Ward Historic Townsite and Mine

The remains of the townsite of Ward sits on the eastern slope of Ward Mountain in an area rich with mining history and artifacts.

Once the largest and most active town in White Pine County with a population that peaked at around 2000, Ward contained dozens of businesses, an aerial tramway to transport ore to a millsite downhill, and was policed by a vigilante group that is credited with keeping the town virtually crime free. However similar to many other late-1800s mining towns, mining production numbers coupled with new booms in other nearby towns and camps contributed to the population leaving Ward. Along with its decline, a fire struck, destroying much of the downtown area. Over the years, natural occurences like flash floods and erosion have taken much of the remains.

A pretty well graded dirt road heads up to the old townsite, where a sign marks the most accessible cluster of remains - mostly stone building foundations and old artifacts. A cemetery is well preserved, though many of the graves held within are missing markings and headstones. And for those willing to head off on foot, other remains can be found in and around the hills. Other interesting areas are mine sites that were more currently active, as well as numerous fresh water springs flowing in the hills that provided water to the mines and town.

There are no fees to visit Ward. However visitors should be aware that the high elevation of the townsite (over 7700') can make for very cold conditions and make roads unpassably icy or muddy late into the season.

The more popular and easily accessible Ward Charcoal Ovens downhill from the townsite are also worth a visit, and provided charcoal for the Ward mines.