Nevada Ghost Towns: Lane City

Schoolhouse in Lane City, Nevada

A Brief History of Lane City

In November 1867, a local Native American guided a group of prospectors led by Thomas Robinson to silver-bearing rock in the area in 1867 and in March of 1868, the Robinson Mining District was organized. The first real camp, originally named Mineral City, was settled in 1869 and had a population of 600 people by 1872. It was the first mining camp in the Robinson District, boasting a ten-stamp mill, express office, mercantile stores, post office, six saloons, four boarding houses, stables, and a blacksmith shop.

Despite the drop in silver production in 1874, Mineral City survived for a few years as a regional hub for mining operations in the county. By 1880, however, it was clear that Mineral City’s boom had gone bust, and most of its residents left to find more lucrative mining operations.

The area was revived in 1896, when wealthy investor Charles D. Lane purchased many of the local properties, reopened the stamp mill, constructed a power plant and water ditch, and a 100-ton cyanide mill. He began operations again by 1902 and reopened the post office under a new name, Lane City! For years after, mining operations were sporadic and were closed again by 1910.

My Visit to Lane City

Today, the remains of Lane City (located a few miles east of Ely, Nevada) are scarce except for a beautiful yet abandoned schoolhouse. Any other remaining buildings or foundations were built in the 1900s during its revival. If it weren't for the abandoned schoolhouse just off the highway, it would be easy to miss! The side roads to get up close and personal with the abandoned structures is very rough so proceed with caution if you choose to explore the area.