The 2010 list of the most endangered places in Nevada includes landmarks signifying the contributions of the diverse peoples that called Nevada home, buildings of businesses that once turned small towns into boomtowns and environmental spaces ideal for recreational use and connected to Nevada's past. Remnants of these places, which have links to Nevada's rich mining and Native American history, may soon disappear if steps are not taken to save them, according to Preserve Nevada. The group compiles a list of the state's 11 most endangered places based on public input.
Most Endangered Historic Places:
- Mount Potosi in Clark County
- Virginia City National Historic Landmark
- State properties: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and East Ely Railroad Depot
- Cave Valley in Lincoln County
- Stewart Indian School in Carson City
- Goodsprings Schoolhouse in the town of Goodsprings
- Masonic Hall Building in Reno
- The Victory Hotel at 307 S. Main Street in Las Vegas
- Rhyolite, a ghost town in Nye County
- Loss of industrial skills and arts characteristic of Nevada
- The Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park in Ely
Members of Preserve Nevada, including former Nevada Senator Richard Bryan, who is chairman of the Preserve Nevada board, officially announced the selections Sunday, May 9, at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City.
The 2010 picks represent areas that are more remote and unaesthetic than in previous years. This indicates a change in public perception of what Nevadans consider valuable to Nevada history, says UNLV History Professor Andrew Kirk.
"There's definitely a heightened awareness over the last 10 years of how rich the history is in this state and how widespread it is across the region," Kirk, who founded Preserve Nevada, said. "One of the fundamental goals of preservation is maintaining the sense of place. People who do not have a connection to a place are more likely to withdraw from their community and its activities."
Preserve Nevada, run by UNLV graduate students studying history, releases this list biennially. Over the last 10 years, through Preserve Nevada, many historical landmarks threatened for demolition have been saved including: Boulder Dam Hotel in Boulder City, Eureka Opera House Las Vegas High School and Las Vegas Mormon Fort.
Preserve Nevada is associated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Nevada State Department of Cultural Affairs and the UNLV History Department. UNLV, the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs and private donations provide financial support to Preserve Nevada. For more information, please visit Preserve Nevada.
