Nevada’s forgotten castle—Stokes Castle—is a three-story stone tower built on the hillside near the living ghost town of Austin. Conceived and constructed by mine developer, banker, and railroad magnate Anson Phelps Stokes as a summer home, construction began in 1896 and was completed the following year. After being abandoned by Stokes and falling into disrepair, this forgotten castle still stands today, a monument to times past.

Stokes Castle is located in the tiny town of Austin, located just off Highway 50 (also known as “America’s Loneliest Highway”) in Lander County.

Stokes Castle is patterned after a tower that Stokes had admired in the Roman Campagna in Italy.

Travel Nevada/Flickr

The stone tower is constructed of hand-hewn native granite, and the huge stones were lifted into place with a hand winch and are held in place with rock wedging and clay mortar.

Jessie/Flickr

The kitchen and dining room were on the first floor, while the second floor was reserved for the living room. The third floor held two bedrooms.

Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr

Each of the floors had its own fireplace, and the castle was outfitted with modern plumbing.

Don Barrett/Flickr

The second and third floors each had a balcony, while the roof contained a terrace. When it was completed, Stokes Castle was adorned with the finest furnishings worthy of a castle.

Jessie/Flickr

The Stokes family only spent a month in the castle during June 1897, followed by a few days the following October.

Travel Nevada/Flickr

In the summer of 1898, the Stokes’ sold their mine, equipment, and castle and never returned to Austin.

Travel Nevada/Flickr

The castle fell into disrepair to the point that its interior became dangerous and all of the floors were removed.

Travel Nevada/Flickr

Stokes Castle is currently owned by H.W. Trapnell of Austin and Dunsmuir, CA.

Tom Zegler/Flickr

Can you find Stokes Castle in this photo? (Hint: look in the top right quadrant.)

Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr

Stokes Castle is a stark reminder of Nevada’s mining heyday history. Once a majestic structure, this tower has become little more than a tourist attraction and, sadly, the Silver State’s forgotten castle. Have you visited Austin and seen Stokes Castle firsthand? Please share your experiences below.

Travel Nevada/Flickr

Jessie/Flickr

Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr

Don Barrett/Flickr

Tom Zegler/Flickr

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