Tonopah
State: Nevada
County: Nye County
Founded: 1900
Peak Population: over 3,000
Jim Butler discovered silver at Tonopah in 1900 when he threw a rock at his mule and realized it was ore. The Mizpah Mine became one of the West's most profitable. Tonopah produced $150+ million and is now famous for the Clown Motel—next to a cemetery with victims of the 'Tonopah Plague.'
Quick Facts
- Butler discovered silver by picking up a rock to throw at his mule
- Tasker Oddie, who paid for the assay, later became Nevada's governor
- The Clown Motel sits next to a cemetery with 'Tonopah Plague' victims
- One of America's best stargazing locations due to remote dark skies
Location
Address: Tonopah, Nye County, Nevada
Coordinates: 38.0672, -117.2306