The Hidden Castle In Nevada That Almost No One Knows About
While most Nevada visitors wouldn’t expect to find a castle sitting high above the mountaintops, they are in for a real treat when they visit the town of Austin. An unincorporated town of less than 300 residents, there is something magical hiding in plain sight. Combining the rich history of Nevada with an incredible story of architecture and perseverance, take a look at this hidden Nevada castle.
In the small, unincorporated town of Austin, Nevada sits a slice of hidden history that wouldn’t be found if you weren’t looking for it.
Located on the "Loneliest Road in America", you’ll happen across a stunning part of Nevada’s rich past that will make you want to pull over and explore.
While eerily familiar to an old watch tower, this unique three-story structure was built in the late 1800s, essentially as a summer residence for a mine developer named Anson Phelps Stokes.
Modeled after a tower Stokes fell in love with during a trip to Italy, it’s no wonder this one-of-a-kind castle is unlike any other architecture around.
During the mining boom, the Stokes family occupied the castle for only a month, before Stokes sold his mine, the equipment, and the castle, never again to return to the town of Austin.
Eventually the Stokes Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, standing as a place to pay homage to the men who sacrificed their lives in the mines during those years.
While the castle has unfortunately fallen apart, it is still worth visiting in order to admire the architecture, the magical views of the area below and of course, to pay respects to the mining industry that so helped Nevada become what it is today.
If you’re itching to visit Stokes Castle, then you’ll need to head on into Austin, Nevada in the central part of the state. This wonderful piece of Nevada’s history is worth a gander passing through. Otherwise, if you’re interested in other unique hidden gems in Nevada, then take a look at The Highest Road In Nevada Will Lead You On An Unforgettable Journey.
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A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
