Columbus

"Give the lonely ghosts of the Nevada desert some time and they'll certainly reply. Columbus is one such ghost, complete with its haunting landscape." -- July 2008

[20]       

At the junction of US 95 and Rd 3 (BLM Road to Columbus), 49 miles north of Tonopah

Esmeralda
  38.149660, -117.946948

Original Date Visited: 7/21/08
Signed: Both lanes of US 95


Marker 20 provides something to view along this very stark stretch of the 95

Marker History: Marker 20 is the last number of the original Stone marker series. However, this one's seen much better days. Marker 20 was replaced using a Standard-type issue because its original Stone face fell victim to shotgun blasts and spraypaint due to the marker's insanely remote location dead center in between Hawthorne and Tonopah. The marker looked so terrible, the SHPO had it removed after requests were made by area ranchers, but it didn't take long for NDOT to bring this old beauty back to life. From what I've been told, it only took six months for a replacement, if for nothing else, than for something to see along this desolate stretch of 95!

In a nutshell, the "new" marker you see today has been around for awhile. Today's Standard-issue received its share of vandalism and miscourse as was the case during my initial conquering in 2008. It seems like the marker kept becoming the victim of target practice in this area's desolation. All photos you see of the marker below will show its terrible condition, so much in fact that its state seal was ripped off! Marker 20 went missing again for some time in 2010, but it was happily replaced in 2015 thanks to Nevada's massive 150th sesquicentennial. Contractors reinforced the metal base to help detract its removal in this very desolate part of the state with few crowds.

Street View

Here's what you'll see!

Exact Description:
The remnants of Columbus are located on the edge of Columbus salt marsh, five miles to the southwest.

The town was initially settled in 1865, when a quartz mill was erected at the site. This was a favorable location for a mill, because it was the only stop for several miles around where water was in sufficient quantity for operation.

The full importance of Columbus was not recognized until 1871, when William Troop discovered borax in the locality. Shortly thereafter, four borax companies were actively engaged in working the deposits on the marsh.

Columbus probably reached its most prosperous year about 1875, when the population was reported to have reached 1000. In 1875, the town had many kinds of business establishments, including a post office and a newspaper, The Borax Miner.

In 1881, about 100 people were left after the borax activity had practically ceased. All mining and milling operations stopped entirely, shortly after that time.

Esmeralda County Conquered!


Kudos to another county well done, 2008.

Interstate 95 Roadtrip
 COVERED IN US 95 ROAD TRIP

Next Marker

THE HUMBOLDT CANAL

Related Links & Markers:

 Nevada Towns: Columbus   Columbus (Forgotten Nevada)   Columbus (Nevada Expeditions) 

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