Metropolis, Nevada

This place is on private property. Listing for informational purposes only. Please do not visit without express permission from the land owner.

The Pacific Reclamation Company, of New York, looked upon the semi-fertile lands in the region of the headwaters of the Humboldt River as a place to build a showcase community of farms and a model city a short distance northwest of Wells, Nevada in 1909. Plans called for 40,000 irrigated and non-irrigated acres to be cultivated, surrounding a modern city of 7,500. In 1911, a city of graded streets, cement sidewalks, fire hydrants and street lights was laid out with a four square block commercial district, which included a showcase 3-story brick hotel. In anticipation of many coming here, the Southern Pacific Railroad built a spur to town with a large depot and tree shaded park. By 1912 the town began to populate and acreage was sold. A newspaper, called the Metropolis Chronicle, began publication to boost the town and sales of property. A dam was built across Bishop Creek northeast of town and an elaborate water system of ditches, canals and municipal water system was built. The Pacific Reclamation's dream was rudely awaken as it began when farmers downsteam on the Humboldt as far as Lovelock began to legally complain due to the over use of water in the headwaters region, with Pacific Reclamation being one of the biggest targets. The resulting court decision left Pacific and Metropolis residents with water enough for only the town and 4,000 acres of farmland. Added to that were problems caused by drought and a plague of crickets. By 1913 the bubble was burst and the Chronicle ceased publication.