Wells in Elko County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Humboldt Wells

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 16, 2007

1. Humboldt Wells Marker

Inscription. These springs, seen as marshy spots and small ponds of water in the meadows here, are the Humboldt Wells, a historic oasis on the California Emigrant Trail. Here, during the period 1845–1870, hundreds of covered wagons each year rested and refitted from their arduous journeys up Raft River, past the City of Rocks, across the Goose Creek Range and down Thousand Springs Valley, and prepared for the grueling 300-mile trek along the Humboldt Valley. Ruts of the old emigrant trail winding down to the springs may yet be seen on the slopes above them and to the northwest.

The City of Wells, first established as the water stop of Humboldt Wells on the Central Pacific Railroad in September, 1869, is named for these springs. Its name was shortened to Wells in 1873.

Erected by Nevada State Park System, Northeastern Nevada Historical Society. (Marker Number 45.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1869.

Location. 41° 7.072′ N, 114° 58.693′ W. Marker is in Wells, Nevada, in Elko County. Marker is at the intersection of Old US 40 and Union Pacific Railroad Overpass, on the right when traveling west on Old US 40. Touch for map.

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Marker is in this post office area: Wells NV 89835, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Historic Front Street (approx. 0.8 miles away); California Trail - Humboldt Wells Route (approx. 1.6 miles away); Remember Metropolis (approx. 8.7 miles away).

Also see . . . New Amended Text for Marker. The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recently updated the text of the roughly 260 state historical markers in Nevada. The Nevada SHPO placed the amended text of each individual marker on its website and will change the actual markers in the field as funding allows. Minor changes have been made to the marker for grammar and readability. The marker has been amended to remove the references to Raft River, City of Rocks, Goose Creek Range, and Thousand Springs Valley. The link will take you to the Nevada SHPO page for the marker with the amended text. (Submitted on November 12, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)

Green area in center of photo is Humboldt Wells image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 16, 2007

2. Green area in center of photo is Humboldt Wells

Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,732 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 27, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.