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Rawhide Nevada

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Ghost Towns in Mineral County Nevada » Rawhide Nevada

Rawhide Nevada

Rawhide, Nevada, is a ghost town situated in Mineral County.

Today, Rawhide is a ghost town, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts who wish to catch a glimpse of Nevada’s rich mining history. The site is accessible by a dirt road, and visitors can explore the ruins of this once-prosperous mining community.

Rawhide Nevada Overview

Also known as Regent, Leonard, and Eagleville.

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

Year Established/Founded

1907

Rawhide Nevada History

Its history dates back to the early 20th century when gold and silver were discovered in the area. The town was named after a nearby spring, which was named Rawhide Spring due to the presence of rawhide laces used to repair mule and oxen shoes.

The town’s founding is attributed to Charles B. Holman and Charles A. “Scotty” McLeod, who discovered gold in the area on December 19, 1906. News of the gold discovery spread quickly, and by 1907, Rawhide experienced a rapid influx of prospectors and miners looking to strike it rich. The town’s population grew to nearly 5,000 people at its peak, with over 50 saloons, stores, hotels, and other businesses catering to the needs of the mining community.

Rawhide enjoyed a brief period of prosperity between 1908 and 1910, during which the town became the center of mining activity in the region. The mines in the area produced millions of dollars in gold and silver, with the most significant mining operations being the Rawhide Coalition Mines and the Grutt Balloon Hill Mines. However, the success was short-lived, as the ore deposits began to dwindle, and many mines ceased operation.

By 1912, the population of Rawhide had declined significantly, and many businesses closed their doors. A series of fires further contributed to the town’s decline, with the most devastating fire occurring in September 1908, which destroyed a significant portion of the town. The final nail in the coffin came in 1922 when the Rawhide Coalition Mines suspended operations.

In the following years, Rawhide was all but abandoned, with only a few residents remaining. The town was left with a few remaining structures, such as the jail, the bank building, and the saloon, which serve as reminders of the town’s once-thriving past.

Timeline

  • December 19, 1906: Gold was discovered by Charles B. Holman and Charles A. “Scotty” McLeod in the area that would become Rawhide.
  • 1907: Rapid influx of prospectors and miners leads to the establishment of Rawhide.
  • 1908-1910: Peak of prosperity, with a population of nearly 5,000 and mining operations thriving.
  • September 1908: A devastating fire destroys a significant portion of the town.
  • 1912: Population begins to decline, and many businesses close.
  • 1922: Rawhide Coalition Mines suspends operations, marking the end of the town’s mining era.
  • 1920s-1930s: Rawhide is all but abandoned and becomes a ghost town.

Mines

The mines in Rawhide primarily focused on extracting gold and silver. They were underground mines, with tunnels and shafts dug deep into the earth to access the valuable ore deposits.

Post Office

View the list and history of Nevada Post Offices.

Newspaper

Learn more about Nevada Newspapers

The Population of Rawhide

At its peak, Rawhide had a population of nearly 5,000 people. Today, it is a ghost town with no permanent residents.

Elevation

The elevation of Rawhide is approximately 5,600 feet (1,707 meters) above sea level.

Location

Rawhide is located in Mineral County, Nevada, approximately 22 miles southeast of Hawthorne and 55 miles southwest of Fallon.

GPS Coordinates

The approximate GPS coordinates of Rawhide, Nevada, are 38°36’30” N, 118°11’30” W.

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Photos and Videos

None at this time.

References Used

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