the truth about ghost towns
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010ghost town: the remains of a deserted town, permanently abandoned especially for economic reasons.—Webster’s New World College Dictionary
One of my favorite editor perks is the many new Nevada books that appear on my desk for review (if you want proof, click on “Nevada Books” at nevadamagazine.com).
Recently, I was elated when I opened a package addressed to our editorial department and pulled out a book that highlights mountain-west ghost towns. The timing was impeccable, as days later I would be embarking on a 1,200-mile round-trip journey from Reno to Ely with myriad ghost-town stops along the way (see photos here).
Excited, I immediately flipped to the Nevada chapter, but was disappointed to find multiple pages dedicated to Austin, Goldfield, and Virginia City. I’m sorry, but anywhere you can easily get a burger and a cold beer is not a ghost town. Anywhere you can buy the wife and kids a souvenir, or fill up your gas tank, is not a ghost town.
There are exceptions to any rule, of course. Take Belmont, one of Nevada’s better-known “ghost towns” located in the central part of the state. There are a few businesses there, such as Indian Maggie’s Saloon, and a number of homes, but the plethora of decaying structures and ruins in the center of town make it quite worthy of the title.
I suppose that’s what the author of the aforementioned book was thinking in reference to Austin, Goldfield, and Virginia City, but I respectfully disagree with that assertion—proving that there is a degree of subjectivity that plays into the definition of a ghost town.
With that off my chest, one of this issue’s features pays homage to some of Nevada’s true—or truer—ghost towns. These are the places that take some getting to on dirty, dusty roads and more ruggedly define Nevada’s boom-and-bust past. Standing among the half-upright buildings and broken-down machinery is both awe-inspiring and a little eerie (reminding me of a second misconception about ghost towns—the term has nothing to do with the existence of spirits at these sites).
The photo-heavy look at seven Nevada ghost towns (or areas) we recommend visiting is a perfect complement to our 33rd annual photo contest. Also, in print we introduce a new feature in our Events & Shows section—a one-page column, or guide, that highlights the new, traditional, and thematic, so you can mark your calendar from here to Nevada Day.
Matthew B. Brown, Editor
Photo: Charlie Johnston (taken in Hamilton)