This Living Ghost Town In Nevada Has A Little-Known, Sinister History
The unincorporated living ghost town of Pioche is located in Lincoln County, about 180 miles northeast of Las Vegas, on the Utah border. Pioche has a reputation as being the most notorious mining town in all of Nevada where “the only law was the gun.” Despite its success as a silver mining town, Pioche’s history will always be marred by violence.
The charming living ghost town of Pioche is located just off U.S. Hwy 93.
The opening of a silver mine in 1864 led to the area's first modern settlement; however, a series of raids and massacres by local Indian tribes forced the original settlers to leave.
By the 1870s, Pioche had grown to become one of the most important silver mining towns in Nevada. In 1871, Pioche became the county seat, replacing Hiko.
Recolonization occurred in 1868, and in 1869 the town was purchased by and named for François Louis Alfred Pioche, a French banker and land speculator from San Francisco.
Pioche's remote location contributed to its violent history. Not only were Indian raids easier and common, the town's rough reputation also came from the rush of prospectors and fortune seekers which led to violence and lawsuits.
Full-scale mining continued until the mid-1970's, although some smaller operations continue today at the Prince Mine. Pioche would eventually yield over $40 million in silver ore. In fact, in 1872, Pioche recorded over $5 million in silver production.
According to legend, 72 people died in Pioche from gunfights before the first resident died of natural causes. This local lore is immortalized by Boot Hill Cemetery, a town landmark. The cemetery contains the first separate section dubbed the "Murderers' Row" where more than 100 murderers are buried, many of them in unmarked graves.
Many original buildings remain such as the Old Lincoln Courthouse, also known as the Million Dollar Courthouse. Built in 1872, bond refinancing and cost overruns hiked the final price tag to $1 million; far above the original $88,000 proposed cost. The courthouse was condemned in 1933; three years before it was completely paid for. The courthouse offers daily tours in the warmer months.
As the Mountain View Hotel is not in operation anymore, Pioche's Overland Hotel is. It contains 14 themed rooms and is reportedly haunted by several ghosts.
Today, just over 1,000 people reside in this living ghost town. Pioche also containscounty administrative offices as well as the oldest grade school in the state. Its rich history and interesting architecture makes a visit to Pioche something to add to your Nevada bucket list.
Have you visited this interesting historical living ghost town? Please share your thoughts and experiences below.
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