Fletcher, Nevada: Crossroads to Booming Bodie and Aurora

Fletcher Station was built in the 1860s by H.D. Fletcher. During the Aurora and Bodie mining boom the station served as an important way station or “switching station” where teamsters and stagecoaches could trade out for fresh horses. The Fletchers also raised and sold fresh produce, frogs and fish from their ponds.

Fletcher was located on the crossroads of two major routes. The Carson to Auroa road connected the areas mining towns to the state capitol in Carson City and the Comstock Lode in Virginia City. The station was six miles from Aurora, earning it the name Six Mile Station.

The Bodie-Aurora to Hawthorne road connected via Lucky Boy Pass to the supply center. Traffic increased when the Carson Colorado Railroad arrived in Hawthorne in 1881. Fletcher was half way between Hawthorne and Aurora and the station became alternately known as Half-Way House.

A Post Office was established in October 24, 1883. H.D. Fletcher was named the first postmaster. The post office was in operation until November 30, 1913.

The station keepers of Fletcher have a plot in Aurora cemetery.

The station stop was renovated in 1949 into a restaurant, bar and sleeping quarters for hunters and fishermen. A fire started in the second story chimney. The fire was quickly discovered but with 100 year old dry wood and remote location the building was soon engulfed in flames.

Fire destroyed the two story frame house at Fletcher’s station Saturday morning. Fletcher’s station was the halfway point for stage coaches, teamsters, and travelers between Bodie, Aurora, and Hawthorne in the early days.

September 23, 1949 Reno Evening Gazette

One volunteer firefighter fire beat the firetruck from Hawthorne to Fletcher. When he arrived he found the “survivors” had saved a few bottles of whiskey. They were sitting in chairs sipping whiskey watching the smoldering remains of the historic station. 

Fletcher remains a popular place to relax and camp. The spring continues to run cool, clear water and has created an oasis in the desert. A root cellar and rock walls from corrals mark the location.

I visited Fletcher with Aurora expert, Richard. He has spent years exploring and researching the area and was a wonderful guide. We also visited Lucky Boy, Sunshine Station, Aurora, Fletcher, Bodie Canyon and multiple mill sites. It was a 16 hour day requiring two hot beverages, a Maverik breakfast burrito and a large bottle of ibuprofen.

Visited 9-11-2020

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References

• Paher, Stanley. Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps. Nevada Publications, 1970. Page 466.
• Silver, Sue. Mineral County Nevada: Volume 1 Mining Camps, Towns and Places. Museum Associates of Mineral Country, 2011. Page 154-155.
• Silver, Sue. Mineral County Nevada: Volume 2 Mining Camps, Towns and Places (1901 and After). Museum Associates of Mineral Country, 2011. Page 102.
• Silver, Sue. Mineral County Nevada: Volume 3 Early Transportation: Stagecoach, Steamboat & Narrow Gauge Rail. Museum Associates of Mineral Country, 2011. Page 100.
• Silver, Sue. Mineral County Nevada: Volume 5 Roads and Routes of the Past. Museum Associates of Mineral Country, 2012. Page 60, 65.
• The Second Promise: STAGECOACH ROBBERY — “Halt! Your money or your life!”

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