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Lander County
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Yes, everybody in Austin embraces the town's glory days, but they keep the thought at a good distance. Life goes on, because here, it's likely to invoke depression as well as fascination. Today, with its 340 residents, Austin clings to life by scrimping income from tourists driving through on the Loneliest Road. Because of this fact, Lander County gave Austin a crippling blow when the seat was reluctantly shifted to Battle Mountain in 1979. Yet, she still hangs on. Many "Austinians" believe this was the "shot to the knees", as one local put it, to keep the town lit in the minds of Nevada. Maybe they're right. This is truly unfortunate because Battle Mountain really isn't that interesting of a place, especially when this same county seat is also dubbed, 'the armpit of America'. And we thought Austin's story was depressing. Despite it's hard times, Austin is still one of THE most beautiful towns in Nevada. If I could rank it, it'd be #3 on my list. Don't expect to find a restored opera house like Eureka, a busy boardwalk like Virginia City, or a little wooden church like in Manhattan. Austin is its own being, its structures kept preserved by locals who leave things just the way they are. Everything sits, stands and leans as it did, almost like time has decided to abandon them as well. If a structure falls, celebration is in order. If a structure stands, it's put to use. One of the most picturesque buildings is the original Lander Courthouse, still in use by the county sheriff. Take a close look. The building waits for Nevada to give back to Austin what it once had. However, things are looking up for the little town. Austin's forced state of arrested decay makes it a shrine of old western history, a perfect destination to see western lore at its finest and... it's scenery isn't too shabby either. Beautiful scenery surrounds it in all directions and for this reason, Austin is quickly becoming a destination for outdoors enthusiasts, everyone from hunters, anglers, backpackers and bicyclists who all make the long drive from Reno or Carson to splendor in Nevada's Toiyabe, Monitor and Toquima Ranges.
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The Markers
As for Lander's markers, it's a bit of a disappointment. Lander is by far the easiest to conquer, with all but one marker located right alongside the Loneliest Road. This one marker is pesky #95, which makes you divert 105 miles to the 'armpit of America' in the opposite direction of Austin. No matter. Bite the bullet, enjoy SR 305's monotony and think about getting back to Austin! After all, most of the markers are found scattered throughout the little town. It's people are some of the friendliest I've met, extremely eager to talk about their canters and how they wish Nevada wouldn't give up on them. They take pride in everything they do and love nothing more than to share their pride. Stop into the International and have a bite or two. Shop some turquoise, take a stroll through town, or have a picnic at 'the Castle'. Take a hike, a multi-day back pack into the Toiyabes right at Austin's doorstep, catch a wild trout in the many streams flowing down from the mountains. Trust me folks, there's MUCH MORE here than just the markers! Don't let Austin's tiny population and 'lack' of services fool you elsewhere. Austin has enough to keep you comfortable, a few motels, gas stations, laundromat and PLENTY of camping. The International hosts pretty much everything in town in terms of food, drink and gaming. But, if you WANT to stay somewhere with more services, you'll find most of everything in Battle Mountain, including repair shops, a grocery store and a hospital. If I were you, support Austin's economy but booking a day or two, or a week! Once you leave, I guarantee you'll want to be back. Besides, Battle Mountain has enough already. Who wants to stay in an 'armpit' anyway?
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