Ghost Town

Johntown

Lyon County, NV

Coordinate verified

Gold Canyon’s first permanent mining camp (mid-1850s), established by “Old Virginny” Finney and placer miners years before the 1859 Comstock Lode discovery at Virginia City. Cradle of Nevada hard-rock mining history along the canyon corridor between Dayton and Silver City; scant surface ruins but strong interpretive significance.

Field facts

RegionLyon County, NV
Coordinates39.2510, -119.6238
ARPAArtifacts & structures are protected by federal law (ARPA) — take only photos, leave every relic in place.
Establishedc. 1853–1857
SignificanceFirst mining camp of the Comstock region; base for the Gold Canyon placer diggings that led to the Lode

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Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.

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