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Location: Central Nye County, Toquima Range, Belmont
Directions: Along Main Street at the Belmont Courthouse
(Marker located 25 miles north of SR 376)
N 38° 35.778 W 116° 52.550
Things are pretty quiet in today's Belmont. In fact, nothing much has changed in the last 150 years.
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Location: 5
Visibility: 1
Accessibility: 2
Marker type: St (L)
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Date Conquered: 4/15/08
Quick Description: A marker remembering the long and prolific life of Belmont.
Signed: No -- Historically, this marker was never signed.
NOTES: [138] Belmont is a marker that lies a good distance off the beaten path. To find this marker, hunters need to divert away from SR 376 onto the "Belmont Road, sometimes known as "Old Highway 82." After making the turnoff, there is no sign indicating that it is a one-way, 25-mile trip to the old mining town of Belmont. This area of Nevada still sees very little visitors, and only light local traffic, so NDOT hasn't given much thought in erecting signage to the old town. Like many of these old towns (or as I call them, "still-beating hearts of Nevada"), keep in mind that Belmont is still an active community and while the town is mostly all private property, visitors are welcome! As always, the picturesque buildings are posted for their own protection, so please respect any and all signs that you will see posted. Belmont's year-round population of fifteen residents will thank you kindly. As for [138] itself, look for signs to the Belmont Courthouse just after entering town. Nevada State Parks owns this structure as part of Belmont Courthouse State Historic Park and the building is open during the summer months to tours. NSP has set up a nice parking area, interpretive signs, and picnic tables at the par. Use this to gain access to the marker, as well as any and all parking so you can take a stroll through town! Enjoy.
The lonely drive to [138] Belmont
- From SR 376, former SR 82 (the "Belmont Road") is a lovely 25-mile run to the old town. Don't let these images fool you. Belmont is a mountain town! Notice the low posted speed limit. A slow 55MPH has been posted to protect the abundance of wildlife, and you as a commuter, in this area. Enjoy the wide open spaces, but keep your eyes out for herds of wildlife that tend to stray very close to the highway.
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Full Description:
Exact description as reads ...
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Once visited by prehistoric man, Shoshone Indians also used this site for jackrabbit drives and for celebrations.
Silver ore discoveries in 1865, the convenience of wood and water and naturally fine location resulted in the attractive, tree-shaded mining and milling center of Belmont. Once the most flourishing town in eastern Nevada, it was the county seat from 1867-1905.
English-Irish feuds flared frequently, and the German-dominated merchant section of town once flew its own flag.
Silver production totaling $4 million was from unusually high-grade but shallow ores. Most mines shut down by 1890.
Trust me folks ... You couldn't miss the courthouse if you wanted to. |
Photo taken in 2008. Currently, the Belmont Courthouse is the only renovated structure in the old town. What you'll see are all original ruins and buildings. Enjoy them as are!
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DID YOU KNOW?...
... Charles Manson left his initials carved into a column inside the Belmont Courthouse?
After Charlie and his band were captured in Death Valley, he was taken to the newly-renovated (at the time) Belmont Courthouse in a haste/emergency measure for just a few short hours before officials could book him to San Pedro. In his small time inside the courthouse, Charlie left his name, along with a few nice four-letter-words for us visitors to enjoy. Every year, Nevada State Parks opens the courthouse to tours during the summer months. Make a visit to see this weird piece of Nevada history for yourself!
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