Aurora
Mark Twain was here - capital of two states simultaneously
State: Nevada
County: Mineral County
Founded: 1860
Abandoned: 1950s
Peak Population: 10,000
Aurora was so big it was capital of BOTH Mono County, California AND Esmeralda County, Nevada—until surveyors figured out it was in Nevada. Mark Twain's brother was Secretary of Nevada Territory; young Sam Clemens tried mining here before becoming a writer. 10,000 people at peak; now ruins.
Quick Facts
- Capital of counties in TWO STATES simultaneously
- Mark Twain nearly starved trying to mine here
- Brick buildings demolished for the bricks in 1950s
- Peak population 10,000
Location
Address: Mineral County, Nevada (near CA border)
Coordinates: 38.2878, -118.8908