Nestled deep in the heart of Elko County, Nevada lies the abandoned town of Midas. Once a thriving community, Midas was established in 1907 following the discovery of gold ore in the area. At its peak, the town boasted a population of over 1,100 people and was home to various businesses, including hotels, saloons, and general stores.
Midas is a ghost town, with only a handful of buildings remaining on private property. Despite its deserted state, Midas remains an intriguing destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. The town’s rich history and unique architecture offer a glimpse into a bygone era, while the surrounding wilderness provides ample hiking, camping, and exploring opportunities.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, Midas’s ghost town will captivate your imagination and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Key Takeaways
- Midas was established in 1907 after the discovery of gold ore in the area and had a population of over 1,100 people at its peak.
- The Elko Prince mine was the most productive mine in the area, with initial assays running between $2,400 and $20,000 per ton, but mining operations ceased in 1942.
- Today, only a handful of buildings remain on private property, including the Gold Circle Club, the Midas Hotel, and the Midas Mercantile, and the town’s cemetery is a testament to the lives that were once lived in Midas.
- Midas is a popular destination for history buffs and adventure seekers, offering a glimpse into a bygone era through its rich history, unique architecture, and opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring.
History of Midas
Midas, a ghost town located in Elko County, Nevada, was originally called Rosebud then Gold Circle. The townsite was laid out in November 1907 after the discovery of the first gold ore in July 1907, which triggered a gold rush in the area.
By the end of April 1908, the population was estimated to be 1,100, making it one of the fastest-growing towns in the region at the time. The population growth of Midas was mainly due to the Elko Prince mine, which was a productive mine that produced gold every year from 1908 to 1941.
The initial assays of the mine ran between $2,400 and $20,000 per ton, making it a prosperous source of gold. However, the population never exceeded 5,000, and the town’s mining operations ceased in 1942, leaving behind only a few buildings that can still be seen today.
“IN JUNE OF 1907, PROSPECTOR James McDuffy struck gold in north central Nevada, leading to the immediate creation of the mining town of Gold Circle. Over the next few years, the town became filled with miners and, two years later, Gold Circle was renamed to Midas when the federal government refused to build another post office with “gold” in its name.”
“Following the discovery of gold, Midas immediately grew, expanding to a small town of 5,000 with four real estate offices, five hotels, town dances, a red-light district, and shootouts in Main Street. The mining town thrived for over three decades until 1942, when the boomtown lost its “Midas Touch.””
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Economy of Midas
The gold mining industry in Midas had a significant economic impact on the region. The Elko Prince mine was the most productive mine in the area, with initial assays running between $2,400 and $20,000 per ton. The mines continued to produce every year from 1908 to 1941 despite the mill problem that was addressed by the end of 1910.
The town’s population never exceeded 5,000, but the mining operations provided employment and income for the residents. However, the town’s economy heavily depended on the mining industry, which ceased operations in 1942.
Today, only a few buildings remain, reminding us of the once-thriving community that relied on the gold mines for their livelihood.
Remains of Midas
Remaining structures in the area of Midas offer a glimpse into the town’s past, serving as a reminder of the once-thriving community.
Abandoned structures such as the Gold Circle Club, the Midas Hotel, and the Midas Mercantile still stand in the area, allowing visitors to explore and imagine what life was like in the town during its heyday.
The Gold Circle Club, for example, was once a popular destination for miners and residents alike, with its large dance floor and stage.
The Midas Hotel, on the other hand, was a three-story building that housed guests and provided them with amenities such as a bar, restaurant, and even a bowling alley.
Apart from these abandoned structures, hidden treasures in Midas are waiting to be discovered.
For one, the town’s cemetery is a testament to the lives that were once lived in Midas.
The graves of miners, their families, and even children can be found here, with some dating back to the early 1900s.
Visitors can also take a stroll along the nearby creek, where remnants of old mining equipment can still be seen.
Overall, the remains of Midas offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past, providing visitors with a chance to step back in time and explore the history of this once-thriving community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the daily life like for the residents of Midas?
Residents of Midas led a rugged life due to the mining operations, with long hours and hazardous working conditions. However, social gatherings provided a much-needed escape from the daily grind, fostering a sense of community despite the town’s eventual decline.
Were there any notable individuals or events that occurred in Midas?
Notable individuals or historical events in Midas, NV are not well documented. However, the town’s productive Elko Prince mine and population boom during the early 1900s are noteworthy. Mining operations ceased in 1942.
How did the closure of the mine affect the surrounding area?
The closure of the Elko Prince mine in Midas significantly impacted the local economy, resulting in the cessation of mining operations and subsequent effects on local businesses. The town’s population dwindled and its school and post office closed as a result.
Are there any legends or ghost stories associated with Midas?
There is little to no evidence of supernatural sightings or local folklore associated with the ghost town of Midas, NV. The town’s history is primarily rooted in its once-productive mine and subsequent decline.
What efforts, if any, have been made to preserve the remaining buildings in Midas?
Efforts to preserve the historical buildings in Midas, NV have been made through restoration and conservation to protect the town’s cultural heritage. The site is now on private property with a few remaining buildings.
