Middlegate, Nevada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Middlegate, Nevada
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 Middlegate, Nevada
Location in Nevada
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| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| County |  Churchill County |
| Elevation | 4,610 ft (1,410 m) |
| Population
(2016)
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| • Total | 17 |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Area code(s) | 775 |
| GNIS feature ID | 856080 |
| Nearby highways | US 50, NV 361 |
Middlegate is a very small community in Churchill County, Nevada, United States. It's located along U.S. Route 50, which is famously known as "The Loneliest Road In America." Middlegate is not a city or town with its own government. Instead, it's an "unincorporated hamlet," meaning it's a small group of homes and businesses without a formal local government.
The community includes a rest stop where travelers can find food, gas, and places to stay. There are also a few ranches and private properties nearby. In 2016, only 17 people were recorded as living permanently in Middlegate.
Middlegate Station: A Desert Oasis
Middlegate Station is the main hub of this small community. It serves as a commercial rest stop for people traveling through the desert. Here, you can find a gas station to fill up your tank. There's also a bar and a restaurant where you can grab a meal. If you need to stay overnight, Middlegate Station offers a motel and an RV park for campers.
Did you know that famous author Stephen King once stayed at the Middlegate Station motel? He spent seven days there and wrote a part of his book Desperation. Also, a short film called Black Road, which won an award in 2002, was filmed at Middlegate Station.
Getting Around Middlegate
Middlegate is an important spot for travelers because of its location. It sits where two main roads meet. One is U.S. Route 50, also called the Austin Highway. This is the famous "Loneliest Road In America." The other road is Nevada State Route 361, known as Gabbs Valley Road.
Besides these paved highways, many unpaved roads branch off, giving access to the surrounding ranches. Historically, Middlegate was also a significant stop. It was once part of the Lincoln Highway, one of America's first transcontinental roads. It was also a stop on the Pony Express, a historic mail delivery service that used horse-back riders.
The Famous Shoe Tree
Just east of Middlegate, on the north side of Route 50, you'll find a very unique sight: a tree known as the "Shoe Tree." This tree is covered with dozens of pairs of shoes hanging from its branches! It's a fun and quirky landmark that many travelers stop to see.
The original Shoe Tree was a beloved local attraction. However, it was sadly cut down by vandals in 2011. But the tradition didn't end there! Since then, people have started decorating a nearby tree with shoes, keeping the unique tradition alive for new visitors to enjoy.
See also
In Spanish: Middlegate (Nevada) para niños
