Remnants of the Silver State's past can be found all over, and stumbling across one of these historic destinations is always a real treat. If you love seeking out these hidden gems from decades past, then you'll definitely want to plan a journey out to this century-old historic schoolhouse site. The Elgin Schoolhouse is a fascinating place to visit and learn about our state's early residents, but its location within the beautiful Rainbow Canyon makes it all the more memorable.
Located in southeastern Nevada, Rainbow Canyon is a recreational paradise. Filled with stunning scenery within its 3,000-foot canyon walls, this region of the state is downright breathtaking. However, the natural beauty isn't the only thing this canyon has going for it.
It's in this unspoiled paradise that you'll find the historic gem known as Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site. This is definitely a strange location for a schoolhouse, but we have to admit we definitely wouldn't mind going to school here!
In fact, the one-room schoolhouse welcomed students from 1922 through 1967. Although pioneers had been settling into Rainbow Canyon as far back as 1870, there simply weren't enough people to warrant a standalone schoolhouse until the 1920s.
If the Elgin Schoolhouse hadn't been constructed, children living in the immediate region would've been expected to travel up to 20 miles one way to go to school. They even built living quarters in the back of the schoolhouse for the teacher to use.
The school eventually closed once commuting to other schools became easier. It then acted as a private residence and sat unused for a good while until it was donated to Nevada State Parks in 2005. Today, it welcomes visitors looking to check out a unique piece of Nevada history.
Visitors who stumble upon this historic gem can actually enter the schoolhouse and look at the original desks, books, chalkboards, and other period furnishings on display. It really looks like a scene straight out of a different century! You can also check out the teacher's private living quarters.
If you do decide to make the trek to this historic site, be sure to schedule a visit with the Nevada State Parks ranger. Otherwise, you will not be able to enter the schoolhouse or go past the site's locked gate. Admission is just $1 and is well-worth getting a look at this century-old gem.
Have you visited this century-old schoolhouse site in our state? An old schoolhouse is definitely one of the last things you'd expect to find in this remote region of the state. Check out this list of 12 Historic Hidden Gems In Nevada for more unexpected sites that are full of history.
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