12/14/2013

Eureka, Nevada

Eureka, Nevada

Eureka is a charming old mining town on highway 50 (the loneliest road) in the middle of Nevada. Eureka and Austin are the only two towns of any size along highway 50 in the center of the state. Eureka boomed in the 1870s and 80s. The primary product of it's mines was lead which was found alongside the silver that was more commonly mined in the area. Eureka was also home to several smelters which were all demolished many years ago. Several sources list its peak population as 9,000 in 1878. The highest census count was in 1880 at 4,207. The population of Eureka fell quickly after 1880 to 1,609 in 1890. Today the population is 610. There are many remaining buildings in town from the boom period. Some have been restored, some have not. It's generally a very well preserved and maintained town. There are a couple of motels in Eureka as well as services and small stores. There is an active open pit mine Northwest of town. The old Ruby Hill mine directly above town is on private property, fenced and posted.

More on Eureka here at Nevadaweb.

 

Eureka, Nevada

Eureka, Nevada

Eureka, Nevada

Eureka, Nevada

 

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