Most ghost towns in Nevada in the United States of America are former mining boomtowns that were abandoned when the mines closed. Those that weren't set up as mining camps were usually established as locations for mills, or supply points for nearby mining operations.
In Clark County settlements along the Colorado River have been submerged underneath the reservoirs of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave.
Conditions
Ghost towns can include sites in various states of disrepair and abandonment. Some sites no longer have any trace of buildings or civilization, and have reverted to empty land. Other sites are unpopulated but still have standing buildings. Still others may support full-time residents, though usually far fewer than at their historical peak, while others may now be museums or historical sites.
For ease of reference, the sites listed have been placed into one of the following general categories.
Barren site
Site is no longer in existence
Site has been destroyed, covered with water, or has reverted to empty land
May have at most a few difficult-to-find foundations/footings
Neglected site
Little more than rubble remains at the site
Dilapidated, often roofless buildings remain at the site
Abandoned site
Buildings or houses still standing, but all or almost all are abandoned
No population, with the possible exception of a caretaker
Site no longer in use, except for one or two buildings
Semi-abandoned site
Buildings or houses still standing, but most are abandoned
A few residents may remain
Historic site
Buildings or houses still standing
Site has been converted to a historical site, museum, or tourist attraction
Still a busy community, but population is smaller than in its peak years
List of ghost towns in Nevada
References
External links
Forgotten Nevada - Abandoned and historical sites in Nevada. Pictures and directions Southern Nevada: The Boomtown Years 1900-1925