Nevada City, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nevada City, Montana
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Nevada City, as seen from the highway
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 Nevada City, Montana
Location in Montana
Nevada City, Montana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Madison |
| Elevation | 5,761 ft (1,756 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
Nevada City is a small, unincorporated town in Madison County, Montana, USA. In the 1860s, it was a busy center for gold mining. It was known as one of the richest places for gold in the Rocky Mountains. It grew alongside its sister city, Virginia City.
As the gold ran out, many miners left. Nevada City slowly became a ghost town. Since the late 1950s, it has become a popular place for tourists. People visit to see its old 19th-century buildings. These buildings are part of the Nevada City Museum and Music Hall.
Contents
The History of Nevada City
Archaeologists have found signs of people living here even before the gold mining era. These might have been white hunters or trappers. They likely did not plan to build a city. A city would have harmed their way of life, which was based on hunting beaver.
Early Settlement and Gold Rush Days
Nevada City was settled on June 6, 1863. This was around the same time as Virginia City. Miners followed the Fairweather party and settled along Alder Gulch. They built homes and businesses in good spots. The entire area of the gulch was known as "14 Mile City."
Nevada City was the first town in the area to become an official city. This happened on February 9, 1865. It was considered as a possible capital for the Montana Territory. Other towns like Bannack and Virginia City were also considered.
Changes Over Time
Many early residents moved away to find new opportunities. In 1896, the Conrey Placer Mining Company started working here. They used large machines called dredges to search for gold in the gulch. This went on for 24 years. These dredges destroyed many of Nevada City's original buildings. After the dredging, the machines were taken apart. Their heavy wooden parts were left to slowly decay.
More original buildings were lost when a highway was built through the area. Over the years, 14 original buildings were saved. These buildings are still in Nevada City today. Most of the other buildings you see now were moved here. Charlie Bovey, from Bovey Restorations, bought the property in the 1950s. He started restoring the town.
Nevada City Today
Today, the State of Montana owns Nevada City. The Montana Heritage Commission manages it. The town is an open-air museum with 108 buildings. Only fourteen of these buildings are original to the town site.
Businesses and Attractions
Nevada City has several businesses for visitors. These include Alder Gulch Accommodations and the Nevada City Hotel and Cabins. There is also Just an Experience Bed and Breakfast, The Star Bakery, and the Nevada City Hotel Coffee Shop. Some of these places are open all year. Others are open mainly during the summer.
The town has been restored to be a living history site. It is connected by a railroad to the Virginia City Historic District. Both towns have many historic buildings, old items, and furniture.
Nevada City is also famous for its large collection of automated music machines. You can find these amazing machines in the Nevada City Music Hall. It is the biggest collection of its kind in North America.
Location and Geography
Nevada City is about 27 miles southeast of Twin Bridges, Montana. You can find it on Highway 287. The town site is also located about 1.5 miles west of Virginia City, Montana, on Highway 287.
