Stillwater, Nevada Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Stillwater, Nevada
Ghost Town

Stillwater, Nevada Location in Nevada
Country	United States
State	Nevada
County	Churchill County

Stillwater is a fascinating ghost town located in Churchill County, Nevada. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet history. Stillwater was once a very important place. It even served as the main government center, or county seat, for Churchill County starting in 1868.

Back then, Stillwater was a busy stop for mail coaches and travelers. These coaches were like early buses, carrying letters and people across the country. However, in 1903, the county seat was moved to a different town called Fallon, Nevada. This change made Stillwater much less important, and over time, most people moved away.

Stillwater's Early Days
- Becoming the County Seat
Why Stillwater Became a Ghost Town
- Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge
Gallery
See also

Stillwater's Early Days

The story of Stillwater began in July 1862. That's when a special station was set up here by the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company. This company was famous for its fast mail service. The town got its name from a nearby slow-moving waterway called the Stillwater Slough.

Settlers, or people looking for a new home, started arriving in the fall of 1862 and the spring of 1863. They built homes and businesses, and soon, the town of Stillwater grew around the station.

Becoming the County Seat

In December 1868, Stillwater became the official county seat of Churchill County. This meant it was the main town for government activities. At that time, about 150 people lived in Stillwater. It was a lively place with a courthouse and other important buildings.

Stillwater was also a stop for the famous Pony Express. This was an even faster mail service that used riders on horses to deliver letters across long distances. Imagine a rider galloping through Stillwater to drop off mail!

Why Stillwater Became a Ghost Town

The biggest change for Stillwater happened in 1902. The county seat and its courthouse were moved to Fallon. This decision really sped up Stillwater's decline. Without the government offices and the people who worked there, the town lost much of its purpose.

Even though many people left, Stillwater wasn't completely empty right away. In fact, as late as 1940, about 420 people still lived there. But over time, more and more residents moved away, turning it into the ghost town it is today.

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge

While the town itself became quiet, the natural area around Stillwater remained important. In 1949, the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge was created. This special area helps protect many different kinds of birds and other wildlife. It's a beautiful place for nature lovers, even if the old town is mostly empty.