You’ll discover Midas, Nevada as a living ghost town that sprang from a spectacular 1907 gold strike by James McDuffy at Owyhee Bluffs. Initially named Gold Circle, this boomtown swelled to 2,000 residents by 1908, complete with hotels and saloons, before declining to 250 people due to milling challenges. Now home to 349 residents, Midas preserves its mining heritage through historic structures like the iconic Midas Saloon, where tales of its golden past await.
Key Takeaways
- Midas is a living ghost town in Nevada with 349 residents, featuring preserved historic structures from its 1907 gold mining boom.
- The town originated as Gold Circle during the 1907 gold rush, changing its name to Midas in 1909 due to postal restrictions.
- Historic buildings including the Midas Saloon, assay office, and drug store remain accessible while respecting private property rights.
- Mining operations produced millions in gold and silver until 1942, with modern mining revival occurring in 1998.
- Located 227 miles from Reno, Midas maintains its mining heritage through community preservation efforts and local gathering spots.
The Birth of a Golden Dream
When James McDuffy discovered gold at the base of Owyhee Bluffs in June 1907, he sparked a transformative rush that would establish Midas as one of Nevada’s notable mining towns.
You’ll find that within months, two settlements emerged simultaneously – Gold Circle and Summit – as prospectors rushed to stake their claims in the promising territory.
The initial gold rush brought spectacular results, with ore assays yielding between $2,400 and $20,000 per ton. Like the ancient tale of the Phrygian king who possessed the golden touch, the town’s rich deposits seemed almost magical in their abundance.
By April 1908, you’d have encountered a bustling community of over 1,000 residents, complete with hotels, saloons, and even a local newspaper.
Within months, Midas transformed from barren land into a thriving town of 1,000 souls seeking their golden dreams.
In 1909, postal restrictions forced a pivotal change – the town adopted the name “Midas,” drawing inspiration from the legendary king who turned everything he touched to gold.
The area experienced renewed vitality when the Elko Prince mill began operations in 1915, bringing fresh economic opportunities to the region.
From Boom to Bust: Population Rise and Fall
Following the initial gold discovery at Owyhee Bluffs, Midas experienced a remarkable population surge that peaked at nearly 2,000 residents by mid-1908.
Originally called Gold Circle, the town was established in 1907 before changing its name to Midas.
You’d have found a bustling frontier town with six saloons, five hotels, and its own newspaper, showcasing the rapid development that characterized Nevada’s mining settlements.
However, the population dynamics shifted dramatically by late 1908. Without adequate milling facilities, the town couldn’t sustain its economic growth, and numbers plummeted to just 250 residents.
Even as six mills were constructed by 1909, processing only 119 tons of ore wasn’t enough for true economic sustainability.
The town saw a modest revival when the Elko Prince Mining Company opened its 50-ton cyanide mill in 1915, stabilizing the population around 200, but the devastating 1922 mill fire marked another turning point in Midas’s decline.
By 1950, the once-thriving mining community had dwindled to just nine permanent residents.
Mining Legacy and Economic Impact
Throughout its storied history, Midas’s mining district has left an indelible economic legacy, producing millions of dollars’ worth of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc between 1907 and the mid-1920s.
You’ll find that early operations supported a bustling town of 1,500 people before World War II halted production in 1942.
Similar to the Comstock Lode district, Midas saw minimal mining activity from the 1920s until its revival.
The district’s most remarkable transformation came through mining innovations in 1998, when modern underground techniques and Merrill Crow processing facilities revolutionized extraction methods. The shift toward sustainable mining practices reflected industry-wide changes in responsible resource extraction.
This economic resurgence led to unprecedented yields – nearly 2 million ounces of gold and 27 million ounces of silver by 2013.
As one of Nevada’s 36 premier gold districts producing over a million ounces, Midas’s impact extends beyond its ghost town status, contributing notably to Nevada’s position as the second-largest silver-producing state.
Life in Early Midas
The discovery of gold by prospector James McDuffy at Owyhee Bluffs in 1907 sparked Midas’s transformation from untamed wilderness into a vibrant boomtown. Early settlers faced the harsh realities of frontier life, with limited ore processing capabilities initially restricting their mining success.
Yet they quickly established a thriving community, complete with hotels, saloons, and essential services. You’d have found a bustling town of up to 5,000 residents by 1908, where community activities centered around lively dances and the infamous shootouts on Main Street.
The town’s infrastructure grew to include a post office, doctor’s office, and jail, while stagecoaches connected Midas to neighboring settlements three times weekly. Despite the lawlessness typical of mining towns, residents maintained social connections through local gatherings at establishments like the enduring Midas Saloon. The settlement was originally called Gold Circle until the post office name rule forced a change to Midas.
Modern-Day Ghost Town Reality
While many ghost towns throughout Nevada stand completely abandoned, Midas maintains a unique status as a “living” ghost town with roughly 349 residents. Located 227 miles from Reno, the town offers visitors a fascinating blend of historic preservation and modern life. The town’s preservation challenges are met head-on through community engagement, with local groups like Friends of Midas working to protect historical structures. The site has a rich mining history dating back to when James McDuffy discovered the first gold deposits in 1907.
Unlike typical ghost towns, Midas thrives as a living historic community where residents actively preserve their unique Nevada heritage.
- You’ll find the iconic Midas Saloon & Dinner House serving as both a modern gathering spot and a symbol of the town’s mining heritage.
- The median age of 46.4 years reflects a mature population committed to maintaining the area’s historical character.
- You can explore original buildings including the assay office and drug store while respecting private property boundaries.
Today’s Midas successfully balances its ghost town appeal with contemporary life, supported by a modest economy of tourism, mining operations, and local services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Reported Ghost Sightings or Paranormal Activities in Midas?
You won’t find documented ghost encounters or haunted history in Midas’s records. While nearby Nevada ghost towns report paranormal activities, no verified supernatural sightings exist for this preserved mining settlement.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Midas?
You’ll find the best season to visit is late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October), when you’ve got mild temperatures, clear roads, and full access to attractions without extreme weather concerns.
Can Visitors Explore the Abandoned Mines Around Midas?
You shouldn’t explore abandoned mines around the area due to severe safety risks. There’s no authorized mine exploration program, and the unstable structures, open shafts, and lack of cell service make it dangerous.
Is Camping Allowed Near the Midas Ghost Town Site?
Free as a bird, you can camp near Midas on BLM land, following camping regulations for durable surfaces. There are 19 nearby campsites available, with peak season running May through September.
How Accessible Is Midas During Winter Months?
You’ll find year-round accessibility via paved roads from I-80, though winter road conditions can be challenging. It’s best to bring a 4WD vehicle and check weather forecasts before your journey.
References
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/midas-ghost-town-saloon
- https://www.nvexpeditions.com/elko/midas.php
- https://kids.kiddle.co/Midas
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midas
- https://westernmininghistory.com/towns/nevada/midas/
- http://www.onv-dev.duffion.com/articles/midas
- https://shpo.nv.gov/nevadas-historical-markers/historical-markers/nevadas-first-gold-discovery
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UmqLbwTCXk
- https://solidground.sandvik/midas-touch/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_mining_in_Nevada
