Looking back at old photographs of Nevada’s early days never fails to invoke a sense of fascination. It’s fun to see just how far our beautiful state has come over the past century. Many of our towns are nearly unrecognizable when you look back at old photographs, whereas other places look almost exactly the same. That’s the beauty of our state. Although much of Nevada has undergone drastic change over the years, a majority of our state remains uniquely and wonderfully grounded in its roots. Check out these 10 photographs of Nevada during the early 1900s. How many of these places do you recognize?
This photograph was taken in 1906 and shows a raised platform in Goldfield where men are partaking in a drilling contest. A crowd gathers to watch the contest take place.
This photo was taken before the early 1900s, in 1875, and shows the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City, Nevada. The landscape around the building has changed a lot since then, but the Capitol itself has stayed pretty much the same!
Pictured above is President Theodore Roosevelt standing in a crowd in Reno, Nevada. It's fascinating to see how much fashion and clothing has changed over the years, as well.
Let's face it. Virginia City is one of those places that still looks like its straight out of the early 1900s. This photo of the International Hotel at the corner of C Street and Union is incredible. Piper's Opera House can even be seen in the background.
5. The Virginia and Truckee Railroad goes through Genoa.
A V&T Railroad Engine crosses a bridge on its way south. This photograph is thought to be taken sometime in between 1906 (when the line to Minden opened) and 1908. This picture is a fascinating reminder of how integral the railroad industry was during Nevada's early days.
Wells is one of those towns that hasn't changed much over the last century or so. However, this photo is interesting because it shows many of Wells' downtown buildings which ended up becoming badly damaged during an earthquake in 2008.
7. The grand opening of the Elks Montezuma Club in Goldfield.
Goldfield's Montezuma Club was what they called an "elegant men's organization". The picture above shows the grand opening of the club's two-story masonry building in 1900. Strings of light bulbs and banners can be seen commemorating the event.
Today, Aurora is considered a ghost town in Nevada's Mineral County. If you visit the town today, you'll see a diminished town that is home to the remnants of just a few damaged and crumbling buildings. It's hard to believe the town was once occupied by nearly 10,000 people.
This is an excellent example of a place in Nevada that has stayed roughly the same. This photo of Tonopah Mining Park was taken circa 1904. Today, you can visit this very same park. In fact, you can even enter many of the mining camp's original buildings and check out the original equipment.
10. A family stands in front of a building in Virginia City.
Taken in 1931, this photo is a unique insight into Virginia City's early days. The historic town is one of Nevada's most popular tourist destinations today, so it's easy to forget that the town was once just a regular ol' mining town full of people trying to make a living.
Aren’t these old photographs just wonderful? Taking a stroll down memory lane is always a fascinating venture. Be sure to check out these 10 Then And Now Photos Taken In Nevada for more!
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