In early 1867, a small town formed along Hot Creek and was named after the creek, which had been named for the steam that often rose from its surface in the morning. Hot Creek peaked in 1868 when its population was over 300. The town had a hotel, a blacksmith shop, an assay office, and several saloons. The town began to decline in 1868 when new strikes elsewhere lured most of the 300 residents away. A minor revival took place in 1880 but lasted only one year. New ore discoveries were made in 1897 and some of the people returned. Operations continued until 1912 when mining was abandoned for good. The Hot Creek Ranch Company organized a large ranch encompassing the old Hot Creek townsite. The ranch as been the salvation of the town’s remaining buildings. One of the most impressive structures is a stone building that served as a hotel. It was built in 1908.

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!