Eureka

Eureka is a perfect example of a mining boom town. And unlike other little towns, Eureka preserved all charms of century-old history, thanks to many historical buildings you can still see on the streets.

In 1864 group of prospectors decided to try their luck in a new place further away from the nearby Austin. When one of them found silver ore and exclaimed “Eureka!”. That’s how the town got its name. Since the new deposit was second-richest in the Nevada state Eureka saw rapid growth. By 1873 it became the county seat and already had a narrow-gauge railroad connected to the US network in Palisade. The main ore processed in town were lead and silver. Five years later population boomed to 10000 people. In 1879-80 fire and flood almost destroyed all buildings in town. New brick-and-mortar buildings were raised that still stand today. At the prosperity, about 50 mines and 17 smelters could proceed up to 700 tons of silver, lead, zinc, and gold ore per day. A decline in mine production and market changes led to mines closing. And by 1938 Railroad was gone. The only surviving railroad crew car could be found on the main street and serves as an information point for tourists. Nowadays Eureka is smaller with a population of only four-five hundred people but still is the county center. A lot of tourists visit the town every year, and the annual bike and car fest are held in June, Opera house hosts concerts and local events. Also, mining is still present around the area, and the current main product is gold.

The building was erected in 1880 right in an effort to rebuild after the main street fire. Special attention was paid to fireproofing the new opera house, primary materials were masonry, brick, and iron. Since the first new year’s ball of 1880 building always served as a community center. The first silent movie was demonstrated here in 1915. In 1920 opera changed its name to the theater and started talkie shows. The last movie was played there in 1958. For decades it was forgotten, until 1990, the county bought the building. Three years later it was opened refreshed and ready to serve people again. Nowadays it hosts music and community events. Tours are also available Tuesday – Saturday.

Built in 1879 from bricks and stones from a local quarry to house Eureka Sentinel Newspaper. It was serving purpose till 1960, then in 1982 Eureka Sentinel museum was opened. The museum contains two main expositions: the original press room and equipment from newspaper days and the second floor is full of items from Eureka’s past. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

The hotel was built in 1877 in bricks and was advertised as the only fireproof hotel in Nevada at that time. Regardless of promotion interior was destroyed during the big fire of 1880. Then repaired and served as a hotel till our days. There are rumors about the ghost nature of the hotel, you can try to check it out during seasonal tours, or just by staying here for the night if you are brave enough.

Two-story courthouse constructed in 1879-80. The exterior was completed in “Italian” end-of-the-century style. The Interior was completed with imported Spanish cedar. Two of the original walk-in vaults are still used to our day. In front of the building, you could see two fire bells that had been used in the past.