Coaldale—a small town in Esmeralda County that lies 30 miles west of Tonopah—sprang to life in the 1880’s due to an increase in coal mining (hence its name.) During its heyday, this now-abandoned town boasted a market, general store, post office, gas station, railroad depot, hotel, and small residential area. By the 1930’s, this small town was more of a roadside stop than an actual destination. After EPA testing in 1993 found the service station’s underground fuel storage tanks were leaking, the town’s residents quickly “closed house” and abandoned their homes and businesses. The real story remains a mystery.
This small western Nevada town was populated until 1993, but, today, it stands abandoned—a modern-day ghost town.
During its prime, Coaldale, had a population of about 50 residents. Today there are zero. The waning coal production and subsequent mine closures in the 1940's contributed to Coaldale's initial decline.
In 2014, the 40-acre town was put up for sale for $70,000 by Ed Ylst, the administrator of the town's trust who believes that the increase in traffic to Tonopah might breathe new life into Coaldale. The town was formerly up for sale in 2006, but nothing came of it. The property listing includes a 12-room motel, restaurant/casino/bar, general store, gas station and garage, generator building, bath house, laundry, and trailer park. The Coaldale Airport was also included; however, as it hasn't been up to code, it isn't much of an asset.
Even with the gas leakage from the service station (which could have been addressed given that the problem was identified in 1993), why the entire town of Coaldale up and left so abruptly—and so recently— remains a mystery. One can only wonder if Coaldale will ever come back to life. Only time will tell.
Have you been to this modern day abandoned “ghost” town? Please share your experiences below.
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