Skip to Content

Wahmonie Nevada

Categories Nevada History

Nevada Mining Districts » Wahmonie Nevada

Wahmonie, Nevada, once a bustling center of gold mining activity in Nye County, encapsulates the fleeting nature of mining booms. Established in 1928 amidst high expectations and a rapid influx of hopefuls, the town’s decline was as swift as its rise, leading to its status today as a ghost town.

Wahmonie Nevada

Wahmonie Nevada Overview

Wahmonie’s brief but vibrant existence was marked by the classic signs of a mining rush: rapid population growth, the establishment of essential services, and the promise of wealth. Yet, the absence of substantial gold findings led to its swift desertion, making it a poignant symbol of Nevada’s mining history and the last significant gold rush in the state.

Also called Camp Wahmonie and Horn Silver Mine.

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

Learn more about Nye County:
– The History of Nye County
– Things to Do in Nye County, Nevada
– View books on Nye County, Nevada

Year Established/Founded

Discoveries in 1905

Established in 1928

Wahmonie Nevada History

Wahmonie emerged on Nevada’s mining map following promising gold discoveries. The initial excitement brought in a wave of settlers, swelling the population to over 1,000. However, the lack of significant gold deposits led to its rapid decline and eventual desertion by the late 1920s.

Timeline

  • 1905 – Discoveries made in the Hornsilver Mining District
  • February 1928: Wahmonie is established as a gold mining camp.
  • February 9, 1928 – Nevada’s New Eldorado Christened Wahmonie – Prospectors Active TONOPAH Nev Feb 8 – (AP) Thirty-five prospectors are reported to have staked out claims over the week end in a newly discovered area 110 miles south of here. The new field has been christened Wahmonie. It was discovered several months ago by Mark Lefler of Elko but owing to the inaccessibility of the region word of the new gold-producing area did not leak out until last Saturday. [The Fresno Morning Republican Fresno, California 09 Feb 1928, Thu • Page 1]
  • March 1928: Population reaches 500.
  • Summer 1928: Peak population of 1,000 to 1,500.
  • April 1928 to April 1929: Operation of the post office.
  • Late 1920s: Decline and abandonment due to insufficient gold yields.

Mines

Wahmonie’s primary commodity was gold. The town was established following a gold strike at the base of Skull Mountain.

Railroads

There is no record of significant railroad involvement in Wahmonie.

Post Office

April 2, 1928 – April 30, 1929

View the list and history of Nevada Post Offices.

Newspaper

Learn more about Nevada Newspapers

The Population of Wahmonie Nevada

By March 1928 had a population of 500 and the peak population was reached that summer, with between 1000 and 1500 residents.

Elevation

5,190 feet (1,582 meters)

Location

The Wahmonie district is on the southern slopes of Lookout Peak and extends south to the northern slope of Skull Mountain – on the eastern side of Jackass Flats west of Cane Spring, in what is now the Nevada Test Site. 

GPS Coordinates

36° 48′ 41.83″ N, 116° 9′ 36.14″ W

Click here to view our recommended mobile apps for the outdoor explorer and what to take on your next road trip.

Speaking of mobile apps, two of my favorite mobile apps for exploring the southwest are two different mapping apps one that builds your schedule and the other helps me look to see if my rural destination is taking me to private or public lands. Highly recommend both!

  1. Roadtrippers Plus is $29.99 per year paid version that allows you to build longer itineraries, share your plans with friends, and use the app without ads. Click here to save $5 on your subscription to Roadtrippers.
  2. onX – click here to learn more about onX GPS Map App for Backcountry, Offroad, and Hunting.

Photos and Videos

None at this time.

Wahmonie’s story is a classic tale of hope and disillusionment in the quest for gold. Its rapid emergence and decline are emblematic of the transient nature of mining towns. Today, its ghost town status and location within the Nevada Test Site add layers of intrigue and a sense of lost opportunity to this chapter of Nevada’s mining history.

References Used

Wahmonie Nevada