Posted in Nevada Attractions, Sights & Landmarks June 05, 2017 by Natalie Faulk

Most People Don’t Know The Story Behind Nevada’s Forgotten Castle

Nevada’s forgotten castle—Stokes Castle—is a three-story stone tower built on the hillside near the living ghost town of Austin. Conceived and constructed by mine developer, banker, and railroad magnate Anson Phelps Stokes as a summer home, construction began in 1896 and was completed the following year. After being abandoned by Stokes and falling into disrepair, this forgotten castle still stands today, a monument to times past.

Stokes Castle is located in the tiny town of Austin, located just off Highway 50 (also known as "America's Loneliest Highway") in Lander County.

Stokes Castle is patterned after a tower that Stokes had admired in the Roman Campagna in Italy.

The stone tower is constructed of hand-hewn native granite, and the huge stones were lifted into place with a hand winch and are held in place with rock wedging and clay mortar.

The kitchen and dining room were on the first floor, while the second floor was reserved for the living room. The third floor held two bedrooms.

Each of the floors had its own fireplace, and the castle was outfitted with modern plumbing.

The second and third floors each had a balcony, while the roof contained a terrace. When it was completed, Stokes Castle was adorned with the finest furnishings worthy of a castle.

The Stokes family only spent a month in the castle during June 1897, followed by a few days the following October.

In the summer of 1898, the Stokes' sold their mine, equipment, and castle and never returned to Austin.

The castle fell into disrepair to the point that its interior became dangerous and all of the floors were removed.

Stokes Castle is currently owned by H.W. Trapnell of Austin and Dunsmuir, CA.

Can you find Stokes Castle in this photo? (Hint: look in the top right quadrant.)

Stokes Castle is a stark reminder of Nevada’s mining heyday history. Once a majestic structure, this tower has become little more than a tourist attraction and, sadly, the Silver State’s forgotten castle. Have you visited Austin and seen Stokes Castle firsthand? Please share your experiences below.

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Most People Don’t Know The Story Behind Nevada’s Forgotten Castle

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