By Carly Sauvageau, Reno Gazette Journal
History buffs visiting or living in Nevada may be curious what are some of the oldest structures in the state. From churches to entire towns, there is no shortage of history to explore in the Silver State.
But after a long day of history exploration, where can you stay that also boasts a historic legacy?
As it turns out, the oldest hotel in Nevada isn’t far from Reno. In fact, it is less than 28 miles from the city in a small mining town up the hill.
History fans read on; details about Nevada’s oldest hotel are just ahead.
What is the oldest hotel in Nevada?
Gold Hill Hotel is the oldest hotel in Nevada. The hotel and saloon date back to 1861, according to historians (though the marker on the building says 1859). This makes the Gold Hill Hotel as old as the beginning of the Civil War, which was happening hundreds of miles east at that time.
Where is Gold Hill, Nevada?
Gold Hill is about 27.5 miles southeast of downtown Reno, right next to Virginia City.
What is the population of Gold Hill, Nevada?
Gold Hill has a population of about 190 currently. The town’s population peaked in 1873 with 8,000 residents. For context, that’s about 1,500 fewer people than currently live in Fallon.
What is Gold Hill known for?
Gold Hill was the site of one of the worst mining accidents in Nevada history — the Yellow Jacket mine collapse. The Yellow Jacket mine was a deep quartz mine and a significant producer in 1863. The tragedy began on April 7, 1869, when a fire broke out on the 800-foot level. The fire released poisonous gas into the Yellow Jacket Mine as well as neighboring Kentucky and Crown Point Mines.
Smoke and flames made extinguishing efforts difficult, despite firefighters entering the mine. At least 35 miners died in the fire, though there were bodies that were never recovered or recorded, so the death toll is likely higher.
However, the fire occurred during a shift change, so the death toll could have been significantly worse if it had happened at a different time of day.
Gold Hill is also known for its paranormal activity and has drawn many ghost hunters to the Yellow Jacket site. Ghosts Rosie and William are also said to haunt the Gold Hill Hotel.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
