Near Battle Mountain Nevada, Galena has a long history as a mining town. Mining began in 1863 when the first miners made claims. The town grew steadily and blossomed through the 1880's, complete with a cemetery, city park, and more than 300 residence living there. Mining dwindled in the 1880's, and people moved on. The town has had a few minor revivals, one right before World War I, one just before World War II, and one in the late 1960's. None of the revivals lasted very long, and the quiet town of Galena is now abandoned.

Though the official population is 10, on our visit we found no signs of people or recent activity. Galena is a great stretch-your-legs type side trip if you are in the area or driving across Nevada on I-80. It is one of the larger and more interesting ghost towns I've visited.

Getting There

From the south side of I-80, exit 231 at the town of Battle Mountain, go south 8.6 miles to a side road on the right side of SR-305.

• Turn onto dirt road. ( 11T 495648mE 4487752mN / N40° 32' 26" W117° 03' 05")
• Go straight on this road, ignoring side road. At 1.4 miles, the road enters Galena Canyon. ( 11T 493588mE 4488760mN / N40° 32' 58" W117° 04' 33")
• 2.8 - Junction. Stay right. ( 11T 491846mE 4489664mN / N40° 33' 28" W117° 05' 47")
• 3.5 miles - Stay Left. ( 11T 491050mE 4490425mN / N40° 33' 52" W117° 06' 21")
• 4.3 miles - Start of Ghost Town ( 11T 489784mE 4490543mN / N40° 33' 56" W117° 07' 14")
• 4.8 miles - Major Junction - Main Town ( 11T 488992mE 4490425mN / N40° 33' 52" W117° 07' 48")

Route

From the major junction, there is much to wander around and see. The cemetery is up the road to the left, then first right and is very interesting from a historic perspective. There are houses, mill ruins, and other ruins scattered throughout the canyon.

The old city park is on the right, back down the road you came in on.