Please remember to exercise caution when exploring Nevada's Ghost Towns & Mining Camps. Open shafts, drifts going into mountainsides, and old buildings, are all DANGEROUS. Be aware of your surroundings, and let someone know where you are, especially if your plans change.

BEOWAWE

Located 6 miles south of Interstate 80, between Elko and Battle Mountain.

Beowawe was a Northern Paiute campsite for generations. Later emigrants passed through here during the 1840s and 1850s on their way to California. A small camp was formed around a trading post during the 1850s. The arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad in 1868 led to the formation of the town of Beowawe.

A post office opened on April 15, 1870. At the time, Beowawe was located in Lander County. Eureka County was created from Lander and the post office transferred in June of 1874. The post office is still active today. Beowawe achieved some prominence as an ore shipping point for the Cortez Mining District, located to the south. While the railroad helped establish Beowawe, ranching became the backbone of the local economy. Many ranches formed in the area surrounding Beowawe. The Horseshoe Ranch was formed in 1872, and over the years continued to grow under the ownership of many different people. The ranch continues to be successful today.

By 1881 Beowawe had a population of 60 and supported a store and hotel. Through the years, the population has remained about the same, rarely reaching more than 200. Today, Beowawe continues to survive and maintains a sleepy existence. The trains still rumble through town, but they don't stop anymore. Many buildings from the early days remain, including the schoolhouse. The huge foundations of a power plant, honeycombed with large tunnels, are very interesting to investigate.

Return to: Ghost Town & Mining Camp Map