Belmont Courthouse and Silver Rush Buildings

  When Belmont was founded in 1865 the population of Nevada was less than 10,000 and Las Vegas was a just a ranch. But Belmont was booming from a silver strike. Even though it was isolated in the sparsely settled center of the state, Belmont was named the county seat of Nye County in 1867. A large brick courthouse was built in 1876 and used until 1905 when the county seat was moved to Tonopah.

   Like most gold and silver mining towns Belmont’s boom didn’t last long and many of the current dwellings in town are either new or trailers and RVs used by summer residents. There are still a few ruins of silver rush buildings on both sides of Main Street and old equipment is lined up in empty lots. Several intact wooden and brick buildings are scattered around the town. The courthouse is in good condition but closed for renovations. The 1880s stone Philadelphia House is opened for lodging and meals in the summer. The ruins of the large 40 stamp Combination Mill is located about a mile southeast of Belmont.

   Belmont is not wheelchair accessible due to steep streets and gravel lots but it can all be seen without leaving your vehicle.

   A large gravel lot with restrooms and picnic tables is located in the middle of the town. Stop here to pick up a walking tour map. The lot is large enough for any RV. We stopped at Belmont Camp, a forest campground cared for by the town, where we intended to spend the night but found it very sloped and dusty so we ended up at a large pull off a few miles south of town. Belmont  38.59542, -116.87539