Metropolis
Dream City of the Desert
State: Nevada
County: Elko County
Founded: 1910
Abandoned: 1950
Peak Population: 1,500
Metropolis was planned as a major city of 7,500 people with grand ambitions. Developers built a hotel, school, and infrastructure for a population that never came. Water rights disputes and drought killed the dream. The Lincoln School ruins with their dramatic arched windows are now iconic.
Grand Plans
The Pacific Reclamation Company envisioned Metropolis as an agricultural paradise. They built substantial brick buildings and recruited settlers.
Water Wars
Upstream water diversions dried up irrigation. Drought and Mormon crickets finished off farming. The population dwindled away.
Timeline
- 1910 - Founded Town platted and construction began
- 1914 - Peak 1,500 residents
- 1920s - Decline Water shortages
- 1950 - Abandoned Last residents left
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy with high-clearance vehicle
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Quick Facts
- School arches are iconic photography subject
- Planned for 7,500 people, got 1,500
- Water disputes killed the town
Location
Address: Near Wells, Nevada
Coordinates: 41.0333, -115.0833