Nelson Ghost Town: A Step Back in Time

Nelson Ghost Town, nestled in Nevada's Eldorado Canyon, offers a captivating journey into the Wild West. Originally named Eldorado by Spanish explorers, the area boomed in 1861 with the establishment of the Techatticup Mine, the richest gold mine in Southern Nevada. The town quickly gained a reputation for lawlessness, attracting Civil War deserters, prospectors, and desperados. Disputes over mining claims often led to violence, with little law enforcement to maintain order.Despite the chaos, Nelson's mines produced an estimated $10 million worth of ore between 1864 and 1900. Mining continued until the 1940s when dwindling resources and frequent flash floods led to the town's abandonment. In 1994, Tony and Bobbie Werly purchased Nelson, restoring many of the old buildings and opening the Techatticup Mine for public tours.Today, Nelson is a popular tourist destination and film location, featuring vintage cars, antique shops, and a crashed airplane from the movie "3,000 Miles to Graceland". Visitors can explore the town, take photos, and tour the Techatticup Mine to experience the grit and resilience of Nevada's early settlers. The town is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, with a small fee to walk around and a separate fee for photography.