Belmont, Nevada by Alan H. Patera (Western Places Vol 8-1)

Belmont, Nevada by Alan H. Patera
Western Places Volume 8-1

The pretty town of Belmont was an outpost of civilization during its first boom period (1867-69).  Its rich ores and bright prospects lured as many as 2,000 people to the south end of the Toquima Range, and Belmont soon found itself the county seat of Nye County.  Though depopulated by the White Pine rush, Belmont again prospered in the 1870s and 1880s.  As an administrative center, it remained a viable little town until Tonopah exploded on the scene in the early 1900s.
    Belmont had a reputation as a “tough town” with a number of shootings and stabbings.  In 1874 there was a double hanging by a vigilante group, after which there was considerably less violence.
    This publication is the result of several years of research.  It documents the notable incidents, describes town life and the success and failures of the mines.  It is well-indexed and supplies a list of over 1,300 people who lived in Belmont at one time or another.
    The imposing court house built in 1874 still stands and the Main Street at the heart of the business district is a block-long set of ruins on either side, including those of the famous Cosmopolitan Saloon.  Other early buildings stand, and the ruins of many more buildings dot the townsite and the surrounding hills, especially in East Belmont near the mines.  The ruins of five mills are easy to find, some of which are most impressive and photogenic.
    Come read about Belmont - it will make you want to visit!  Belmont still has a gift shop, a bed & breakfast, two saloons, their famous court house building and many building ruins.
    Paperback, 106 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:

1. The ruins of the mill, which is mis-named the Highbridge Mill, operated briefly around 1912-14.
2. These buildings were built 1867-1874.  The saloon is still sometimes open for business. The other buildings may have been used as professional office buildings.  In the foreground: Charlie enjoyed visiting many ghost towns with the author
3. A picture of the Belmont Court House as it is today.  It was built in 1874 and is now a Nevada State Historical Site.