Surprisingly few people realize the tiny town in Nevada named Hazen even exists. Even fewer people are aware of the town’s dark past. Back in the day, this town was the true Wild West and it was home to a surprising amount of violence, crime, and tragedy. Learning about its history may surprise you, but it will also give you a deeper insight into this historic community’s part in Nevada history. A few strong-willed residents still call Hazen home, and after learning about this town you may just want to plan a visit to it yourself. Take a look at some of the intriguing things to do in Hazen, Nevada.

The tiny town of Hazen isn't exactly one of the most well-known communities in Nevada. Boasting just a handful of residents, you'll find Hazen hiding out about 12 miles southeast of Fernley in Churchill County. This little town doesn't look like much these days, but it boasts a surprisingly dark history.
GoogleMaps
Founded in 1903 as a station along the Southern Pacific Railroad, the town's early economy was mainly driven by railroad, canal, and dam workers. It started out as a mere tent city, but it soon turned into one of the wildest places in the West.
Department of the Interior/Wikipedia
In fact, Hazen is most infamous for the notorious hanging that took place in the town in 1905. The murder of ex-convict Red Wood would go down in the history books as Nevada's last illegal hanging.
Unagi Unagi/Google

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Wood was hanged from a telegraph pole on February 27, 1905. His murder was absolutely horrific, but it was far from the only violent thing that happened in this town. As the town grew with laborers, the arrival of saloons and brothels came with them.
FAHansson/Wikipedia
Historians note that Hazen became a hot spot of crime, including robberies and murders. A constable was appointed to Hazen but the crimes were mostly ignored. Hazen was the real rough n' tumble Wild West to its core.
Mark Loften/Google
The town was home to hundreds at one point, and it even contained a school, retail shops, a post office, and a newspaper. However, Hazen never truly prospered. A fire in 1908 destroyed much of the town and residents began to pack up and find a new home somewhere else.
William Hoffknecht/Wikipedia
Hazen never completely died. To this day, a few people still call this little town home. There may not be much to see here now, but this town and its dark past will always have a place in Nevada's history.

Get an aerial view of Hazen:

Did you know about this tiny town in Nevada? Do you know of other things to do in Hazen, Nevada? We swear, our state is full of amazing history and endless surprises. For some more Nevada history, take a road trip to check out some of the oldest towns in Nevada.

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Things To Do In Nevada

William Suphan | March 24, 2023

What are the best small towns in Nevada to visit?

These are some of the best small towns in Nevada:

  • Caliente. Known for its nearby hot springs, this small town has historic railroad cottages and the Union Pacific Train Depot.
  • Virginia City. This city started as a boomtown in 1859 after the Comstock Lode, America’s first major silver deposit was discovered.
  • Ely. With a population of about 4,000 people, this was originally a stagecoach station for the Pony Express and resides at the base of the Great Basin National Park.

Here are seven more of the best small towns in Nevada. 

What are the top-rated attractions in Nevada?

These are the top-rated attractions in Nevada:

  • Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. A short distance from Las Vegas, this popular hiking area in the Mojave Desert is a local favorite.
  • Hoover Dam. This 726-foot-high dam containing Lake Mead was built during the Great Depression as a way to create jobs. It currently provides hydroelectric power to Nevada, Arizona, and California.
  • Lake Tahoe. This freshwater lake is 22 miles long and is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is the most popular lake in the state.

Here are 10 man-made top-rated attractions in Nevada. 

What are the best natural wonders in Nevada?

These are some of the best natural wonders in Nevada:

  • Valley of Fire. Located in Clark County, the multicolored sandstone rock formations bring visitors from all around. The park has many hiking trails and campgrounds.
  • Wheeler Peak. As part of the Great Basin National Park, this is the second-tallest mountain in Nevada and is a favorite of photographers.
  • Pyramid Lake. At 125,000 acres, this is one of the largest natural lakes in Nevada. It is known for its interesting rock formations and as a popular fishing spot.
  • Lehman Caves. This massive cave system is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Here are more of the best natural wonders in Nevada. 

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Hazen, NV 89408, USA