Belmont, Nevada |
Settled: 1865
Status: Near Ghost Town
Current Population: na
Peak Population: Up to 15,000
Elevation: 7,424 feet
Primary Mineral: Silver
Belmont was established following a silver strike in 1865. Other minerals, such as copper lead and antimony, were also mined in addition to the silver. The boom brought settlers in and the town of Belmont grew. In 1867, Belmont became the county seat of Nye County. The town boasted four stores, two saloons, five restaurants, livery stable, post office, assay office, bank, school, telegraph office, two newspapers, and a blacksmith shop. As the price of metals fluctuated, so did the fortunes of the town. By 1887, several of the mines closed. In 1905, the county seat of Nye County was relocated from Belmont to Tonopah. The mine dumps were reworked in the early part of the 20th century.
During the 1870s it was known as a major mining boomtown producing gold, and was rumored to have a population of 15,000. Like many towns which now ghost towns, this one lasted for only a short time.
Text courtesy of Wikipedia