Hornsilver/Gold Point Nevada: Silver turns to Gold by Alan H. Patera (Western Places Volume 7-2)

Hornsilver/Gold Point Nevada: Silver turns to Gold by Alan H. Patera
Western Places Volume 7-2

Thirty miles SW of Goldfield, Hornsilver boomed in the spring of 1908 after the Great Western mine made a series of rich ore shipments.  Within a few months it had 700 people, then it declined nearly as fast; but there were those who never gave up as it went through a series of ups and downs.  From 1915 to 1920, J.W. Dunfee made the Orleans mine pay handsomely, but litigation turned the ‘20s into lean years.

In 1931 the name of the town and post office was changed from Hornsilver to Gold Point, as the Ohio Mines Corporation was formed to work the Great Western and Orleans mines.  While its mill was operating, Gold Point enjoyed its most prosperous years, with a population of about 200.  After World War II mining was sporadic; the town declined until only postmaster Ora Mae Wiley was there at times -- but Gold Point has never been without a resident population. 

There are many original buildings in Gold Point, and it’s a fascinating place to visit.  You can also arrange a stay in a refurbished miner’s cabin at the local Bed & Breakfast.

Paperback, 86 pages, 8.5 by 11inches.  This book contains numerous photographs, both 19th century ones and others taken recently.  People and places are indexed.

Click on additional images (left) to see Gold Point photos:

• The window of the Gold Point post office looks much the same as when the office closed in 1964,
• A Gold Point outhouse offers an expansive view in this 2003 photo