Athens grew into a settlement as a result of two mining camps, Juniper Springs and Warner. It all began in 1909 when rich ore was discovered at the site of the Warner mine. By 1910 there were seventy-five men living in thirty tents and a lodging house. There was also a store and a saloon. Nearby, the rival camp of Juniper Springs sprang up boasting of a lodging house and a store. Eventually, the two camps merged and became Athens. The principal producer was the Warrior mine. However, the quality of the ore was disappointing and eventually the Athens community became a ghost town. Ruins still remain at Athens along with the foundation of a small amalgamation mill, built in 1913.

Submitted by: Shawn Hall from his book Preserving The Glory Days: Ghost Towns And Mining Camps Of Nye County, Nevada Click here to purchase his book!