Shafter, Nevada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shafter, Nevada
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 Shafter, Nevada
Location in Nevada
Shafter, Nevada
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| County | Elko |
| Elevation | 5,594 ft (1,705 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 847479 |
Shafter is a fascinating ghost town located in Elko County, Nevada, United States. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, leaving behind empty buildings or just their ruins. Shafter is one of these quiet places, showing us what was once a busy railroad stop.
Contents
The Story of Shafter
Early Days as a Railroad Stop
Shafter began its life in 1906. It was first known as Bews. At that time, it was just a "siding" for the Nevada Northern Railway. A siding is a short track next to a main railroad line. It allows trains to pull over and let other trains pass.
Becoming Shafter
In 1907, the town got a new name: Shafter. This happened when the Western Pacific Railroad's Feather River Route arrived. The community was named after William Rufus Shafter. He was a well-known U.S. officer during the Spanish–American War.
Life in the Town
Around 40 people lived in Shafter during its busiest times. The town had important places like a school and a post office. These buildings were central to daily life for the residents.
The Town's Decline
The school in Shafter closed its doors in 1932. Later, the post office shut down in 1959. These closures were big signs that the town was slowly dying. As services left, so did the people.
Shafter Today
Today, Shafter is truly a ghost town. Only the foundations of old buildings remain. They are like silent reminders of the past. Even though the town is abandoned, a part of the railroad is still called the Shafter Subdivision. This keeps the name of Shafter alive.
