Nelson: A ghost town in Nevada

Personally, when I travel across the United States, whether for business or pleasure, I have a habit of stopping off at any ghost towns I can find.  There’s something truly amazing about looking at the leftover skeleton of a once populated town, devoid of life yet still retaining the signs that someone lived there, if only for a short time. 

Ghost towns are the ruins of the modern day and give us a glimpse of the world as it existed not so far back in the past. In Nevada is one such ghost town: Nelson.  Located at El DoradoCanyon, about 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas, every since the town of Nelson was founded, it has had a habit of attracting some of the worst sorts of people.

The town first sprang up during the 1800s, a haven for Civil War deserters that wanted to try their hands at striking it rich.  This mining town was once one of the biggest around, shipping out tons of gold and silver.  The promise of riches, the lack of law and the scarcity of women combined to give Nelson a reputation for violence.  When the 1920s hit, alcohol prohibition transformed Nelson in a bootlegger’s haven as well.  It was, for all intents and purposes, the out-of-control old west town that one might see in a Clint Eastwood flick.

Since its abandonment, Nelson has turned into something else.  This unique location has become the site of many movie shoots, music videos and a popular spot for those looking to get some great pictures, professional or otherwise.  There are even the remains of a crashed airplane still at the town, a leftover prop from the 2001 movie 3000 Miles to Graceland.  Also, if you’re a fan of the video game Fallout: New Vegas, you may recognize the area from your map.

Because of its violent reputation, Nelson has become the focus of many ghost stories.  It’s said that the souls of many murdered people remain, along with packs of spectral dogs known as the “Hell Dogs of El Dorado.”

The mine that the people of Nelson worked is the nearby Techatticup Mine.  A visit to Nelson can be made even better by getting a tour of the mine.  Though be careful walking around the area, as open shafts are a common hazard.  For a closer look at Nelson, Nevada, check out this collection of amazing pictures.  Or, if you happen to be in the Las Vegas area, take a few hours away from the casinos and check the place out.

Nelson photo courtesy of hdrcreme.com

Wrecked Plane photo courtesy of uglyhedgehog.com