In 1907, Goldfield was the largest town in Nevada, and now quietly remains a living ghost town of 300 residents.
Gold was discovered in 1902 by a pair of prospectors, Harry Stimler and William Marsh, and the rush was on. Strolling the streets of Goldfield in the early years could be seen such notables as Jim Casey, founder of United Parcel Service; stockbroker Bernard Baruch; Tex Rickard, builder of Madison Square Garden; E.L. Cord of automobile fame; boxer Jack Dempsey; silent film star Edna Goodrich; Death Valley Scotty, and Virgil Earp, who served as a deputy here for a time.
In 1906, Tex Rickard promoted a fight between Joe Gans and Oscar "Battling" Nelson that is still listed today in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest fight by Queensbury rules. The fight lasted 42 rounds with each round a knockdown.
Tex Rickard's brick home with its stained glass windows still stands, across the street from the 1907 Esmeralda County Courthouse, which is still being used and is a must to see. The district courtroom maintains its original flavor, with Tiffany lamps and ceiling fans which are still operational.
Five railroads connected Goldfield to the rest of the world. The town boasted five banks and numerous saloons and bawdy houses. The Santa Fe Saloon is still open and is the second-oldest saloon in continuous operation in Nevada. Many original homes still stand, some in arrested decay.
Completed in 1908, the Goldfield Hotel was one of the finest hotels west of the Mississippi. It boasted gold leaf ceilings in the lobby and bar, and one of the first electric elevators in the West. Some people claim ghosts of the past roam the halls. Today it stands waiting to be reopened.
Joshua trees dance across the brown hills around Goldfield, and lend their weird presence at the cemetery. From Goldfield, you can make a pleasant drive to see the remains of Lida, once a lively mining town at the end of the century. Fish Lake Valley, Silver Peak and Goldpoint round out Esmeralda County's diversified interests.
Goldfield celebrated its 100th birthday in 2002.
