Exploring Nevada's Ghost Towns: Cherry Creek, Ruth, Rhyolite, Berlin, and Metropolis
Nevada, with its vast deserts and rugged landscapes, is home to several fascinating ghost towns. These abandoned communities offer a glimpse into the state's rich mining history and the dangers faced by early settlers. In this article, we will explore some of the best and most intriguing ghost towns in Nevada, including Cherry Creek, Ruth, Rhyolite, Berlin, and Metropolis.
Cherry Creek: A Short-lived Gold Rush City
Cherry Creek is a small ghost town located in Eureka County, Nevada, approximately 100 miles east of Reno. Founded in 1867 during a gold rush, the town was initially named Receiving Plant due to a processing plant that was set up nearby. The town was renamed to Cherry Creek in 1870 due to the abundance of cherry trees in the area.
Despite the initial excitement, Cherry Creek never gained the prominence it had hoped for, and the town's population dwindled over the years. The filming of the 'Venom' movie in 2018 revitalized the town, bringing a new level of interest to the area.
Ruth: The Ghost Town Turned Artisanal Silver Town
Ruth, located about 13 miles from the Colorado River in Nye County, has a rich mining history. Founded in the early 1900s, the town was initially called Ophir and was named after the famous silver district in Nevada. As the name suggests, silver was the main draw, and over the years, there have been multiple boom and bust cycles, leaving the town to lay abandoned.
However, unlike many other ghost towns, Ruth has managed to transform itself. In the early 2010s, a group of artisanal miners took an interest in the town, attracted by the unexplored veins and potential to extract silver using modern methods. Today, Ruth is not only a ghost town but also a starting point for modern-day prospectors, artists, and those looking to experience the pioneering spirit of mining.
Rhyolite: The Pompeii of Nevada
Rhyolite, also known as "The Pompeii of Nevada," was founded in 1905 as a port for ore-laden trains to transfer their cargo onto a narrow-gauge railroad for the journey out of the state. The town's economy boomed when silver was discovered, and soon there were over 7,000 people living in the makeshift town, which featured three mines, a large number of saloons, and a substantial workforce.
Ironically, Rhyolite's prosperity was its doom. When the silver boom ended, the town's economy crumbled. By 1911, the population had dwindled to around 500, and the town's fate was sealed. Today, Rhyolite is a well-preserved ghost town, with many intact buildings and artifacts, providing a photographer's and history enthusiast's dream destination.
Berlin: The Swiss Colony in the Desert
Berlin is a part of the BerlinOutOfTown community, located about 35 miles east of Tonopah in Nye County. Founded in 1905, the town was established as a Finnish utopian community. Named after the German city of Berlin, the town attracted numerous Finnish citizens and grew to become a thriving center with a population of around 1,500. Street names were given in Finnish, and many buildings in the town accurately depicted Swiss architecture.
However, like many other mining towns, Berlin's fortunes fluctuated, and when the Swiss-based Bankier Silver Mining Company went bankrupt in 1911, the town began to decline. Today, Berlin remains a significant historical site, with well-preserved Finnish and Swiss-style buildings, providing a unique historical experience in Nevada's Mojave Desert.
Metropolis: A Ghost Town with a Community
Metropolis, found near the border of Lincoln and Esmeralda counties, was once a thriving mining town in the early 1900s. The town was named after the Greek mythological city-state of Metropolis and was on the Union Pacific Railroad. Over time, the mine's productivity decreased, and the town's economy began to falter.
Unlike many other ghost towns, Metropolis attempted to revive itself in the 1970s after the Union Pacific Railroad abandoned the area. In 1985, Metropolis became a commuter town, with residents living off utilities and exploring a way to make the town self-sustaining. However, despite these efforts, the town's population continued to decline, and today, only a few structures remain standing, giving it a uniquely historical and lived-in feel.
Why Explore these Ghost Towns?
Exploring ghost towns in Nevada is more than just a trip to old ruins. Each town offers a unique glimpse into America's history, particularly the boom and bust cycles of the mining industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Travelers can explore abandoned buildings, learn about the lives of early miners and settlers, and experience the stark contrast between the bustling communities of yesteryear and the quiet solitude that now reigns supreme in these deserted towns.
Conclusion
Nevada's ghost towns, including Cherry Creek, Ruth, Rhyolite, Berlin, and Metropolis, offer a compelling case study in the fleeting nature of prosperity and the resilience of human spirit. Whether you're a history buff, a photographer, or a fan of eerie, picturesque landscapes, these abandoned towns have something to offer. Next time you plan a visit to Nevada, make sure to check out these fascinating ghost towns.