The silver history of Austin Nevada.

Descending into Lander County leads travelers into the Reese River Valley. The town of Austin Nevada is located at the intersection of State Route 305 and Highway 50. Prior to 1862, the area surrounding Austin Nevada was considered an "unexplored" Nevada territory. That all changed in May of that year when William Talcott stumbled onto a rich vein of silver. Austin Nevada soon grew to become Nevada's second-largest city, boasting a population of more than 10,000. 

Because Austin Nevada's silver held out for nearly 20 years, substantial brick buildings were constructed. They included banks, lecture halls, schools, churches and homes. Many of these establishments, like the Stokes Castle, the International Hotel and the Gridley Store are still standing today.

Unfortunately for Austin Nevada's miners, the silver mines gave out long before the turn of the century and today Austin Nevada is almost a ghost town. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors to Austin Nevada are welcome to enjoy the historic buildings, browse in the library and stroll along weathered sidewalks. Food, drink, gas, groceries, lodging and other supplies are readily available.

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Points of Interest in and around Austin Nevada: