Goldfield

Largest Gold Rush in Nevada

State: Nevada County: Esmeralda County Founded: 1902 Abandoned: Never fully Peak Population: 20,000

Goldfield was Nevada's largest gold rush, exploding to 20,000 people by 1907. The Goldfield Hotel, an elegant four-story landmark, still stands but is abandoned. About 268 people remain - it's still the Esmeralda County seat.

Gold Bonanza

Goldfield produced over $86 million in gold. Miners and promoters (including Tex Rickard) flocked here.

Haunted Hotel

The 1908 Goldfield Hotel is reportedly one of Nevada's most haunted buildings. It has never reopened.

Timeline

  • 1902 - Founded Gold discovered
  • 1907 - Peak 20,000 residents
  • 1910s - Decline Gold exhausted

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 2 hours

Quick Facts

  • Once Nevada's largest city
  • Goldfield Hotel reportedly haunted
  • Still the county seat

Location

Address: Goldfield, Nevada

Coordinates: 37.7083, -117.2361