Tucked away in the mountains of eastern Nevada lies the Belmont Ghost Town, a haunting reminder of the state’s Wild West past. Located about 250 miles northeast of Las Vegas, the town can be reached via US-6 E and State Route 376.
Founded in the late 1860s during a silver rush, the town of Belmont was once a bustling community with over 2,000 residents. The town boasted a post office, several saloons, and even a newspaper. But like many other mining towns of the time, Belmont’s fortunes were short-lived.
Today, Belmont is a popular destination for ghost hunters and history buffs. Visitors to the town can explore the abandoned buildings that once housed the miners and their families, including the old courthouse, the jail, and the historic Belmont Mill.
But it’s not just the town’s history that draws visitors to Belmont. The ghostly legends that surround the town are just as fascinating as its past.
One of the most famous legends surrounding Belmont is that of the ghostly miner. According to legend, a miner named George died in one of the mines in the town and his ghost still haunts the area to this day.
Visitors have reported seeing a ghostly figure walking through the abandoned buildings of Belmont, dressed in old-fashioned mining clothes and carrying a pickaxe. Others have claimed to feel a cold chill in the air and the presence of someone watching them from the shadows.
Another popular legend surrounding Belmont is that of the cursed silver. According to legend, the silver that was mined in Belmont was cursed by a Native American tribe who were displaced from the land when the town was founded.
The curse is said to have caused many of the miners to go insane or die under mysterious circumstances. Visitors to the mines have reported hearing strange noises and feeling an eerie presence that seems to follow them throughout the tunnels.
But perhaps the most terrifying legend of all is that of the ghostly children. Legend has it that several children died in a fire that destroyed the town’s schoolhouse in the late 1800s, and their ghosts still haunt the area.
Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of children’s laughter and footsteps in the abandoned schoolhouse. Others have claimed to see ghostly figures of children playing in the surrounding fields.
Despite the town’s eerie reputation, visitors can still explore the remains of the historic buildings that once housed the miners and their families. The old courthouse, for example, has been partially restored and is now used as a museum.
But exploring Belmont’s haunted past can be dangerous. Many of the buildings in the town are in a state of disrepair and can be hazardous to visitors. Additionally, the town is located in a remote area, and there are no services nearby. Visitors should bring plenty of water, food, and supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Despite the risks, visitors to Belmont are drawn to the town’s haunting beauty and ghostly legends. The town’s desolate streets and abandoned buildings serve as a reminder of a time long gone, and the spirits that linger within them are a testament to the tragedies and hardships that befell the residents of this once-thriving community.
So if you’re looking for a spine-tingling adventure and a glimpse into the past, head to Belmont. But be warned: the ghosts of the past are waiting for you, and they’re not ready to rest in peace just yet.