Located in Goldfield on the corner of Ramsey and Euclid is the commanding yet decaying Goldfield High School—today, little more than a forgotten Nevada landmark. It educated students from 1907 until 1952 when a dwindling mining economy forced many to leave. Today, the majestic school remains where it was constructed; however, the once imposing building has suffered from years of decay. Today, this forgotten Nevada high school is a sad reminder of Goldfield’s once booming mining economy and how today the once successful mining town is little more than a ghost town.
Built in 1907 at the height of the area's gold rush when the population of Goldfield was around 30,000, the high school cost $103,000 to construct (nearly $2.7 million in current dollars) and, at the time, was the largest and best equipped high school in the entire state. The school was officially dedicated in 1908.
The school was impressive when first built with large, wide staircases and arched Roman-style entries. Today, it is still impressive because it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Goldfield. Further, it was the only school except for the University of Nevada that had a full-size basketball court.
As mining began to dwindle and the town's population began to wane, by 1919 it was clear that Goldfield had begun to die. Goldfield High School graduated its last student in 1952.
On 7 July 1923, a fire caused by a moonshine still explosion practically devastated the town and the only two remaining large structures were the Goldfield High School and Goldfield Hotel. The nine-hour fire caused nearly $1 million in damages, killed one person, and made nearly 500 others homeless.
Goldfield High School is no longer the sad forgotten Nevada high school as volunteers are seeking to restore the building to its former glory. For more information about the restoration project (and some pretty nifty before and after photos), or if you are interested in helping the volunteers with work, donations, or anything else, please visit the Goldfield Historical Society High School Restoration Project.
Have you visited this forgotten Nevada high school; this piece of Nevada history? Please share your experiences below.
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