Cities and Towns in Esmeralda County, Nevada
Founded in 1861, Esmeralda County is one of 16 counties in the state of Nevada. Historically, Esmeralda County was one of the 7 original counties. The city of Goldfield is the county seat. With FIPS code of 9, Esmeralda County has a population of 743 and area of 3,589 square miles (9,295 km²).
List of all cities in Esmeralda County, NV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Dyer, NV | 89010 | 775 |
| Gold Point, NV | 89013 | 775 |
| Goldfield, NV | 89013 | 775 |
| Lida, NV | 89013 | 775 |
| Silverpeak, NV | 89047 | 775 |
Major Cities and Towns in Esmeralda County, Nevada
Goldfield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: 270 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 89013
- Latitude: 37.6986° N
- Longitude: 117.2320° W
Location and History
Goldfield is the county seat of Esmeralda County, located in central Nevada, approximately 200 miles north of Las Vegas. The town was founded in 1902 after the discovery of a rich gold vein in the area. Goldfield quickly became one of Nevada’s most prosperous mining towns during the early 20th century, at one point boasting a population of over 20,000 people. Gold was discovered by a prospector named Thomas F. H. “Tom” McCutcheon, which led to a mining boom. The town developed rapidly, featuring a variety of businesses, hotels, schools, and even theaters. However, the mining industry in Goldfield began to decline by the 1920s due to falling gold prices and a reduction in mining activity. In 1940, the town’s population had dwindled to a few hundred, and it has never fully recovered. Today, Goldfield is a small, quiet town that serves as a reminder of Nevada’s mining heritage, though it is still known for its historical significance and local ghost stories. Despite its size, the town’s historic district features many well-preserved buildings from its boomtown era, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Goldfield is served by the Esmeralda County School District, with the Goldfield School being the primary educational institution. The town has a small population, so its school is limited in size but offers a quality education for local children. Goldfield is renowned for its historic buildings, some of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Goldfield Historic District is home to numerous old hotels, like the Goldfield Hotel, which was once the largest hotel in Nevada, and the Esmeralda County Courthouse, which is a prominent architectural landmark. Visitors to Goldfield can also explore the Goldfield Museum, which showcases artifacts and memorabilia from the mining days. The town is known for its rich ghost stories, with many of the old buildings reportedly haunted. Goldfield is also a popular spot for stargazing due to its remote location and clear skies. Local events, such as the Goldfield Days celebration, continue to commemorate the town’s mining history and attract visitors to the area.
Silver Peak
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 89047
- Latitude: 38.4745° N
- Longitude: 117.1456° W
Location and History
Silver Peak is a small town located in the southwestern corner of Esmeralda County, near the California border and about 100 miles west of Goldfield. The town was founded in the late 19th century, named for the nearby silver mines that were once prominent in the area. Silver Peak’s heyday was during the silver mining boom of the 1860s and 1870s when the discovery of silver in the region brought an influx of settlers, miners, and entrepreneurs. The town’s population grew significantly during this time, as silver ore was extracted and shipped out for processing. However, as the silver deposits began to diminish and mining operations became less profitable, the town’s population declined, and it eventually became a quiet, remote community. Today, Silver Peak is a shadow of its former self, with only a small number of residents living in the area. The town remains notable for its historical connection to silver mining and is a reminder of the volatile nature of mining communities in the American West.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Silver Peak is part of the Esmeralda County School District, but due to the town’s small size, educational options are limited. The Silver Peak School serves as the local primary school. There are no larger public or private schools within the immediate vicinity, so many families opt to send their children to schools in neighboring towns. The town has a few notable landmarks, including the historic Silver Peak Mine, which played a central role in the town’s development. While Silver Peak itself is relatively quiet today, the remnants of old mining equipment and structures can still be seen around the town, offering a glimpse into its past. The surrounding desert landscape, including nearby Death Valley National Park, attracts visitors for hiking, camping, and exploration of the region’s unique geology and history. Silver Peak’s location near the California border also makes it a stop for those traveling through the remote stretches of Nevada. The town serves as a quiet base for those interested in exploring Nevada’s mining history and natural landscapes.
Hawthorne
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 5.6 square miles
- Population: 3,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 89415
- Latitude: 38.5331° N
- Longitude: 118.6350° W
Location and History
Hawthorne is located in the western part of Esmeralda County, about 35 miles north of the California border and situated along the shore of Walker Lake. The town was founded in 1881 as a railroad and mining town. The initial economic boom in Hawthorne was tied to silver mining, but the town’s fortunes fluctuated as mining operations ebbed and flowed. Hawthorne became more significant during World War II when it was chosen as the site for the Hawthorne Army Depot, a massive munitions storage facility that still operates today. The military presence helped stabilize the local economy, and Hawthorne became a strategic location for supplying troops and munitions during the war. After the war, the town saw steady population growth, with the nearby military depot continuing to play an important role in the community. Today, Hawthorne remains a small, active town that serves as a commercial and service center for the surrounding area. Despite its relatively small size, it has a rich history tied to the military, mining, and railroad industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hawthorne is served by the Mineral County School District, with schools such as Hawthorne High School and Mineral County Middle School offering educational opportunities to local students. The town also has several elementary schools and is home to the Mineral County Library. Hawthorne is known for its proximity to the Hawthorne Army Depot, a key military installation that has a significant impact on the local economy. Another major landmark is the Walker Lake, which is popular for fishing, boating, and picnicking, attracting visitors who enjoy outdoor recreation. The Mineral County Museum offers a collection of historical artifacts related to the area’s mining, military, and Native American history. For those interested in military history, the Hawthorne Army Depot Museum offers insight into the town’s important role in World War II and beyond. Hawthorne is also known for the nearby Pyramid Lake and its unique desert landscapes, making it a prime location for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and off-road vehicle exploration.
Lida
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 20 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 89020
- Latitude: 37.5833° N
- Longitude: 117.5894° W
Location and History
Lida is a very small, rural community located in the southern part of Esmeralda County, in the Amargosa Valley, near the California border. The town was established in the early 20th century during a short-lived mining boom. The area surrounding Lida is rich in minerals, and for a time, the discovery of silver and other ores led to the establishment of several mining camps in the region. However, like many mining towns in Nevada, Lida experienced rapid growth followed by a swift decline as the mineral resources were depleted. Today, Lida remains an isolated community, with only a few residents living in the area. The town is mostly known for its remote location and as a historical example of the boom-and-bust nature of mining towns in the American West. While there are no active mining operations in Lida today, the town still serves as a reminder of Nevada’s mining heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lida is a very small and isolated community, so it does not have its own public schools or educational institutions. Children in the area typically attend schools in nearby towns, such as Hawthorne. Lida has very few modern landmarks, but its history as a mining town is still present in the remnants of old mining structures and equipment scattered throughout the area. Nearby, visitors can explore the rugged terrain of the Amargosa Valley and the Death Valley National Park, which offers hiking, camping, and opportunities to learn about the area’s unique geology. The region around Lida is also popular with off-road enthusiasts and those interested in desert exploration. Lida’s ghost town-like status and proximity to natural wonders make it a place of historical interest for those traveling through Esmeralda County.
