Nevada Hot Springs, Nevada. Founded in 1863. Formerly known as Hind’s Hot Springs from 1863-1907.
In 1863 J.C. Hinds purchased land on the north west slope of Smith Valley. The location was situated on the main road connecting the regional northern and southern towns. To the north was Dayton, Como, Palmyra and Fort Churchill. To the south was Fletcher, Aurora and Bodie. The location had natural hot springs. Cold water was supplied by Red Canyon high up in the mountains.
Hinds developed Nevada Hot Springs into a stage station. In addition to the usual stop stage services of food and overnight accommodations, travelers could enjoy hot and cold springs located on the property. Hind’s Hot Springs also attracted tourists and local miners. Hinds claimed the springs, along his homemade remedy, could cure a variety of issues from medical conditions to broken down constitutions. He claimed it could even cure “secondary sins”. I’m not sure what that euphemism is implying, but it sounds intriguing!
“Hinds Hot Springs could entertain
—Esmeralda Herald, 1878
an unlimited number of guests. The baths
are noted for relief of rheumatism,
salt rheum, mercurial affectations, secondary sin, broken down constitutions, gravel and kidney complaints. Full board and lodging cost $15 week.”
In 1907 the property was purchased by John O’Banion and Judge Snell. They renamed the property Nevada Hot Springs. They expanded the resort and added additional tubs and even a swimming pool. In 1913 the structures were destroyed by fire. The owners rebuilt and expanded adding a bar and dance floor.
Unfortunately for Nevada Hot Springs, a series of events lead to its decline. The new highway system bypassed Nevada Hot Springs. The Nevada Copper Belt Railway connecting the east side of Smith Valley to Mason Valley was abandoned in 1947. And mining declined in Smith Valley. Another fire claimed Nevada Hot Springs in 1948.
There are no structures or other evidence remaining of the stage stop and developed hot springs. The land is now owned by a private ranch. The hot springs are still visible from the road. When Hubby and I visited, the hot springs were being enjoyed only by wildlife and a lucky llama.
Red Canyon still has a spring, but getting there is more difficult. We went with friends and their RZR. We accessed Red Canyon from the western side of Bald Mountain. My husband has taken the CJ5 jeep there but it’s too tight for a a full sized truck. Red Canyon is a beautiful spot for lunch.
Visited May 2020
References
- Paher, Stanley. Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps. Nevada Publications, 1970. Page 16, 86.
- Nation, Nyle. The Pine Nut Chronicle: The History and Adventures of Mining in Douglas County Nevada. Pine Nut Press, 2000. Pages 37, 42, 44, 162.
- Western Mining History: Hind’s Hot Springs
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