This Entire Town In Nevada Was Abruptly Abandoned And Nobody Knows Why

Coaldale—a small town in Esmeralda County that lies 30 miles west of Tonopah—sprang to life in the 1880's due to an increase in coal mining (hence its name.) During its heyday, this now-abandoned town boasted a market, general store, post office, gas station, railroad depot, hotel, and small residential area. By the 1930's, this small town was more of a roadside stop than an actual destination. After EPA testing in 1993 found the service station's underground fuel storage tanks were leaking, the town's residents quickly "closed house" and abandoned their homes and businesses. The real story remains a mystery.

This small western Nevada town was populated until 1993, but, today, it stands abandoned—a modern-day ghost town.

During its prime, Coaldale, had a population of about 50 residents. Today there are zero. The waning coal production and subsequent mine closures in the 1940's contributed to Coaldale's initial decline.

Adding insult to injury was the closure of the Tonopah and Goldfield Railroad, essentially shutting down Coaldale's railroad depot.

In 1994, Coaldale was used as the set for the movie "The Stranger;" however, its attention was short-lived.

What remains of the town's restaurant - with a little graffiti humor added.

This is all that's left of a motel room.

People left their furnishings behind...

...while cooking equipment, stoves, and other kitchenware were similarly abandoned in the diner.

It's difficult to imagine being in such a rush that one would leave mid-mow. Or even that there was anything to mow in the first place.

Today, Coaldale's only visitors are photographers, vandals, and squatters.

Part of the abandoned town was destroyed by arson in 2008...

...and vandals have contributed to the decay.

The elements haven't been too kind either.

The broken service station sign remains near the empty, decaying motel: a worn-out beacon for a worn-out town.

Several vehicles were also abandoned as the townfolk fled.

It's hard to fathom an entire town being abandoned so quickly - and so recently.

In 2014, the 40-acre town was put up for sale for $70,000 by Ed Ylst, the administrator of the town's trust who believes that the increase in traffic to Tonopah might breathe new life into Coaldale. The town was formerly up for sale in 2006, but nothing came of it. The property listing includes a 12-room motel, restaurant/casino/bar, general store, gas station and garage, generator building, bath house, laundry, and trailer park. The Coaldale Airport was also included; however, as it hasn't been up to code, it isn't much of an asset.

Even with the gas leakage from the service station (which could have been addressed given that the problem was identified in 1993), why the entire town of Coaldale up and left so abruptly—and so recently— remains a mystery. One can only wonder if Coaldale will ever come back to life. Only time will tell.

Have you been to this modern day abandoned "ghost" town? Please share your experiences below.