Caliente, Nevada, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the American railroad and the pioneering spirit that shaped the West. This historic railroad town, nestled in east-central Lincoln County, is the only incorporated community in the entire county, offering visitors a glimpse into a rich past amidst a serene desert landscape. Shaded by beautiful cottonwood trees and situated at the junction of U.S. Route 93 and Nevada Highway 317, Caliente, Nevada, is more than just a dot on the map; it’s a living museum of Nevada’s vibrant history.
Located in a verdant meadow, surrounded by rugged canyons and majestic mountain ranges, the area around Caliente first attracted settlers due to the presence of Clover Creek and its natural hot springs. These natural resources provided ideal conditions for early ranching and farming endeavors, laying the groundwork for the community that would later thrive.
The Pioneering Spirit: Early Settlers and Ranching Life
The first pioneers to arrive in this tranquil valley in the early 1860s were Ike and Dow Barton, two courageous escaped African American slaves from Arkansas. Their arrival marked the beginning of human settlement in what would become Caliente. Following them, Mr. Klingensmith, a Bishop in the Mormon Church, established a ranch in Dutch Flats to the north. Over the next few years, several other ranches, including the notable Jackman Ranch, began to dot the landscape, transforming the wild frontier into a productive agricultural region.
In 1874, ranching brothers Charles and William Culverwell acquired the Jackman Ranch, renaming it Culverwell Ranch. This significant transaction led to the area becoming commonly known as “Culverwell.” The Culverwells, alongside other residents, expanded their agricultural pursuits beyond ranching to include orchards, dairies, and vineyards, cultivating lush farmlands. These products found a ready market among the bustling mining boomtowns of nearby Pioche and Delamar, further cementing the area’s economic importance.
The Culverwell brothers are also credited with constructing some of the earliest permanent stone shelters in the region. Built into a hillside, these durable stone structures, typically measuring 12 to 15 feet square, remarkably still stand today along the west end of Clover Street, offering a tangible link to Caliente’s earliest days. Their ingenuity provided practical solutions in a rugged environment.
The Railroad Wars and the Birth of a Town
The late 19th century brought the promise of a vital north-south railroad line connecting Los Angeles, California, with Salt Lake City, Utah. This ambitious project sparked intense competition between the powerful Union Pacific Railroad and the Oregon Short Line, who initially saw advantages in collaboration. However, mining magnate Senator William Clark entered the fray with his own venture, the San Pedro, Los Angeles, & Salt Lake Railroad, determined to complete his railway first.
The rugged terrain presented a significant challenge: only one railway could effectively navigate the narrow canyon surrounding the Meadow Wash Valley. This geographical constraint ignited a brief but fierce “railroad war” between Union Pacific executive E.H. Harriman and William Clark. The conflict was not merely political but involved actual sabotage, with one line reportedly laying track by day only for the other to dismantle it by night.
The escalating dispute finally reached a turning point when William Culverwell, co-owner of the crucial land, intervened with a two-barrel shotgun, compelling Clark and Harriman to reach a truce. Following this dramatic confrontation, the Union Pacific Railroad assumed control of the project, paving the way for the town’s development.
In 1901, an official town was founded on land purchased from the Culverwell brothers. It was initially named “Calientes,” a Spanish word meaning “hot,” in recognition of the area’s natural hot springs. When a post office was established on August 3, 1901, the “s” was dropped, and the community officially became known as Caliente, Nevada. That same year, the first train triumphantly arrived, signaling a new era for the burgeoning settlement.
Growth and Prosperity: The Hot Springs and Railroad Infrastructure
Charles Culverwell, recognizing the potential of the hot springs, opened the Culverwell Hotel by 1901, featuring rejuvenating hot mineral baths. The establishment also provided essential services with a blacksmith shop and a livery stable, leading many to affectionately call Charles the “City Mayor.” While the original hotel is no longer standing, the tradition of hot mineral baths continued for many years at the Caliente Hot Springs Motel and Spa Hotel, though it has since ceased public operations.
The railroad’s commitment to Caliente was evident in the summer of 1904, when it appropriated approximately $200,000 for the construction of permanent infrastructure. This included 12 homes that formed the initial ‘Company Row,’ a large roundhouse, a 200-ton coal chute, a new station building, a water tank, an oil house, and an artificial ice house. Company Row later expanded to 24 homes, many of which, serving as railroad workers’ cottages, can still be seen on Spring Street today. At this time, Union Pacific’s Caliente operations boasted the most advanced steam facility between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, highlighting the town’s critical role.
The Union Pacific Railroad’s north-south line was completed in 1905, further solidifying Caliente’s position as a vital transportation hub. A two-story wooden structure initially served as the train depot.
Architectural Legacy: Enduring Structures of Early Caliente
The early 1900s saw a boom in construction, with many significant business buildings and homes in Caliente, Nevada, that still stand today, offering a tangible connection to its past.
- Stone School (1905): An excellent example of the early 1900s “Classic Box” style of architecture, this building now serves as the Caliente Methodist Church at the corner of Culverwell and Market Streets.
- “Underhill” Stone Residence (1905): Initially a single-story structure with a flat roof, this building on Clover Street was expanded with a second story by 1920 and served as both a residence and a saloon.
- Underhill General Merchandise Store: Built around the same time by Harry Underhill, this stone and wood-frame building functioned as a general store and hardware store.
- Underhill Rock Apartments (1906-1907): Also constructed entirely of stone by Harry Underhill, these apartments on Bank Street further attest to his entrepreneurial spirit and the town’s growth.
- Liston Home (1905 or 1906): Another stone structure, this home also showcases the “Classic Box” architectural style prevalent in the early 1900s.
- John Miller Buildings (1907): Intended to house a bank with a hotel above, these buildings at Clover and Spring Streets instead had a colorful history, serving as a cleaners, the “Bucket of Blood Saloon,” and later Gottfredsons furniture and appliance store.
Despite its rapid growth, Caliente, Nevada, faced challenges. Massive floods in 1906 and 1910, with walls of water 10-12 feet high, caused significant damage, requiring the Union Pacific to rebuild its infrastructure. Nevertheless, the town persisted and continued to flourish.
The completion of the Pioche Branch of the railroad in 1907 further enhanced Caliente’s importance, making it the essential connection to the rich Pioche mines. By 1910, Caliente was the largest town in Lincoln County, boasting 1,755 residents, numerous saloons, two hotels, and several barbershops. Its prosperity attracted more settlers seeking opportunities in ranching, farming, and, critically, railroad jobs.
Prominent Hotels and Their Legacy
The Richards Railroad Hotel (1910-1915): Built by the prolific Harry Underhill, this hotel primarily provided living quarters for railroad workers. This historic, though now vacant, building still stands on the east end of Clover Street, alongside other Underhill properties, highlighting the entrepreneur’s significant contribution to early Caliente.
The Smith-Cornelius Hotel (c. 1918): Constructed by Dr. and Mrs. Wesley Smith at the corner of Front and Spring Streets (U.S. Hwy 93), this three-story stucco building, initially known as the Smith Hotel, was the largest in the area. It boasted modern facilities, including hot and cold running water and baths, and thrived during the economic boom of the 1920s. It hosted many dignitaries, including President Herbert Hoover, who had mining interests in nearby Pioche. The hotel changed hands multiple times, eventually becoming the Scott Hotel before closing in 1978. Now vacant, this building, listed on the National Historic Register, is one of Caliente’s oldest surviving structures, having housed various retail businesses over the years, from a pool hall to a pharmacy. Its grand presence speaks volumes about Caliente’s peak period.
The Iconic Union Pacific Depot
The original wooden train depot unfortunately succumbed to fire in 1921. However, in 1923, a magnificent two-story railroad depot was erected at a cost of $83,600. Designed in the elegant mission-style Spanish architecture by John and Donald Parkinson, the same architects responsible for the Los Angeles depot, this structure quickly became the pride of Caliente, Nevada. It stands as a powerful symbol of the town’s enduring connection to the railway, a true architectural masterpiece that continues to define its skyline.
Conclusion: Caliente’s Enduring Charm
From its humble beginnings as a ranching settlement to its pivotal role as a major railroad hub, Caliente, Nevada, has a story rich with determination, conflict, and architectural splendor. Despite natural disasters and economic shifts, the town has preserved its unique character and many of its historic buildings, offering a window into the past. Today, Caliente remains a quiet, charming community where the echoes of steam engines and pioneer dreams still resonate. It serves as a reminder of Nevada’s industrious spirit and the powerful impact of the Union Pacific Railroad on the development of the American West. Visitors can still marvel at the iconic Union Pacific Depot and other historic structures, experiencing the enduring legacy of this remarkable desert oasis. Caliente truly offers a journey back in time.
