The hum of the tires hammering against the tarmac, and the gentle vibrations reverberating through my body, lull me into a relaxed state. The relentless heat of midday, the rocky outcrops, and mysterious objects scattered across the desert sands, all combine on this lazy Tuesday. We pull off the road just past a weather-beaten sign which points to somewhere at the end of an arrow straight dirt road. Out there lie the remains of our destination; Gold Point.
We travel steadfast past a group of grazing livestock on our left. A small pack of wild horses on our right look up to watch us pass by with a nonchalant gaze. All the while straight ahead, some structures appear to grow up and out of the horizon.
Our First Impressions of Gold Point
Occasionally, when we are on the hunt for these long-forgotten “off the beaten path” places, we can end up somewhat disappointed. This time, however, we looked at one another grinning. Gold Point did not disappoint.
We had only just found somewhere to park, walked a short distance, and taken a few pictures when an elderly gentleman appeared on a quad bike.
Pulling up next to me, I smiled and asked, “How are you doing today?”
He replied, “Well, I guess you didn’t see the sign that said photographs are prohibited in this area!”
As I began to apologise and put the camera away, he burst out laughing and said, “I’m only joking!”
Hopping off his quad outside the old building we were taking photos of, he asked if we’d like to come inside to look around. Duh! That’s a no brainer. Of course, we would.
The Old Saloon
Stepping into the old saloon was incredible. We didn’t know where to look first. Maps, chairs, chests, old road signs and nick-nacks adored the floors, walls and rafters.
The wooden floorboards creaked with each step. Tables and chairs were ready to welcome hungry guests, and an old stove was ready to be lit.
Sitting at the bar, we had a wonderful conversation with Walt, the owner.
Enter Larry and Digger. Brothers who come by for a drink every so often from another ghost town, about 30 miles away.
To us, it felt like the old days out on the prairie. Sitting around telling stories, eating peanuts and dropping the shells on the floor like hundreds of others have done before us.
We left the “Boys” to chat and went to explore more of the town. Walt said, “When you come back, I’ll take you into the post office.”
Except for a few more modern vehicles and travel trailers, you would expect Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, and the rest of the gang to come riding up, desperate for a drink. In fact, Vigil Earp did frequent this saloon and actually had lived and died in Digger’s house in Goldfield. (So we were told.)
The History of Gold Point
This little townsite got its start by ranchers and a few miners in the 1860s. Back then it was known as Lime Point as the camp was built near an outcrop of limestone. Not really a name that sparks much interest or intrigue.
Prospectors started to flood to the area when silver was discovered in 1902, and the town was renamed Hornsilver. A little better, I guess! The tents gradually disappeared, and more permanent wooden structures were built, including hotels, cafes, numerous saloons, of course, a store, bakery and a post office.
By the early 1900s, there were 1,000 residents and a total of 225 buildings. Unfortunately, the boom didn’t last, and by 1909 the miners started to leave.
The Great Western Mine was purchased in 1922 and mining operations began yet again. Gold was discovered, and by 1932 the town became Gold Point.
The major demise of this town was World War II. Mines were shut down as deemed unnecessary to the war effort. Miners and residents either moved on or enlisted.
The last fatal blow was a dynamite explosion in the 1960s, causing a massive cave-in. The Great Western Mine closed, and Gold Point was forgotten.
If it wasn’t for Herb Robbins, and Chuck and Walt Kremin, who have purchased most of the town and restored many of the buildings, this place may have been a mere pile of rotting wood in the desert or wiped off the map altogether.
The old mining equipment stands tall above the town—a vestige to a time when this area was in its infancy.
The Post Office
As promised, Walt took us to the Post Office. Unlocking the door, he said, “Enjoy, I’ll be back.”
The floorboards creak gently underfoot, and the waft of history completely overwhelmed us. It is like walking into a time capsule.
“Wanted” posters lined the top of the walls like crown moulding.
Old newspapers and mail are still stacked and waiting to be delivered.
The Postmasters window remains shut, never to be opened or operated again.
Now there are varying dates as to when the Post Office closed its doors for good. We were told it was 1964, although dates are stating that it closed in 1968.
Ora Mae Wiley was postmistress in Gold Point from 1940 to 1964. (We believe that she was the last person to operate the Post Office.) Ms Wiley remained in Gold Point until she died in 1980. She was 83 years old.
Living Quarters
The central room looks to have been converted into an antique room, with lots of old glass bottles, books, boots and minings materials. There are so many wonderful items on display that its hard to take inventory of it all.
Through another doorway is the living quarters of the Postmaster. A full kitchen with dining-room table and all the amenities.
Finally, just beyond is the bedroom.
Walking back into the central room, we noticed a ‘ring’ in one of the floorboards. Lifting it carefully, we discovered a cellar, now used for wine storage.
Final Walk Through Gold Point
Before we departed, Walt took us to see some cabins he’s been renovating. The exteriors are 100% original, but the insides have some modern touches.
We were able to walk through a model that is about 80% finished and wow it is going to be unique inside.
Several have already been completed, and you can book one as an Air B&B to have a real ‘ghost town’ experience for yourself.
OUR TAKEAWAY FROM GOLD POINT
It is unexplainable, but we have an irresistible draw to these old ghost towns. We feel something almost familiar and comfortable when we arrive. Maybe it’s the hours of viewing old western tv series as kids, or perhaps it’s something else!
Could it be the yearning to find a place untouched by time, where the Wild West still survives? Where life was just a little simpler, but at the same time, tougher?
Whatever it may be, all we know is we will be back to volunteer our time to help Walt keep the town he loves looking the way it does.
We implore you to do the same. Let us know if you would like to help and donate your time and skills to keep this gem of a town alive.
gold point in a nutshell
- Location:
- 296 miles south of Reno
- 175 miles north of Las Vegas
- 40 miles S.W. of Goldfield – off of Hwy 95
- 7.4 miles off of SR 774
- All buildings are privately owned
- There are about 6 permanent residences in the town today
- Wear sunscreen, hat, solid boots/shoes
- Watch for snakes and other bities
- Take plenty of water and food with you
- Fill up your petrol tank before you go – there are no services in Gold Point
- Be prepared to spend several hours mooching around – more if Walt is at the saloon
- Please remember – Take only pictures. Leave all objects where you find them, they belong to the towns folk
- Pack it in – Pack it out and Leave No Trace!
location map
Explore, have fun and put another Pin In The Atlas!
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