Austin
State: Nevada
County: Lander County
Founded: 1862
Peak Population: 7,000+
Austin was site of the Reese River silver rush after a Pony Express horse kicked over a silver-rich rock in 1862. But its greatest legacy is Reuel Gridley's flour sack: after losing a bet, Gridley carried a 50-lb flour sack through town, then auctioned it repeatedly across the nation, raising $250,000 ($5M+ today) for Civil War veterans.
Quick Facts
- A Pony Express horse literally kicked over the rock that started the rush
- Gridley's flour sack raised $250,000 ($5M+ today) for Civil War veterans
- Gridley died broke at 41 after financing his charity tour himself
- Mark Twain immortalized the flour sack story in 'Roughing It'
Location
Address: Austin, Lander County, Nevada
Coordinates: 39.4933, -117.0683