Pigeon Springs Nevada
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of this abandoned mining community in Esmeralda County, Nevada.
From its humble beginnings as a stagecoach stop to its eventual decline into a ghost town, Pigeon Springs holds a captivating story waiting to be discovered.
Explore the remnants of the past, wander through abandoned buildings, and pay homage to the pioneers who once called this place home.
Pigeon Springs Overview
Pigeon Springs is a ghost town located in Esmeralda County, Nevada.
I have found references of the town spelled as Pigeon Spring too.
Today visitors are able to see remains of the old town near the spring.
Year Established/Founded
Pigeon Springs, also known as Pigeon Ranch, was founded in the mid-19th century during the silver and gold rush in Nevada.
We have found conflicting dates and we will update once we know which date is correct.
Pigeon Springs History
Pigeon Springs, originally named Pigeon Ranch, has a fascinating history rooted in the silver and gold rush that swept through Nevada in the mid-19th century. The town’s development began with the discovery of valuable minerals in the area, which attracted prospectors and miners seeking fortune. Pigeon Ranch initially served as a stagecoach stop along the important transportation routes of the time, providing essential services to travelers and miners alike.
As mining activities intensified, Pigeon Ranch transitioned into a full-fledged mining town, experiencing a period of rapid growth and prosperity. The community expanded with the construction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure necessary to support the mining operations. The town’s economy primarily revolved around extracting precious metals, including silver and gold, from the nearby mines.
However, as the mines eventually depleted and the profitability of mining declined, Pigeon Springs faced significant challenges. The once-thriving community gradually declined, with residents leaving in search of better opportunities elsewhere. The town’s infrastructure fell into disrepair, and its buildings were left abandoned, eventually transforming Pigeon Springs into a ghost town.
Today, Pigeon Springs stands as a reminder of Nevada’s rich mining history and the rise and fall of communities built on the hopes of striking it rich. Exploring the remnants of the town allows visitors to connect with the past and witness the enduring legacy of those who once called Pigeon Springs home.
Timeline
- 1850s: Pigeon Springs is established as a stagecoach stop known as Pigeon Ranch, providing essential services to travelers and miners passing through the region.
- Late 1860s: Valuable silver and gold deposits are discovered in the vicinity of Pigeon Springs, leading to a mining boom in the area.
- 1870: Pigeon Springs experiences significant growth as mining operations expand. The town becomes a hub for miners and prospectors seeking their fortunes in the rich mineral deposits.
- 1880s: Pigeon Springs undergoes further development, with the construction of residential homes, businesses, and infrastructure to support the growing population.
- 1890: The town reaches its peak population and prosperity as mining operations thrive. Several productive mines are operating in the area, extracting silver, gold, and other valuable minerals.
- Early 1900s: The profitability of mining in the Pigeon Springs area begins to decline as the accessible mineral deposits become depleted. Many miners and residents start leaving in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
- 1920s: Pigeon Springs experiences a significant decline in population and economic activity. The town starts to transform into a ghost town, with many buildings left abandoned and falling into disrepair.
- 1950s onwards: Pigeon Springs remains largely deserted, with only a few sporadic attempts at mining in the area. The town becomes a historical curiosity, attracting occasional visitors interested in its mining past and ghost town atmosphere.
Mines
Gold, silver, lead, and copper.
Post Office
On July 1, 1899, an application was submitted for a post office but on December 12, 1899, it was not approved due to the mining area coming to a standstill.
Elevation
6,395′
Address
Pigeon Springs Road
GPS Coordinates
37° 25′ 12.75″ N, 117° 40′ 4.31″ W and 37° 25′ 0.90″ N, 117° 40′ 0.47″ W
(Coordinates of the Pigeon Mill and the ghost town)