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Gold Center Nevada

Categories Nevada History

Nevada Nye County » Gold Center Nevada

Gold Center, Nevada, a ghost town with a paradoxical name, stands as a historical testament to the mining frenzy of the early 20th century. Despite its name, Gold Center wasn’t known for gold but became a pivotal point in the Bullfrog Mining District, connecting key mining towns through transportation and trade.

Gold Center Nevada

Gold Center Nevada Overview

Established in the early 1900s, Gold Center was strategically positioned as a transport and supply hub for nearby mining towns, particularly Rhyolite and Bullfrog. It was the terminus of the Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad in 1906, playing a critical role in the area’s mining operations.

Learn more about Ghost Town in Nevada and Ghost Towns in the Southwest.

Year Established/Founded

The townsite of Gold Center was platted in late 1904, during the boom period of the Bullfrog Mining District.

Gold Center Nevada History

Gold Center emerged as a crucial junction for transportation and logistics, rather than for mining. It hosted a range of facilities including a post office, hotel, bank, and the unique Gold Center Ice and Brewing Company.

Timeline

  • 1904: Townsite of Gold Center was platted.
  • May 1906: Became the terminus of the Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad.
  • 1907: Reached its peak with various establishments, including a bank, hotel, and saloons.
  • 1913-1924: Operated its post office.
  • 1918-1919: Decline began with the dismantling of railroad tracks.

Mines

Gold Center was not a mining site but served mining towns. Mining shafts were sunk, but no significant gold was found.

Railroads

The Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad reached Gold Center in May 1906, marking it as a significant railroad hub in the region.

Click here to view the railroads in Nevada.

Post Office

Operated from 1913 to 1924.

View the list and history of Nevada Post Offices.

Newspaper

Gold Center News served as the local newspaper.

Learn more about Nevada Newspapers

The Population of Gold Center Nevada

The town reached its zenith in 1907 with a bustling population, but by 1911, it had dwindled to around 25 residents.

Elevation

Location

  • Closest Town: Beatty, Nevada.
  • County: Nye County.

GPS Coordinates

36.868063°, -116.767226°

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Photos and Videos

References Used

Click here to view our list of History of the Southwest – Books and Online Resources to learn more about our amazing area!