Vernon, Nevada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vernon, Nevada
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| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| County | Humboldt |
| Elevation | 4,646 ft (1,416 m) |
Vernon was once a busy mining town in Nevada. Today, it is a ghost town, meaning no one lives there anymore. You can find its remains in Pershing County, northwest of a town called Lovelock.
Contents
Vernon's Story
The Start of a Mining Town
Vernon began in 1905. It was built to support the mines in the Seven Troughs area. These mines were digging for valuable ore (rock with minerals). A post office opened in Vernon in October 1906.
When the Mines Closed
The mines were very active for about three to four years. But by 1910, most of the valuable ore was gone. This meant the mines had to slow down or close completely. As the mines closed, fewer people were needed. The town of Vernon started to shrink. By 1907, only about 300 people lived there. By 1918, so few people remained that the post office closed its doors for good.
Tunnel Camp: A New Hope
Building a Big Tunnel
About two miles north of Vernon, a new place called Tunnel Camp started in 1927. The plan was to build a large mill (a factory to process ore) and dig a long tunnel. This tunnel would connect to the old mine shafts in the Seven Troughs area. The idea was similar to the famous Sutro Tunnel near Virginia City.
Why a Tunnel?
The tunnel at Tunnel Camp was planned to be about 2.5 miles long. Its purpose was to make it easier to remove waste rock, valuable ore, and water from the mines. This would help the mining process.
Vernon's End
Many of the wooden buildings from Vernon were moved to Tunnel Camp. This move marked the end of Vernon as a town. The last people living in Vernon soon left.
The Tunnel's Fate
Sadly, the miners digging the tunnel missed the old mine shafts. In 1934, the project was stopped. Tunnel Camp was also known by other names, like New Seven Troughs or simply Tunnel.
Finding Vernon Today
To visit the site of Vernon today, you can start from Lovelock. Drive about 14 miles on a paved road towards the Eagle-Pitcher diatomaceous earth mine. Look for signs pointing to the mine.
The Last Stretch
From the mine road, you will turn onto a dirt road. This dirt road will take you the last 12 miles to where Vernon used to be.
What You Can See
When you arrive, you can easily spot the remains of the old stone jail. It has been damaged over the years. You might also see dips in the ground where old buildings once stood. There are also pieces of wood scattered among the sagebrush plants.
