Roadside Peek : Historic Wells Nevada

The roadside traveler passing through the west will at times come across reminders of the Old West. For those stopping in the town of Wells, Nevada, the Old West was never closer.

Many of the buildings that still stand in Wells were built in the 19th century. In fact, Wells was originally founded as a railroad town along the Transcontinental Railroad.

Front Street is features a strip of old businesses that makes one feel like they've stepped back in time. However, even with the railroad tracks nearby, the periodic stillness in the area leaves no doubt that time has for the most part passed this area by.

Unfortunately, this historic district in Wells, NV was damaged when a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck about 11 miles southeast of the town at 7:16 a.m. MST. Fortunately only minor injuries were reported. According the Salt Lake City Tribune, the earthquake

damages included two 19th-century brick buildings In downtown Wells, the El Rancho Hotel and the Bullshead. Both had masonry fall away from their facades. Many of the other businesses in Wells, especially along historic Front Street, were also damaged.

The Las Vegas Review Journal quoted a Nevada official state the damage to the Wells historic area "looks discouraging." A block of historic buildings on Seventh Street suffered significant damage though they are still standing. The article states that funds from the State's cultural preservation program can not be spent on private property, and the Wells buildings are privately owned.


Nearing Wells Photo by RoadsidePeek.com	Front Street A shot of the Bargain Barn Photo by RoadsidePeek.com	Part of S. Quilici wall damaged in earthquake Photo by RoadsidePeek.com


Close up of El Rancho Hotel marquee Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn	San Marin Hotel Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn	Nevada Theatre Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn


Bullshead Bar Photo by RoadsidePeek.com	Murphy's Bar Photo by RoadsidePeek.com	Unnamed Building Photo by RoadsidePeek.com


Wells Chalet Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn	Wells Chalet Wall Photo by RoadsidePeek.com	More of the Wells Chalet Wall Photo by RoadsidePeek.com


Shell Crest Motel Photo courtesy Devil Doll	Lone Star Motel Photo courtesy Devil Doll	Victory Motel Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn	Big Pillow Motel Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn


Sharon Motel Day Shot Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn	Sharon Motel Night Shot Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn	Old West Inn Photo by RoadsidePeek.com