Humboldt Wells

These springs, seen as marshy spots and small ponds of water in the meadows, are Humboldt Wells, a historic oasis on the California Emigrant Trail.  Between 1845 and 1869, hundreds of covered wagon trains camped here, refitted from their arduous journeys and prepared for the grueling 300 mile trek west along the Humboldt Valley.  Ruts of the old

Emigrant Trail winding down to the springs can still be seen on the slopes above them and to the northwest.

In 1869, the Central Pacific Railroad established a station named Humboldt Wells for the springs located west of the station.  In 1873, the Elko County Commission changed the name from Humboldt Wells to Wells.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 45

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

NORTHEASTERN NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY