and park anywhere outside the gate.
Hours Open
Tours of the Schoolhouse are available on the first Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment.
Fees
Museum admission: $1.00* (children 12 and under are free)
Contact Kershaw Ryan State Park for tours.
*$2 discount does not apply.
Dog-Friendly
Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length, outside the schoolhouse.
Accessibility
Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are invited to enjoy all of the recreational activities of Nevada State Parks. If you would like to request additional support or accommodations, please call the Nevada State Parks division office.