America’s ‘loneliest road’ through the Nevada backcountry is not for the faint of heart – and now travelers can also take a little detour to visit a real ghost town.
Known as “The Town That Refused To Die,” Ione in Nye County was originally settled in 1863 before Nevada was even designated a state.
Once a thriving mining district after silver was discovered in the nearby Shoshone Mountains, it later fell into disrepair and today is populated by just two residents: a couple and their dog.
But incredibly, many of the city’s eerie abandoned buildings are still standing.
So travelers taking a road trip along Highway 50—which was nicknamed “America’s Loneliest Road” by Life magazine in 1986—may want to divert an hour to visit this fascinating destination. SFGate reported.
The small town of Ione in Nye County, also known as “The Town That Refused To Die,” was originally founded in 1863 before Nevada was even declared a state.
After being founded by PA Havens following the discovery of silver, Nevada was officially recognized as a state a year later in 1864.
At that time Ione had more than 100 buildings and the number of inhabitants rose to about 600. the seat of Nye County.
This led to the city receiving a grant of about $800 to build the county’s very first courthouse: a small wooden hut.
That same year, Henry DeGrout and Joseph Eckley began publishing two newspapers.
The Nye County News printed its first issue on June 25, but folded after a month. The advertiser ran from September 17 to October 29 of the same year.
Shortly thereafter, The Nye County News began printing again on July 1, 1865, and the Ione City Post Office opened a few months later.
Throughout the 1870s, the population of Ione experienced a number of ups and downs as many local residents began moving to the much larger town of Belmont.
In 1880 there were only 25 inhabitants left. This number dropped further after a serious fire at the post office in 1887 caused approximately $10,000 in damage.
But all was not lost as the district saw a small increase in population when the Ione Gold Mining Company established a ten-stamp mill to process ore from the Berlin mine, bringing the population to 70.
Highway 50 was nicknamed America’s Loneliest Road by Life magazine in 1986
The area was once a booming mining district after silver was discovered in the nearby Shoshone Mountains
In 1864, when Nevada was officially recognized as a state, Ione’s population rose to more than 600 and it held the seat of Nye County.
Throughout the 1870s, the population of Ione experienced a number of ups and downs as many local residents began moving to the much larger town of Belmont.
In 1897, the Nevada Company, led by J. G. Phelps Stokes, purchased most of the mines and mills in the area.
But plummeting silver prices forced them to cease operations and leave the city in July 1898.
Between 1912 and 1914, Ione experienced another minor boom when the population reached a surprising 100 and a new telephone line was built to Austin.
But this growth spurt was also short-lived.
Finally, the post office closed in 1959 and soon all other businesses, except one market, also shuttered.
Years later, Jonathan Harp, 80, his wife Norma and dog Duke, a boxer/Great Dane mix, are the only people who can still call Ione home.
In 1880 there were only 25 inhabitants left. This number dropped further after a serious post office fire in 1887 caused approximately $10,000 in damage
But all was not lost as the district saw a small increase in population when the Ione Gold Mining Company established a ten-stamp mill to process ore from the Berlin mine.
Finally, the post office closed in 1959 and soon all other businesses, except one market, also shuttered.
Jonathan had worked in mines and operated heavy machinery all his life, SFGate reported.
Speaking to Outlet, Jonathan said that although eight families still own properties in the ghost town, the Harps are the only ones who call the town home.
For supplies and groceries, the couple drives once a week to Fallon, a small town with a naval air camp and about 10,000 people about 100 miles away.
But Jonathan told SFGate that while some people come to visit, he enjoys the peace and quiet.
“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said.
Years later, Jonathan Harp, 80, his wife Norma and dog Duke, a boxer/Great Dane mix, are the only ones who can still call Ione home
While there are good families who still own property in the living ghost town, the Harps are the only ones who call the town their permanent home, the release said.
For supplies and groceries, the couple drives once a week to Fallon, a small town with a naval air camp and about 10,000 people about 100 miles away.
The town is close to additional accommodations at Berlin-Icthyosaur State Park and Gabbs, Nevada
For those planning to visit, there are few camper hookups and campsites in Ione itself.
But the town is close to additional accommodations at Berlin-Icthyosaur State Park and Gabbs, Nevada.
