Ione, Nevada’s story is typical of most — if not all — ghost towns. It started with a silver strike in 1863. By the spring of 1864 the town had 600 residents, a post office and over 100 buildings. A courthouse was built and it was destined to be the seat of Nye County — until Belmont became the more prosperous and promising camp.

Today Ione bills itself as “The town that wouldn’t die.” About 41 people call it home. It has one grocery store/restaurant/bar and an unlimited quantity of old west charm.

The old west buildings lining the main road each declared boldly, “Private Property – No Trespassing.”  A warning I normally heed. But, after exploring the Hess Ranch only a couple of hours earlier, I was feeling a little more adventurous.

It started innocently enough. I wanted to get a better composition so I stepped onto the property. Just a few feet. Then I walked around the building for another angle (this shot). Then I found an open door — so I went in.

I ventured into two of the houses in Ione. This week, I’ll be bringing you some of those shots.

Here are some of my posts of Belmont:

Related Images: