Tonopah is a town of 2500, half way between Vegas and Reno. We spent a couple nights, wanted to do see the local points of interest related to silver mining. Tonopah's heyday started in 1902, a typical boom and bust southwestern mining town, the boom lasted 12 years. Mining continued until 1948 but on a much smaller scale.
Lots of neat old buildings, many constructed by masons using cut blocks of stone, all built between 1902 and 1910. The courthouse above boasted a rocket ship.
Why does The Tonopah Liquor Co building, below, have a 2nd story door sans stairs? Careful there podner, that first step is a real doozy.
The fixer upper above is one of the more elaborate mining shacks scattered around town.
Did you know Studebaker made wagons before they made cars?
Old and new fire department buildings, above and below. The new one has 7 Tesla charging stations beside it. What the hell? Small town in the middle of nowhere needs 7 charging stations? Which politician came up with that brilliant idea? Were the handful of local voters key to winning the election of a state or federal congressman? Anyway, if you're a Tesla owner, be sure to include Tonopah in your trip planning.
Above and below, pix of the Mizpah Hotel (1905) lobby and cafe. Many famous people stayed here, including Mae West, Annette, Jamie Lee Curtis.
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