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Mizpah Hotel
The Mizpah Hotel, located at 100 N. Main Street in Tonopah, Nye County, Nevada, is a five-story historic landmark constructed in 1907–1908 during the region’s silver boom. Heralded as “the finest stone hotel in the desert,” it served as a social and economic hub for Tonopah’s mining elite and remains a member of Historic Hotels of America, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. At its opening, it tied with the nearby Belvada Building as Nevada’s tallest structure until 1927. Renowned for its Victorian elegance and reputed hauntings, particularly the “Lady in Red,” the Mizpah has endured boom-and-bust cycles, closing in 1999 before a 2011 restoration by Fred and Nancy Cline. This report details the hotel’s history, architecture, cultural significance, paranormal lore, and current status, highlighting its role in Nevada’s mining heritage.
Historical Background
Tonopah’s history began in 1900 when prospector Jim Butler discovered silver ore, reportedly after chasing a wayward burro. By 1901, the town’s population surged from a few dozen to 650, peaking at around 3,000 by 1910 as mines produced millions in silver and gold. Tonopah, dubbed the “Queen of the Silver Camps,” became Nye County’s seat, attracting investors, politicians, and adventurers. The Mizpah Hotel emerged from this prosperity, replacing the Mizpah Saloon and Grill, Tonopah’s first permanent structure, opened in 1907.
Financed by prominent Nevada figures—George Wingfield, George S. Nixon, Cal Brougher, and Bob Govan—the hotel was built to host the mining elite and eastern investors. Construction began in 1907 at a cost of $200,000 (approximately $6.5 million in 2025 dollars), with a grand opening on November 17, 1908. Designed by architect Morrill J. Curtis (though some sources credit George E. Holesworth), the hotel symbolized Tonopah’s ambition, boasting luxury rare for a desert mining town.
The Mizpah thrived as Tonopah’s social epicenter, hosting figures like Tasker Oddie (later Nevada governor and U.S. senator) and Key Pittman (U.S. senator, 1913–1940). Legends, though debunked, suggest Wyatt Earp tended bar, Jack Dempsey worked as a bouncer, and Howard Hughes married Jean Peters here. The hotel housed the Tonopah Banking Corporation’s vault, facilitating high-stakes transactions. By the 1920s, silver production waned, and Tonopah’s population dwindled. The Mizpah adapted, introducing gaming in the 1940s with roulette, craps, blackjack, and slot machines.
Economic shifts led to multiple closures, notably in 1999 after years of decline. In 2011, Fred and Nancy Cline, owners of Cline Cellars in Sonoma, California, purchased and restored the hotel, motivated by Nancy’s family ties—her grandmother Emma Bunting was Goldfield’s first postal matron, and her great-uncle Harry Ramsey was a Tonopah pioneer. Reopened in August 2011, the Mizpah regained its status as a cultural and economic anchor, bolstered by Tonopah’s emerging green energy sector, including solar projects creating over 800 jobs by 2011.
Architectural Features
The Mizpah Hotel is a striking example of early 20th-century Victorian architecture adapted to a desert mining town. Its design prioritized luxury and durability, with key features including:
- Exterior: Built with reinforced concrete, the facade is clad in light sandstone, blending with the desert landscape, while brick covers the sides and rear. Cast-iron columns frame windows and fire escapes, and the five-story structure, crowned with a simple cornice, was tied as Nevada’s tallest until 1927. The adjacent three-story Brougher-Govan Block, part of the original complex, connects via a wooden stairway under a skylight.
- Interior: The lobby exudes Victorian opulence with crimson carpets, brass chandeliers, stained-glass windows, and antique furnishings like oak furniture and Victorian settees. The original Tonopah Banking Corporation vault remains in the lobby, viewable in its 1908 state. Mosaic tile floors grace the entrance, and period decor, including antique cash registers, enhances the ambiance.
- Amenities: The hotel featured Nevada’s first electric elevator west of the Mississippi, still operational with vintage permits displayed. Guest rooms, originally 56, included hot and cold running water, steam heat, and electric lights—luxuries for the era. Claw-foot bathtubs adorned select suites, and the bar stocked premium whiskey.
- Modern Updates: The 2011 restoration preserved historic elements while adding modern comforts: 47 rooms with high-thread-count linens, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The Pittman Café and Jack Dempsey Room restaurants, plus the Mizpah Club casino, blend retro charm with contemporary appeal.
The hotel’s robust construction ensured its survival through economic downturns and natural challenges, unlike many wooden structures lost to fires in early Tonopah.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Mizpah Hotel encapsulates Tonopah’s silver boom and Nevada’s frontier spirit. As the town’s social and economic hub, it hosted deal-making among mining magnates and politicians, with the bank vault symbolizing Tonopah’s wealth. Its grandeur—leaded-glass windows, electric elevator, and lavish furnishings—set it apart from rudimentary mining camps, reflecting a sophisticated vision for the “Silver State,” second only to Virginia City in silver production.
The hotel’s history intertwines with notable events, like the debunked tale of Senator Key Pittman’s death in 1940. Legend claims supporters hid his body in a bathtub of ice at the Mizpah to secure a Democratic victory, but historians confirm Pittman died post-election, likely from a heart attack. Such stories, amplified by works like The Green Felt Jungle (1963), add to the hotel’s mystique, as do unverified ties to figures like Earp and Dempsey.
Culturally, the Mizpah endures as a time capsule, preserved through efforts like the Clines’ restoration. Its inclusion in Historic Hotels of America since 2013 underscores its national significance. The hotel attracts history buffs and tourists via events like Jim Butler Days, celebrating Tonopah’s founder, and draws adventurers exploring nearby sites like the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, Old Tonopah Cemetery, and the quirky Clown Motel. Its reputed hauntings, voted #1 Haunted Hotel by USA Today in 2018, enhance its allure, blending history with supernatural intrigue.
Paranormal Claims
The Mizpah’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted hotels stems from tales popularized after its 2011 reopening, notably featured on Ghost Adventures (2012) and USA Today’s 2018 and 2022 rankings (#1 and #7, respectively). The most famous spirit is the “Lady in Red,” believed to be a prostitute named Rose, murdered on the fifth floor (rooms 502–504) by a jealous lover or husband in the 1920s. Guests report her apparition in a red gown, whispers, the scent of roses, and pearls left under pillows, supposedly from a broken necklace. Variations of her story—strangled or stabbed—lack historical records, suggesting embellishment for tourism.
Other reported spirits include:
- Spectral Miners: Apparitions in old-fashioned clothing with pickaxes, tied to Tonopah’s mining past, seen in the basement near the bank vault. A tale claims two robbers were killed there by an accomplice, their bodies left undiscovered.
- Playful Children: Giggling and footsteps on the third floor, attributed to ghostly children playing tricks like opening doors.
- Nameless Soldier: A spirit haunting the third and fourth floors, possibly a soldier who died at the hotel, though details are vague.
Skeptics note the absence of contemporary evidence for these stories, and historians like those at the Central Nevada Museum suggest they emerged to boost the hotel’s profile post-restoration. Guests are encouraged to log paranormal experiences in a lobby book, and ghost tours, free with stays, explore the hotel’s eerie lore, enhancing its appeal to thrill-seekers.
Current Status
As of April 2025, the Mizpah Hotel operates as a luxury boutique hotel with 47 rooms, starting at approximately $128 per night for a Queen Economy room. Amenities include the Pittman Café, Jack Dempsey Room (fine dining, though occasionally closed), and the Mizpah Club casino with slots and periodic table games. The bar serves local brews and the Clines’ Lady in Red wine, and the lobby gift shop sells souvenirs. The hotel offers free parking, Wi-Fi, and a fitness center, with a 24-hour front desk and ghost tours available upon request.
Restored to its 1908 grandeur, the Mizpah retains original elements like the elevator, vault, and claw-foot tubs in suites such as the Lady in Red and Jim & Belle Butler, the latter featuring a wagon-frame bed. Located halfway between Reno and Las Vegas on U.S. Route 95, it’s a popular stop for road-trippers, 4 minutes from the Tonopah Historic Mining Park and 25 miles from Goldfield. Tonopah’s population, around 2,000, supports a small but vibrant community, with the hotel as its centerpiece.
The Clines’ ownership ensures ongoing preservation, though challenges include maintaining aging infrastructure and staffing in a remote town. The hotel’s success ties to Tonopah’s tourism, bolstered by attractions like the Central Nevada Museum and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. No major threats to its operation exist, and its haunted reputation continues to draw visitors, especially during Halloween and summer festivals.
Conclusion
The Mizpah Hotel stands as a testament to Tonopah’s silver rush and Nevada’s frontier legacy. Built in 1907, its Victorian elegance—electric elevator, bank vault, and opulent decor—made it a beacon of prosperity, hosting the era’s elite. Despite economic fluctuations and a 1999 closure, its 2011 restoration by Fred and Nancy Cline revived its role as a cultural and economic hub, blending history with modern comforts. While tales of the Lady in Red and other spirits add intrigue, their lack of historical backing highlights the hotel’s savvy use of lore to attract tourists. As a Historic Hotels of America member, the Mizpah remains a vital link to Nevada’s past, offering guests a luxurious step into the Wild West.
Recommendations
- Preservation Support: Encourage donations to Historic Hotels of America or the Tonopah Historic Mining Park to fund maintenance of the Mizpah’s aging features, like the elevator and stained glass.
- Historical Clarity: Partner with local historians to document verified events, separating fact from folklore to enrich educational tours without diminishing the hotel’s mystique.
- Tourism Integration: Promote the Mizpah within a regional itinerary, linking it to Goldfield, Rhyolite, and Death Valley to boost Central Nevada’s heritage tourism.
- Community Events: Expand ghost tours and history talks during Jim Butler Days to engage locals and visitors, fostering pride in Tonopah’s legacy.
Esmeralda County Courthouse
The Esmeralda County Courthouse, located at the northeast corner of Crook Avenue (U.S. Route 95) and Euclid Avenue in Goldfield, Esmeralda County, Nevada, is a historic two-story building constructed in 1907. As the county seat’s primary government building, it has served continuously as a courthouse since its opening, a rare distinction among Nevada’s boomtown-era courthouses. Listed as a contributing property in the Goldfield Historic District, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 14, 1982. This report explores the courthouse’s historical context, architectural features, cultural significance, and current status, emphasizing its role as a preserved symbol of Goldfield’s gold rush prosperity.
Historical Background
Goldfield emerged as a boomtown in 1902 after gold discoveries by prospectors Harry Stimler and William Marsh, transforming a desolate desert region into Nevada’s largest city by 1906, with a peak population of approximately 20,000. Between 1903 and 1940, Goldfield’s mines produced over $86 million in precious metals, fueling rapid development. Esmeralda County, established in 1861, initially had its county seat in Aurora, then Hawthorne, before relocating to Goldfield in 1907 to reflect the town’s economic dominance. The courthouse was built that year at a cost of $125,000, which included office furniture and a jail constructed by the Pauly Jail Company.
The courthouse’s establishment coincided with Goldfield’s peak, a period marked by modern amenities like electricity, telephones, and lavish hotels. It served as the administrative heart of a bustling city that hosted banks, newspapers, and a stock exchange. Notable figures, including Wyatt and Virgil Earp, were part of Goldfield’s early history, with Virgil briefly serving as a deputy sheriff in 1905. The courthouse also played a role in significant events, such as the 1906 Gans-Nelson lightweight boxing championship, commemorated by a monument in front of the building, notable as the longest fight in modern boxing history and the first where a minority boxer won.
Goldfield’s decline began around 1910 as gold production fell, dropping from $8.4 million in 1907 to $5 million by 1912. A 1913 flash flood and a 1923 fire, which destroyed 54 square blocks, devastated much of the town, reducing its population to about 1,500 by 1920. Unlike many Nevada courthouses abandoned during mining busts, the Esmeralda County Courthouse endured, maintaining its function through economic hardship and natural disasters, a testament to Goldfield’s resilience as a “living ghost town.”
Architectural Features
The Esmeralda County Courthouse is a well-preserved example of early 20th-century civic architecture, blending Classical Revival elements with practical design suited to a mining boomtown. Key architectural features include:
- Exterior: Constructed with native sandstone, the two-story building exudes permanence and grandeur. Its rectangular footprint is accented by a symmetrical facade, with the main entrance on Crook Avenue. The stonework, sourced locally, reflects the region’s mining wealth and contrasts with the wooden structures common in early Goldfield.
- Interior: The interior retains much of its original decor, transporting visitors to the early 1900s. The recorder’s office features a three-door steel vault, a nod to the era’s security needs. The main hallway is lined with historic ranch brands, old newspapers, and artifacts from Goldfield’s heyday. Original 1907-style fire hoses remain bolted to the walls, and electric lighting fixtures, upgraded from gas, preserve the period aesthetic.
- Courtroom: Located on the second floor, the courtroom is a highlight, furnished with an original steel bench and backdrop, complemented by Tiffany & Co. lamps—luxuries that underscored Goldfield’s wealth. The space remains in use, offering a frozen-in-time glimpse of early 20th-century judicial proceedings.
- Jail: A functional jail, built by the Pauly Jail Company, operates at the rear, with a sturdy design typical of the era’s penal facilities. It continues to serve its original purpose, occasionally housing inmates.
The courthouse’s design prioritized durability, surviving the 1923 fire that leveled much of Goldfield. Its robust construction and continuous use distinguish it from other Nevada courthouses, such as the Belmont Courthouse, which fell into disrepair after its county seat status shifted.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Esmeralda County Courthouse is a cornerstone of the Goldfield Historic District, embodying the town’s meteoric rise and enduring legacy. During Goldfield’s boom (1904–1909), the courthouse anchored the county’s political and legal systems, processing mining claims, marriages, and criminal cases in a city teeming with fortune seekers. Its Tiffany lamps and elegant furnishings reflected a sophistication rare for a desert mining camp, aligning with Goldfield’s reputation as home to “the finest hotels between Denver and San Francisco.”
The courthouse’s continuous operation sets it apart from other Nevada boomtown relics, many of which were abandoned as populations dwindled. It remains a working museum, offering free admission to visitors who can explore historic photographs, original furniture, and artifacts. The Goldfield Historical Society, instrumental in its preservation, relies on donations to maintain the building, ensuring its role as a window into Nevada’s Wild West past.
Culturally, the courthouse ties to Goldfield’s colorful history, including the 1906 boxing match that drew national attention and symbolized racial progress. It also connects to broader narratives of the American West, with figures like the Earp brothers and promoter Tex Rickard, who staged the fight and later built Madison Square Garden, leaving their mark on the town. The courthouse’s survival through floods, fires, and economic decline underscores Goldfield’s identity as a living ghost town, where history remains tangible.
Current Status
As of April 2025, the Esmeralda County Courthouse continues to serve as the seat of county government, housing offices for the sheriff, DMV, assessor, and justice court. With Goldfield’s population at approximately 250 and Esmeralda County under 800, the courthouse remains a vital hub for local governance. It is open to the public during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM), offering free self-guided tours of its historic features. County employees, described as friendly and knowledgeable, often provide impromptu guided tours, sharing stories of Goldfield’s past.
The courthouse is in excellent condition, thanks to preservation efforts by the Goldfield Historical Society and community support. Donations are encouraged to fund ongoing maintenance, ensuring the building’s artifacts and decor remain intact. The jail at the rear remains operational, and the courtroom occasionally hosts proceedings, maintaining its historical function. The Gans-Nelson monument out front draws visitors interested in boxing history, while the courthouse’s proximity to other attractions, like the Goldfield Hotel and Historic Cemetery, makes it a key stop on Goldfield’s historic walking tour.
The building faces no immediate threats, though its remote location and small population limit funding for large-scale restoration projects. The Goldfield Historical Society’s advocacy, including a website and events like Goldfield Days, promotes the courthouse as part of the town’s heritage tourism, alongside quirky attractions like the International Car Forest and Gemfield rockhounding.
Conclusion
The Esmeralda County Courthouse stands as a enduring symbol of Goldfield’s gold rush era, encapsulating the ambition, wealth, and resilience of a once-thriving boomtown. Built in 1907, its native sandstone structure, Tiffany lamps, and preserved courtroom evoke a time when Goldfield was Nevada’s largest city. Unlike many contemporary courthouses abandoned in mining busts, it has served continuously for over a century, a rare feat that highlights its historical and architectural significance. As a contributing property in the Goldfield Historic District, it draws visitors seeking to explore Nevada’s Wild West heritage, from mining history to tales of the Earp brothers and landmark boxing matches. Ongoing preservation ensures its legacy, making it a must-visit landmark in Goldfield’s living ghost town.
Recommendations
- Preservation Funding: Increase support for the Goldfield Historical Society through grants or state funding to maintain the courthouse’s artifacts and structure, preventing wear from age and tourism.
- Tourism Promotion: Integrate the courthouse into broader Nevada heritage trails, emphasizing its unique continuous use and Tiffany lamps to attract history enthusiasts.
- Educational Outreach: Develop digital exhibits or partner with the Central Nevada Museum to share the courthouse’s stories, including verified accounts of its role in Goldfield’s boom, countering myths like those surrounding the nearby Goldfield Hotel.
- Community Engagement: Encourage local events, like Goldfield Days, to feature courthouse tours, boosting awareness and donations while highlighting its role alongside other historic sites.
Sources
The Goldfield Hotel
The Goldfield Hotel, located at the southeast corner of Crook Avenue (U.S. Route 95) and Columbia Avenue in Goldfield, Esmeralda County, Nevada, is a historic four-story building that stands as a testament to the region’s gold rush era. Constructed in 1907–1908, the hotel was once the epitome of luxury in Nevada, earning accolades as the finest hotel between Chicago and San Francisco. Today, it is a prominent landmark in the Goldfield Historic District, listed on the Nevada State Register of Historic Places in 1981 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Despite its grandeur, the hotel has been closed to guests since 1945 and is renowned for its reportedly haunted reputation. This report provides an overview of the hotel’s history, architecture, cultural significance, paranormal claims, and current status.
Historical Background
Goldfield, Nevada, emerged as a boomtown in 1902 following the discovery of gold, growing to become the largest city in Nevada by 1906 with a population of approximately 20,000. The Goldfield Hotel was built during the peak of this prosperity, replacing two earlier hotels on the same site that had burned down in 1905 and 1906. The hotel was commissioned by the Goldfield Realty Company, with initial ownership by J. Franklin Douglas and other investors, before being acquired by mining magnate George Wingfield and his partner Casey McDannell through the Bonanza Hotel Company.
Opened in June 1908, the hotel was celebrated with a lavish ceremony, rumored to have featured champagne flowing down its grand staircase. It catered to the elite, including miners, bankers, and other affluent visitors drawn to Goldfield’s wealth. However, the town’s fortunes declined rapidly after 1910 as gold production waned, dropping from $8.4 million in 1907 to $5 million by 1912. A flash flood in 1913 and a devastating fire in 1923, which destroyed much of Goldfield, further diminished the town’s vitality. By 1920, the population had dwindled to about 1,500.
The hotel changed hands several times after Wingfield sold it in 1923 to Newton Crumley, who unsuccessfully attempted mining beneath the property. It served as housing for officers and their families from the Tonopah Air Field during World War II (1943–1945), marking its last use as a functioning hotel. Since then, it has remained closed, passing through various owners with intermittent restoration attempts.
Architectural Features
Designed by architects Morrill J. Curtis and George E. Holesworth of the Reno-based firm Curtis and Morrill, the Goldfield Hotel is a prime example of Classical Revival architecture. The U-shaped building measures 180 feet along Columbia Street, with north and south wings extending 100 feet along Crook Avenue and an alleyway, respectively. Key architectural elements include:
- Exterior: The ground floor features grey granite stones from Rocklin, California, while upper stories are constructed with redbrick. A white cornice crowns the top floor, adding to its regal appearance. The U-shape design ensured that each guest room had an exterior window.
- Interior: The hotel originally contained 150 sleeping rooms and 45 suites, most sharing claw-foot bathtubs and toilets but equipped with running water—a luxury at the time. The mahogany-paneled lobby boasted gold-leaf ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and black leather furniture. A saloon and a dining room, named the Grill, extended the width of the building, featuring plate glass windows overlooking Crook Street.
- Innovations: The hotel was equipped with steam heat from an on-site power plant, electric lights, and telephones in each room. Its Otis elevator, running at 300 feet per minute, was one of the fastest west of the Mississippi and a rare feature for the era.
The building was designed to be fireproof, with black metal fire escapes on upper floors and mosaic tile flooring in public areas, including the pillared porch and balconies overlooking the street.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Goldfield Hotel is a symbol of Nevada’s gold rush era and the fleeting prosperity of boomtowns. At its peak, it was a hub for the social and economic elite, reflecting Goldfield’s status as a sophisticated mining city with newspapers, banks, and a stock exchange. Its opulence stood in contrast to the rough-and-tumble image of earlier Wild West towns, showcasing a blend of refinement and ambition.
The hotel has also left a mark on popular culture, appearing in films such as Vanishing Point (1971), Cherry 2000 (1987), and Ghosts of Goldfield (2007). Its reputed hauntings have made it a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts, featured on television programs like Ghost Adventures (2004, 2011, 2013), Ghost Hunters (2008), and FOX’s World’s Scariest Places. These appearances have cemented its reputation as one of the most haunted buildings in the United States, drawing tourists and investigators to Goldfield.
As part of the Goldfield Historic District, Rosecrans Avenue, the hotel contributes to the preservation of Nevada’s mining heritage. The Goldfield Historical Society, which advocates for its restoration, received a $296,000 grant from the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures program to support preservation efforts, highlighting its value as a historical resource.
Paranormal Claims
The Goldfield Hotel’s reputation as a haunted site stems largely from stories popularized in the 1980s by former owner Shirley Porter. The most famous tale involves a woman named Elizabeth, allegedly a prostitute and mistress of George Wingfield, who was supposedly chained to a radiator in Room 109 during her pregnancy and either murdered or abandoned after giving birth. Her child is said to have been thrown into a mine shaft beneath the hotel. Other reported spirits include:
- Two individuals who reportedly committed suicide on the third floor—one by jumping and another by hanging.
- A malevolent entity nicknamed “The Stabber” in the dining room, said to threaten visitors with a knife before vanishing.
- Three child spirits haunting the lobby staircase, known for playful antics like tapping visitors’ backs.
- George Wingfield himself, whose presence is suggested by cigar smoke and ashes near the lobby staircase.
Notable paranormal incidents include a 2004 Ghost Adventures episode where a brick in the basement appeared to levitate and move violently, startling host Zak Bagans. Visitors have reported strange sounds, temperature shifts, and feelings of unease. However, some historians, such as those at the Central Nevada Museum, note inconsistencies in these stories, suggesting many may have been fabricated to boost tourism. For instance, the timeline of Elizabeth’s story does not align with Wingfield’s ownership, and no contemporary records corroborate her existence.
Current Status
The Goldfield Hotel has been closed to the public since 1945, though guided tours, including ghost tours, are offered by appointment through the Goldfield Historical Society. These tours, priced at $20 per person, are available on Thursday evenings, Fridays from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, lasting about an hour. Paranormal investigations are also available, with pricing based on group size and scope.
In 2022, the hotel was listed for sale for $4.9 million, including an assay office, an auto repair shop, a workshop, and five vacant parcels. The sale was handled by the heirs of Edgar “Red” Roberts Jr., who purchased the property in 2003 with plans for poker tournaments and specialty events. Restoration efforts have been ongoing but face challenges from vandalism and unauthorized entry by ghost hunters and urban explorers, which have hindered progress. The Goldfield Historical Society and local advocates continue to push for the hotel’s restoration to its former glory, emphasizing its historical significance over its haunted reputation.
Conclusion
The Goldfield Hotel is a striking relic of Nevada’s gold rush era, embodying both the ambition and transience of boomtown life. Its Classical Revival architecture and luxurious features reflect a time when Goldfield was Nevada’s largest and wealthiest city. While its haunted reputation—driven by tales of Elizabeth, ghostly children, and other spirits—has made it a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts, these stories are met with skepticism by historians who question their authenticity. As a contributing property to the Goldfield Historic District, the hotel remains a valuable historical asset, with ongoing efforts to preserve and potentially restore it. Whether viewed as a haunted landmark or a monument to Nevada’s past, the Goldfield Hotel continues to captivate visitors and researchers alike.
Recommendations
- Preservation: Support the Goldfield Historical Society’s restoration efforts through donations or membership to ensure the hotel’s structural integrity and historical value are maintained.
- Responsible Tourism: Visitors should respect the hotel’s private property status, booking official tours rather than attempting unauthorized access to minimize damage.
- Historical Research: Encourage further archival research to separate fact from fiction in the hotel’s ghost stories, enhancing its educational value.
- Community Engagement: Promote Goldfield as a “living ghost town” destination, highlighting the hotel alongside other attractions like the International Car Forest and Gemfield rockhounding to boost sustainable tourism.
Sources
West Side Road
West Side Road is a prominent backcountry route in Death Valley National Park, running parallel to the park’s iconic Badwater Road along the western edge of the Death Valley basin. This 40-mile, mostly graded dirt and gravel road offers a scenic alternative for exploring the park’s western margin, with access to several side trails, historic sites, and stunning views of the Panamint Mountains. It’s a relatively accessible route for high-clearance vehicles, though 4WD is recommended due to variable conditions.
Trail Details
- Starting Point: Junction with Badwater Road, approximately 6 miles south of CA-190 near Furnace Creek.
- Endpoint: Junction with Harry Wade Road near the southern boundary of the park.
- Distance: Approximately 40 miles one-way.
- Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance 2WD vehicles can manage in good conditions; 4WD recommended for soft sand, washouts, or wet weather.
- Camping: Dispersed camping is permitted along most of the road, except within 2 miles of the Badwater Road junction. Popular spots include near Warm Springs Canyon and Galena Canyon.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on weather and road maintenance.
- Estimated Time: 2–3 hours one-way, excluding stops or side trips.
Route Description
West Side Road begins at its junction with Badwater Road, just south of Furnace Creek, and heads south along the base of the Panamint Mountains. The road follows an ancient lakebed, offering views of the salt flats of Badwater Basin to the east and the towering Panamints to the west. The surface is primarily graded gravel and dirt, but sections may be washboarded, sandy, or rutted, especially after heavy rains.
Key points of interest along the route include:
- Shorty’s Well: Located 5 miles from the start, this artesian well is a historic water source once used by miners and is now a curiosity for visitors.
- Galena Canyon: A side trail at mile 14.7 leads to historic mining sites and rugged terrain (see below for details).
- Warm Springs Canyon: At mile 29, this major 4WD trail leads to Butte Valley and Mengel Pass, offering access to historic cabins and Striped Butte.
- Eagle Borax Works: Near mile 30, the ruins of the first borax operation in Death Valley (1881–1883) are visible, marked by adobe walls and old machinery.
- Trail Canyon: At mile 33.5, another 4WD trail heads west into the Panamints, leading to Aguereberry Point and historic mining sites.
The road ends at its junction with Harry Wade Road, which continues south toward the park’s boundary. The route is ideal for those seeking a less crowded alternative to Badwater Road, with opportunities for photography, hiking, and off-road exploration.
Trail Conditions (as of August 2025)
West Side Road is generally well-maintained but can become impassable after flash floods or heavy rain, particularly in winter or spring. Recent reports indicate the road is open, but soft sand and washouts are possible in sections. Check the Death Valley National Park website or the Death Valley Road Conditions Facebook page for real-time updates. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, making fall through spring (October–April) the best time to visit. Carry extra water, food, and emergency supplies, as services are over 30 miles away in Furnace Creek.
Tips for Travelers
- Navigation: GPS may be unreliable in remote areas; carry a detailed map or guidebook.
- Preparation: Bring ample water (1 gallon per person per day), sunscreen, and a spare tire.
- Respect History: Do not disturb historic sites like Eagle Borax Works.
- Wildlife: Watch for wild burros, coyotes, and occasional bighorn sheep.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash to preserve the park’s pristine environment.
Other 4×4 Trails Accessible from West Side Road
West Side Road serves as a gateway to several challenging 4WD trails in the Panamint Mountains. Below are the primary routes accessible from West Side Road, each offering unique scenery and history.
- Warm Springs Canyon to Butte Valley
- Access: Mile 29 from West Side Road.
high-clearance vehicle for the first 10 miles to the talc mines; 4WD required beyond. - Distance: 21 miles one-way to Butte Valley.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with rocky sections and potential washouts.
- Highlights: Leads to Butte Valley, home to Striped Butte, Geologist’s Cabin, Russell Camp, and Mengel’s Home. The trail continues over Mengel Pass to Goler Wash and Panamint Valley, but this section is extremely rough.
- Notes: Active talc mines maintain the first 10 miles, but the road deteriorates significantly afterward. Check conditions, as flash floods can make the route impassable.
- Access: Mile 29 from West Side Road.
- Galena Canyon
- Access: Mile 14.7 from West Side Road.
- Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance 4WD required.
- Distance: Approximately 8 miles one-way to the end of the drivable section.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with rocky terrain and narrow sections.
- Highlights: Historic mining sites, including remnants of the Gold Hill District, and scenic views of the Panamint Range.
- Notes: The trail is less traveled and can be rough, with limited turnaround points. Suitable for experienced off-roaders.
- Trail Canyon to Aguereberry Point
- Access: Mile 33.5 from West Side Road.
- Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance 4WD recommended.
- Distance: 15 miles one-way to Aguereberry Point.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with steep grades and rocky sections.
- Highlights: Leads to Aguereberry Point (6,433 feet), offering panoramic views of Death Valley. The trail passes the Cashier Mine and Aguereberry Camp, historic mining sites from the early 1900s.
- Notes: The road is narrow and exposed in places, requiring caution. Snow or ice may be present in winter at higher elevations.
Trail Map
History of the Region
Prehistoric and Native American Era
The Death Valley region, including the area along West Side Road, has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Timbisha Shoshone people. They utilized the valley’s scarce water sources, such as Shorty’s Well, for survival in the harsh desert environment. Archaeological evidence suggests seasonal camps and trade routes through the area, with the Panamint Mountains serving as a natural barrier and resource zone.
Mining Boom (1870s–1900s)
The region’s modern history is tied to the mining boom of the late 19th century. The discovery of borax in 1881 led to the establishment of the Eagle Borax Works near West Side Road, the first commercial borax operation in Death Valley. Operated by Isadore Daunet, it ran until 1883, when flooding and financial issues forced its closure. The ruins, including adobe walls and rusted machinery, remain visible today.
In the 1870s and 1880s, prospectors explored the Panamint Mountains for gold and silver, with the Gold Hill District (accessible via Galena Canyon) becoming a focal point. The Butte Valley Mining Company, formed in 1889, worked claims in nearby Goler Canyon, targeting gold, silver, and tellurium. Talc mining began in the early 1900s, with operations in Warm Springs Canyon continuing into the late 20th century. Notable figures like Pete Aguereberry, who worked the Cashier Mine near Trail Canyon, and Carl Mengel, a prospector in Butte Valley, left lasting marks on the region.
20th Century Development
The early 1900s saw continued mining activity, though transportation challenges limited large-scale operations. The construction of West Side Road in the mid-20th century improved access to the western side of Death Valley, facilitating tourism and exploration. The road was graded to connect mining sites and provide an alternative route through the park, but its remote location kept it less trafficked than Badwater Road.
Infamous Associations
In the late 1960s, the remote trails off West Side Road, particularly Goler Wash near Butte Valley, gained notoriety as the hideout of Charles Manson and his followers at Barker Ranch. They were arrested in 1969, marking a dark chapter in the region’s history. The ranch, now burned down, remains a point of interest for some visitors.
Modern Era
Today, West Side Road and its connecting trails are part of Death Valley National Park, established in 1994. The area is managed by the National Park Service, which maintains the road and regulates access to protect its natural and cultural resources. The region remains a haven for off-roaders, hikers, and history buffs, offering a glimpse into Death Valley’s rugged past and stunning landscapes.
Trails Available from West Side Road
 Hanaupah Canyon RoadHanaupah Canyon Road, situated in the southern Panamint Range within Death Valley National Park, is a rugged backcountry route that serves as both a 4x4… |
Johnson Canyon RoadJohnson Canyon Road, located in the southern Panamint Range of Death Valley National Park, is a remote backcountry route that functions as both a challenging… |
Queen of Sheba Mine RoadQueen of Sheba Mine Road, located in the southern part of Death Valley National Park near the Ibex Hills, is a rugged backcountry route that… |
Trail Canyon RoadTrail Canyon, located in the southern part of Death Valley National Park, is not one of the park's more famous frontcountry hikes like Golden Canyon… |
Vanderbilt California – San Bernardino County Ghost Town
Vanderbilt, California, was a fleeting but vibrant gold mining town located in the New York Mountains near the California-Nevada border, approximately 40 miles north of Goffs, California, within what is now the Mojave National Preserve. Existing primarily between 1891 and 1895, Vanderbilt epitomized the boom-and-bust cycle typical of late 19th-century Western mining settlements. Named optimistically after the wealthy Vanderbilt family in hopes of mirroring their fortune, the town’s history reflects the rapid excitement and subsequent abandonment that characterized many gold rush communities.
Discovery and Founding (1891–1892)
The story of Vanderbilt begins in January 1891, when a Native American prospector named Robert Black discovered gold ore on the north slope of the New York Mountains. This initial strike sparked interest, and a small mining camp soon formed near Vanderbilt Spring, a vital water source in the arid region. The camp remained modest until the fall of 1892, when additional gold-rich veins were uncovered, triggering a rush to the area. By January 1893, the settlement had grown to approximately 150 residents, living in a makeshift community of 50 tents, supported by two stores, a saloon, three restaurants, a lodging house, a blacksmith shop, and a stable.
The town’s name, “Vanderbilt,” was chosen to evoke the prosperity of the prominent American industrialist family, signaling the miners’ ambitions for wealth. The discovery of gold in the Gold Bronze, Sagamore, and Boomerang mines fueled optimism, drawing prospectors, merchants, and adventurers to the remote desert location.
Peak Prosperity (1893–1894)
Vanderbilt reached its zenith in 1894, with a population estimated at around 400 residents. During this period, the town developed into a bustling hub with a well-defined business district. Historical accounts describe a lively community featuring three saloons, two barbers, a Chinese restaurant, two additional eating houses, two meat markets, a stationery and fruit store, one lodging house, two blacksmiths, and three general stores. William McFarlane, a pioneer from nearby Ivanpah, operated one of these stores, which also housed the post office and a drugstore.
A notable figure associated with Vanderbilt was Virgil Earp, the older brother of Wyatt Earp and a survivor of the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. According to Earp family historians, Virgil owned the town’s only two-story building, a combination hotel and saloon. His wife, Allie Earp, later recalled that the structure also hosted church services and dances, suggesting a semblance of community life amid the rough mining environment.
In 1894, two ten-stamp mills were constructed to process ore from the Gold Bronze and Boomerang mines, marking the height of Vanderbilt’s industrial activity. These mills were essential for crushing ore and extracting gold, and their completion signaled the town’s economic peak. However, this prosperity was short-lived, as geological challenges soon emerged.
Decline and Abandonment (1895–Late 1890s)
Vanderbilt’s downfall began almost as quickly as its rise. Around the same time the mills were completed in 1894, miners struck water in the shafts of the principal mines. Flooding rendered the underground operations unworkable, halting gold extraction and undermining the town’s economic foundation. Without a sustainable source of wealth, residents began to abandon Vanderbilt, seeking opportunities elsewhere.
By 1895, the population had dwindled significantly, and the once-thriving town faded into obscurity. The exact date of its complete abandonment is unclear, but by the late 1890s, Vanderbilt had become a ghost town. Its brief existence left little behind beyond scattered mining relics, such as a metal headframe marking a vertical shaft, and remnants of old plumbing, which hint at its former activity.
Legacy and Modern Context
Today, Vanderbilt lies within the Mojave National Preserve, a protected area that preserves the region’s natural and historical features. The town’s coordinates are approximately 35°19’38.20″N, 115°14’59.14″W, near the modern gambling hub of Primm, Nevada. While no standing structures remain, the site serves as a testament to the transient nature of mining boomtowns in the American West.
Vanderbilt’s history reflects broader themes of the late 19th-century gold rush: speculative ambition, rapid growth fueled by mineral wealth, and abrupt collapse due to environmental and economic realities. Though short-lived, the town contributed to the lore of the Wild West, with its connection to figures like Virgil Earp adding a layer of historical intrigue.
Vanderbilt, California, encapsulates the ephemeral nature of mining settlements in the American frontier. From its founding in 1891 to its peak in 1894 and its decline by 1895, the town’s trajectory mirrors countless others that rose and fell with the fortunes of the earth. Though little remains of Vanderbilt today, its story endures as a snapshot of a bygone era, preserved in historical records and the stark desert landscape it once briefly animated.
Town Summary
| Town Name | Vanderbilt |
| Location | San Bernardino County, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 35.327222, -115.249722 |
| Population | 500 |
| Elevation | 4350 Feet |
| Newspaper | The Shaft |
| Post Office | February 1893 – 1910 |