Midas
"Touch it and it turns to wealth."
Gold discoveries assaying at $2400-$20,000 per ton in 1907 led to a rush for a new district at Gold Circle. Before the end of the year, 150 people settled at the new camp and a stage line connected it to Tuscarora and Elko. A request was submitted for a post office, but denied due to the number of Nevada towns already using 'gold' in the name; thus, the new camp became known as Midas.
By mid-1908, about 2000 people were at Midas, and the bustling town boasted six saloons, five hotels, stores, Commercial Club, and newspaper - the Gold Circle News. Unfortunately, a lack of mills led to a decline by the end of the year as it was only profitable for the richest ore to be shipped. By the end of the year, the population dropped to 250. A few mills were built over the next several years, but low quality ore plagued them and none amounted to much. Nevertheless, some production was made every year until 1942 when the mines were shuttered due to World War II after producing over $4 million.
Midas quickly declined, with only nine residents by 1950, but never died completely. Later efforts were undertaken by the Midas Historical Society to preserve remaining buildings, and even today there are a few full-time residents and - as with most towns on Nevada's backroads - a saloon.
