The World's Most Extravagant Deserted Domains
4. Rhyolite
Place: Rhyolite, Nevada
Period: 1905
Expense: $3.7 million
Rhyolite is a ghost town situated a short distance from Death Valley in Nevada's Bullfrog Hills. Established in 1905, it emerged as one of the few mining communities following the discovery of gold in the area.
The town experienced a rapid influx of thousands of gold seekers eager to strike it rich. Recognizing the potential for growth, entrepreneur Charles M. Schwab played a pivotal role in transforming Rhyolite into a thriving residential neighborhood. He invested approximately $3.7 million to install essential utilities, including piped water, railroads, and electricity, making the town more livable and attractive to new residents.
Rhyolite was a fleeting phenomenon, vanishing almost as quickly as it emerged. The town's population began to dwindle due to several significant events, including the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, the 1907 Financial Panic, and the depletion of gold ore reserves.
As these challenges mounted, residents started fleeing in large numbers, seeking stability elsewhere. By 1920, Rhyolite was completely abandoned, with no inhabitants remaining.
