Rawhide

Boomtown of Scandal

State: Nevada County: Mineral County Founded: 1907 Abandoned: 1912 Peak Population: 7,000

Rawhide boomed and busted in just five years. Promoter Tex Rickard (later Madison Square Garden founder) ran the Northern Saloon. Elinor Glyn, scandalized author, visited and wrote about it. By 1912, the gold was gone and so was the town.

Famous Visitors

Tex Rickard ran a saloon before becoming America's most famous boxing promoter. Elinor Glyn, whose novels caused outrage, was fascinated by the wild town.

Quick Decline

The easily accessible gold was exhausted within years. The town emptied as fast as it filled.

Timeline

  • 1907 - Founded Gold discovered
  • 1908 - Peak 7,000 residents
  • 1912 - Abandoned Gold exhausted

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Spring or fall

Difficulty: Moderate - remote

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Quick Facts

  • Tex Rickard ran a saloon here
  • Boom and bust in 5 years
  • Scandalized British author visited

Location

Address: Near Hawthorne, Nevada

Coordinates: 39, -118.5167