Posted in Nevada
August 20, 2016
This 20th-Century Ghost Town In Nevada Is Eerily Modern
Nevada is home to several ghost towns that reflect the state’s Old West spirit, but the modern day ghost town of Coaldale breaks the mold … and then some.
While many Nevada boomtowns sizzled and fizzled with the times of the mines, Coaldale didn’t have much of a rise and its fall was semi-recent. The lifeless spot in the northwestern corner of Esmeralda County is comprised of abandoned, fire-scorched, mid-century buildings crumbling in the hot desert sun.
It’s almost as if the zombie apocalypse happened and nobody told us.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The town developed as a result of nearby Nevada coal mines but its population never really exploded. When the mines closed in the late 1940s, most turned to local businesses for employment. At its peak, the town of 50 people had a market, general store, cafe, motel, post office and service station.
In 1993, EPA testing on the service station found its underground storage tanks were leaking gasoline and diesel fuel. With no money for the repairs, the station closed down.
The restaurant, bar and slots (vandalized above to read "sluts") were followed by the motel. All the other businesses closed and the population dwindled to zero.
Messages include gang symbols, nonsensical phrases and, believe it or not, inspirational quotes.
If we can just find an abandoned couch we can sit back, relax and tune into the "Twilight Zone."
So much for a lawn.
Bed frames have also been spotted.
At least we think that's a refrigerator.
Scavengers, vandals and looters have likely picked through everything else that was left behind.
The mysterious fire took place during the first decade of the 21st century.
And we thought OUR toilets needed cleaning.
Let's just say, we won't be visiting at night.
We're not the only ones who think so. In 1994, the modern day ghost town was used as the set for a small-budget horror film, “The Strangers.” The film has a 45 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
So what do you think of Coaldale? Do you know anyone who lived here before it transformed into a modern day ghost town? We’d love to hear their story and your thoughts.
