I visited my first Nevada ghost towns of the year, West Point and Ward.
West Point
West Point was established by Mormon settlers in 1867. Twenty families lived in the town but faced multiple issues, including hostile Native Americans, disease and flooding.
The LDS church allowed the town residents to abandon West Point in 1870. All that remains today is the cemetery.
Ward
In 1872, freighters searching for oxen discovered silver ore in the Willow Creek Basin. Individual prospectors worked claims until Martin & White Company of San Fransisco purchased multiple claims in 1875.
The small mining camp of Ward developed at the base of the mountains. The town boomed in 1876, with a population of 1,500. The town was a “lawless mining camp” with murders and vigilante justice. Residents established a school in an abandoned house but never felt the need for a church.
Ward Charcoal Ovens
Charcoal kilns once dotted Nevada. Converting wood into charcoal was a more efficient way of powering smelters. The most famous charcoal kilns are the Ward Charcoal Kilns, at the base of the Egan Range, south of Ely.
Learn more about the Ward Charcoal Ovens.
Nowhere Nevada or Now Here Nevada?
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