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AS THE SUN SETS
ON THE SAGE
 History of Wells, Nevada
The history of Wells dates back to the mid-1800's...the accounts presented here are only a minor view of those pioneering days.
The Original City of Wells
In case you didn't know, it's in England.
Jean Sybil McElrath
You will want to read this biography of a truly extraordinary woman.
"Now & Then"
Bessie Grock Winchell
A History of Deeth, Nevada
Angel Lake
Travel the Angel Lake Road.
Ruby Valley
Why the color Ruby? Because it glows that way in the sunsets.
40th Bomb Group
Read the story of how the 40th Bomb Group was quarantined in Wells.
The Irish & The Chinese
Is this story Fact or Fiction?
Central Pacific Railroad
Riding the Rails of History with the CPRR.
Union Pacific Railroad
Pictorial History of the UPRR.
Nevada Rail Terminal
Railroad History in Nevada.
Northern Nevada Railways
The Northern Nevada Railways History
Cowboy Country
Tour Northeastern Nevada's Cowboy Country
Humboldt-Toiyabe
National Forest
Cottonwood Guest Ranch
Visit the Cottonwood Guest Ranch for a few surprises about Northeastern Nevada.
Tent Mountain Guest Ranch
You might be a city-slicker when you get here...they'll change that.
Mr. Lee B. Quilici
A tale of two families.
Trail of the '49ers
California Trail Interpretive Center
The Nevada Traveler
The Nevada Traveler takes a look at Wells, Nevada.
The Birds of Nevada
A Field List by the University of Nevada - Reno.
2008 Earthquake (Archive)
News Reports, Photos, etc.
Ghost Towns
Highway 93
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Wells c.1911
Welcome to Wells, Nevada
 Hello from Wells, Nevada. Even though our little town was slam-dunked by a 6.0 earthquake on February 21, 2008 that pretty much wiped out our historical section of town...We Are Still Here!
There has been an ongoing effort to develop programs that will save as much of what is left, if at all possible, and it is that 'possible' which is the primary focus of this enormous undertaking for the Wells community.
Most of the residents took it on their own, along with community groups and outside volunteers, to rebuild our own town as much as we could. We gave up on any help from government organizations and many heads turned away from those who wanted to offer financial assistance at the price of signing over the titles on personal properties. We saw how that worked after huricane Katrina. No thank you.
So, if you happen to be some of those lucky people who manage to travel through our area...take a little time with some of the local folks and say hello. We'd be more than happy to spend a little time with you.
Now, on with the rest of our story...
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, (also known as 6th Street) 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 Bullshead Bar, the last and most famous of them, with its big dance floor upstairs, is closed and padlocked. However, the Ruby Mountain Brewing Company is a short drive south of Wells.
Wells' prosperity is solidly based in the crossroads created by I-80 and US 93. I-80 is a main east-west transcontinental artery with the US Highway 93, designated US 93 at Roosville, MT, extends from Jasper, British Columbia, Canada, in the north to Wickenburg, Arizona, in the south and beyond into Mexico.
The National Road was authorized by U.S. President Jefferson in 1806 as a way to connect the eastern and western states. Construction of the National Road began in 1811 in Cumberland, Maryland, and finished in Vandalia, Illinois, in the 1850s.
After falling into disrepair in the late 1800s, this National Road, known as U.S. Route 40, was revamped and became the first interstate, known today as I-80. To date, it is the only completely federally funded road, running from New Jersey in the east to California in the west.
In the 1970's Interstate 80 and US 93 became known as the Crossroads of the Intermountain West coming together in the City of Wells, Nevada which runs from Canada to Mexico...as you've already read.
Wells is located in Northeastern Nevada in Elko County and is approximately 340 miles Northeast of Reno, Nevada. We are about 50 miles East of the Elko County Seat, which of course is in Elko; 63 miles West of Wendover on the Nevada-Utah border; 65 miles South of Jackpot on the Nevada-Idaho border. Ah, we can't forget about Las Vegas can we? Nah. We are about 540 miles North of Las Vegas and believe it or not, (which has nothing to do with Ripley's), there is a short-cut from here to there. We'll make it easy though: If you're heading South on U.S. 93 to Las Vegas when you get to Ely take Highway 6 to Highway 318. Ely, Nevada is about 139 miles from Wells. This shortcut route will knock off about 50 miles and also help you save fuel. Also, this route is one of the most traveled during the winter months because it enables travelers the opportunity to avoid the higher mountain range along the U.S. 93, just outside of Ely, that has a lot of twists and turns and ups and downs. Of course, all of these miles depend on which side of the road your traveling. Okay, enough geography.
When you arrive at our remote little desert/mountain community you will find that there is an enormous amount of potential in our area of the world for growth, investment and development. We are located in a rather unique position in the Intermountain West as you will soon "Discover Us!"
Travel to Wells can be accomplished by motor vehicles, of your choice, or by small to midsize aircraft coming and going at Harriet Field, the local munincipal airport. There once was a bus service provided by Greyhound for those who would prefer to take the 'on the ground' scenic routes and leave the driving to them, but, recent cutbacks with the company in (2004) have stopped service to about 250 locations and, you're right, Wells just happened to be one of them. So, no more Greydog Express to Wells. At least, not for now.
The Western Shoshone Nation known as 'Newe Sogobia' covers about 86 million acres of Nevada and includes a small area of Utah and a lot of southern California. The Western Shoshone signed a treaty of 'Peace and Friendship' also known as the 'Ruby Valley Treaty' with the United States on October 1, 1863. To this day this treaty is still in controversy because the Shoshone ceded none of their lands to the United States and recent issues surrounding the Yucca Mountain Project, amongst others, have brought this treaty to the foreground once again. On October 31, 1864, one year and 30 days after the signing of the Ruby Valley Treaty the territory of Nevada was granted Statehood. Las Vegas, the area known to people all over the world was annexed to Nevada from both Utah and Arizona. In other words, it was not an original part of the Nevada Territory.
Other historical facts about Wells can be found in the column to your right or by clicking HERE. The history of Wells offers such stories that are not so obvious like the Bing Crosby and Jimmy Stewart Ranches, the discovery of heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey and what he was doing in Wells - before he was the champion, and how the town of Humboldt-Wells became just Wells...oh yeah, and the Ghosts!
 In continuation and also serving our area, historically, there was the Western Pacific, the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. Some have moved on with the changing of the times, but, (Please, don't schedule your travel arrangements with these as they are mostly freighters.) Once in awhile you can catch a glimpse of an AmTrak going through, even an old Steamer, but, they never stop. These factors have managed to give us one of our colorful slogans: "The Crossroads of the Intermountain West" and in recent cases, "The Crossroads of Opportunity".
Whether you are looking for that quiet rural atmosphere to live and raise a family, a higher impact for your business - be it warehousing, manufacturing, or even retail sales, then you might consider Wells, Nevada as that place.
Oldest House in Wells - Coryell
The crime rate in our area is nearly zero and the gang type stuff is just something to watch on the news. As stated before, we're rather quiet here. We do not stress over traffic jams (as a matter of fact, when two cars go down the street at the same time - well, that's our traffic jam, but, if three go by then it's a parade! Yeah!!) We don't stress over corporate deadlines, stock market fluctuations or crime. The local atmosphere is one that is cherished by all who live here and is shared by those who visit our little community surrounded by the majestic mountains of the East Humboldt range where even the wildlife are at peace.
 Being of a 'high desert topography' geographically located at the base of the "East Humboldt Range" (Humboldt National Forest), this pine-forested range, with it's fair share of sagebrush and natural wild herbs, has several natural lakes, including the famous "Angel Lake", that offers abundant Trout fishing, developed Camp Sites and numerous hiking trails. As a matter of fact, we cater to a variety of camping choices in the area along with those hiking trails, rock-climbing, fishing and hunting locations for your recreational and sporting tastes. Wells also offers a whole bunch of other things to do, like, an Archery Range, a Gun Club, Softball, Baseball, Football and Soccer Fields along with the Chimney Rock Golf Course which has a '9 Hole' spread and Club House. Let's not forget the famed Nevada Gaming found at establishments such as the 4 Way Casino & Restaurant, the Lucky J, Love's and a few other establishments like the Old West Saloon and Luthars. Wells has a "Walking Tour" of the last "Railroad Alley" in the Historic Downtown section of our little hamlet which is currently being renovated to protect its historic value. (Unfortunately, most of this was severly damaged by the earthquake (2-2008) so the upclose access is very limited at this time.)
 Wells also has great annual events like the "Wells Fun Run Car Show", "PRCA Senior Rodeos", "Wells High School Rodeo", "Wells Junior Rodeo", "The Charlie Nannini Invitational Chariot Races", "Race to The Angel" "Old Time Fiddlers Contest" and the "National Cross-Country MotoCross Races" just to name a few. We also provide access to "Guest Ranches" and have several Outfitters & Guide Services. Believe it or not, one of the darkest places on the Earth for viewing the night sky is just out of town and well worth the drive on a moonless night. (You will be amazed at what you can see. UFO's? Perhaps. You may even see a 41' Custom Ford Coupe Cruising the streets and that can even be in the daytime).
The Old Bank
Now Privately Owned
Academic and Technical Education follows a path from Pre-School to College. These services are provided by 'Head Start', Elko County School District', and the 'Great Basin Community College' which carries a 'Four Year Accreditation' for some degrees.
Wells, Nevada is approximately 5622 feet above sea level (some say about 10 to 12 feet higher) and has a current population of about 1350 (some say more) combined with the adjacent Clover & Starr Valleys. Wells Time Zone is PST - Pacific Standard Time and we do recognize Day Light Savings Time here.
Wells is still one place in this world that the adventurous, the investor and the dreamer can truly come and 'Build an Empire!'
For more historical information about Wells go HERE.
We may be small but we're big on hospitality.
Oldest Church in Wells - Presbyterian
Information Resources for Nevada:
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• Nevada Commission On Tourism
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"The Prophecy"
Long before the begining of human civilization there was an ancient prophecy that has now come to be foretold once again.
Mankind, with all of it's noise and hurry has missed the message throughout the past centuries that can no longer be ignored.
Watch this space to find out when you can connect to this prophecy.
"Coming Soon!"
Side Notes:
Webmaster
It's been nearly nine years since this web site was created for the community of Wells and I often find myself wondering why I did this. Why did I spend so many days, nights and months putting all this together, making sure things worked right and researching all the links and information available here? Why don't I just face the fact that I just may be nuts after all. I mean, there has been very little input or response from the local government, the businesses, the schools and the general community. In fact, there have been more responses from people who don't live, go to school or conduct their business here from all around the world...and all of it very good and to you all I must say thank you. For the others, well, I don't know what you really want any more. I've listened to everyone bellyache about damn near everything there is to bellyache about and no matter what - you're just never happy about anything, especially when it's given to you for free.
If those among you who have led yourselves to believe that you are somebody important...well, you're just not. Nobody is that important and nobody is as important as you think you are. This is very sad, not only for you but for your children and this entire community. I know, this sounds entirely contridictory to what many of you may have read in the center column...but the people I speak of are not the ones who made that history or reputation...these people could really care less about all that and most of them don't know the history or the truth about the real Wells.
In regards to this web site, if any one, on the local level, can do it better than what I have for the past nine years, for free, then let's see it. Put your money where your mouth is...I did. Yes, I pay for this web site out of my own pocket not yours. There has only been one financial supporter of this site, other than myself, and they didn't have to do it, none-the-less, I am very appreciative that they did. Again, thank you.
I've also noticed that there is a supposed "another" Wells web site. Been there. Not impressed. It's rarely ever updated, a lot of the information is not accurate, many of the links don't work and it all costs you money. For what?
I have requested, on several occasions, to have a link to this site from that one, but, no one has been polite enough to respond even to that. Perhaps their lack of professionalism is another sign all together. You can find a link to theirs here...free. You're welcome.
So what's with these attitudes anyway? People say that Wells is a nice place to live. If you want to be like most of those I just discribed above then you would fit in perfectly...if not, then you don't really want to live here. And with that I am entertaining the thought of shutting this site down. No body cares anyway, therefore, they would never miss it. I wonder how this site got so many hits throughout the years? After all, there are barely 800 people living in the township of Wells and of that, perhaps, over half is under 18. Oh my!
We'll see as the tenth year rolls in.
Just a little observational steam...
WNOL Webmaster
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