Wells, Nevada: History and Description
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Wells
Population: 0,000 (est. 1995)Elevation: 4500 feet
Today’s sponsor: The Model T Casino
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This interesting settlement was originally established as a station on the
Union Pacific Railroad. In September, 1869, Humboldt Wells (as it was
called because of the headwaters of the Humboldt River nearby) boasted a
Wells Fargo office, a log shanty saloon, and a railroad station in a
boxcar.
By 1872 stores and hotels had been added to the single business street
paralleling the west side of the railroad tracks, and stagecoaches ran
south into White Pine County three times a week. But devastating fires in
1877, 1881 and 1900 slowed development, and lacking any business beyond
that provided by the railroad and the ranches, growth was very slow.
Since the turn of the century, Wells, like many of the old railroad towns,
has slowly shifted its center away from the railroad tracks. In the 1940s
businesses migrated a block south to US 40, and in the 1980s it began an
agonizing stretch toward I-80. The last business on Commercial
Row-Quilici’s, a 60-year institution-closed in 1991. Thirteen saloons once
provided entertainment to railroad travelers. Now even the Bullhead Bar,
the last and most famous of them, with its big dance floor upstairs, is
closed and padlocked.
Wells’ prosperity is solidly based in the crossroads created by I-80 and
U.S. 93. I-80 is a main east-west transcontinental artery. U.S. 93 extends
from Alaska to Panama, and one day you’ll be able to gas up at Wells and
drive south to Tierra del Fuego. It is a road favored by the Canadian
“Snowbirds”-not the aviators, but the folks who like to winter in the
south, with the sun. They come down with the geese in the fall, and they
head back with them again in the spring, on their way home to British
Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. The geese settle down in the Ruby
Marshes, but the Canadians prefer Wells.
The 4-Way Casino, at the corner of the intersection, recently spent a half
million dollars to grow bigger. And at the ramp on the other end of town,
Chinatown spent three quarters of a million. In addition to Chinese food
you can dine on American fare in Wells, and you can definitely have a
burger, with Burger King on the east end of town, and the Burger Bar at the
west end.
The countryside is considerably wilder than it looks from Main Street,
which is so peaceful that it seems to tame everything within view. But
Wells is not far from the bobcat’s lair and the eagle’s nest, and as a
matter of fact, a mating pair of great hornedowls was entertaining
onlookers on Sixth street during my last visit.
Antelope season, which starts in August, provides an outstanding hunt, and
an opportunity for a world record animal. The Rubies to the south are
favored for black powder and bow and arrow hunting. There’s an Upland Game
season for cottontails, and predator hunting for coyotes. There’s good duck
hunting along the Humboldt River and out at Tobar Flat, on the fringe of
Snow Water Lake. Up at Angel Lake, 8″ catchable trout are stocked every
year, and the fishing is very good in winter, although you’ll have to drill
through as much as three feet of ice to wet your hook. The fishing is also
excellent at Salmon Falls Creek and its tributaries in the primitive
country. Go to Jiggs Creek if you’re out for trophy-sized trout, or to
Crittenden Reservoir. There you’ll catch beautiful big rainbows-as big as
19″ in length, and 11-1/4 inches in girth – with flies and artificial
lures. The limit is three fish, and nothing smaller than 15″ can be taken.
A couple of men who spent 2-1/2 days fishing Crittenden caught and released
over 200 fish, only keeping the ones longer than 20″.
Go south to the Ruby Marshes and trophy trout go unnoticed because the
bass fishing is so good. Try Starr Creek for trophy sized German Browns.
And at Dakes’ Reservoir north of Montello there are state trophy-sized
Northern Pike available. As much camping, hiking and mountain climbing
asyou care to indulge in, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter,
even downhill skiing in which you climb to the summits in a snow cat to ski
down trackless mountainsides.
Some things to see and do in Wells:
The vast lawned City Park across from the high school provides you with
picnic tables and barbecue grills and a comfortable romp with the kids.
There is also a swimming pool, a children’s playground and a “pleasantly
undemanding” 9-hole golf course.
The Chamber of Commerce is located in the brick City Offices on Clover
Avenue. Get local area hunting, fishing and touring information here. The
building was once the dormitory used to house ranch kids who boarded over
the winter in town so they could go to school. The ranch kids ride the bus
to school these days, but some of them have to ride 50 miles just to meet
the bus for its 50 mile run to town. High school attendance still drops
during deer season, and whenever livestock is being moved between the
summer and winter ranges.
Out of town, take the paved 12 mile drive to Angel Lake, a small blue
jewel tucked up under the summits of the East Humboldt Range. Fish, swim,
or set up in one of the Forest Service campsites. There are more campsites
at nearby Angel Creek and from either spot hiking trails lead up to the
unusual Hole-In-The-Mountain Peak. Or go northwest the 13 miles to the
ruins of Metropolis, the ambitious city abandoned in the sagebrush.
You can travel on the California Trail northeast of Wells by taking
Highway 93 26 miles north to the well-marked Winecup Ranch turnoff to the
east, and then taking the graded, gravelled road 15 miles to the
sign-marked Mammoth Ruts just south of the road. This is a section of the
California Trail, worn down as much as six feet below the floor of Thousand
Springs Valley, one of the few places where the passage of the pioneers can
still be seen today. You can continue on about 60 miles to Jackpot, or
return to US 93.
Wells
Calendar of Annual Events
JANUARY
Chariot Racing702-752-3721
FEBRUARY
Cross Country Ski Event702-752-3504
MAY
Pony Express Championship Races702-752-3054
JUNE
PRCA Rodeo702-752-3486
OCTOBER
Oktoberfest702-752-3504
Welcome to Wells
These businesses are pleased to serve you
Fresh Brewed Beer
RUBY MOUNTAIN Brewing Co.
U.S. 93 South, Clover Valley Road, first Ranch
on right. 702-752-BEER. Our unique micro-brewery is located on the Angel
Creek Ranch, a short 10 minute drive south of Wells. We produce Angel
Creek Amber Ale, and Wild West Wheat, along with seasonal brews. Tours,
tasting and on premises sales of bottles are available. Call us for easy
directions and to set up tours.
Restaurants
THE 4 WAY CASINO & Restaurant
Corner I-80 & US 93. 702-752-3344. Make the
4 Way your first stop in Wells. Dine in our fine restaurant-salad bar and
home-made soups a specialty! Enjoy single-deck blackjack or our varied
selection of coin machines. Our Gift Shop offers souvenirs from T-shirts
to Black Hills gold jewelry. We’re your 24-hour a day welcome center!
THE BURGER BAR
West end of town. 702-752-3210. You’ll enjoy your visit to
our family restaurant for more than just the food. We are your local
information center, with maps and contacts for hunting, fishing and
wilderness trip guide and pack services. But don’t forget the food:
broasted chicken, mexican specialties, burgers and cold drinks. Motel
delivery available.
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Nevada Travel Pages
David W. Toll
Nevadaca