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Luning Nevada

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Luning Nevada

Luning Nevada Overview

Originally known as Deep Wells, Luning is a “ghost town” in Mineral County, Nevada. The more appropriate term for the town is “historic site” or a “living ghost town” which is probably better than a ghost town.

Located between Hawthorne and Mina, within the Excelsior Mountain and the Gabbs Valley Range, and southeast of Walker Lake.

Take a stroll down the main street of Luning, which is Plymire Street which was named for long-time resident, Fred A. Plymire, DDS. (When I first saw the name I wondered if he had West Virginia roots and sure enough, that is where he was born!). Dr. Plymire was a local dentist and an owner of a mine.

Click here to view other Ghost Towns in Nevada and Ghost Towns in the Southwest.

Year Established/Founded

Settled in 1864 and the town was established in 1881 with the name Deep Wells then the name changed to Luning when the railroad arrived.

Luning Nevada History

Deep Wells was a stagecoach station that was between the towns of Belmont, Downeyville, and Grantsville on the Wadsworth-Columbus Freight Route.

Once the railroad arrived, the town was renamed after Nicholas B. Luning who was a bondholder in the Carson & Colorado Railroad.

The town started construction on stores and saloons once the “boom” started during the period of 1881 – 1882 and a post office was established.

Post Office

The post office opened on January 16, 1882, and is open today.

The ZIP Code of Luning is 89420.

The Population of Luning Nevada

  • 39 residents as of 2016
  • 87 residents in 2005
  • 26 households (7 homes noted as vacant) and 38 residents on the 1950 United States Federal Census – Nevada, Mineral County, Luning, District 11-11
  • 38 residents on the 1940 United States Federal Census – Nevada, Mineral County, Luning, District 11-5
  • 20 households and 39 residents on the 1930 United States Federal Census – Nevada, Mineral County, Luning, District 0005

Elevation

4,495′

Address

GPS Coordinates

38° 30′ 22.72″ N, 118° 10′ 53.44″ W

References Used

Luning Nevada