Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site

The Elgin Schoolhouse is a single-story building that served as a school and included a small living space for teachers in rural Nevada. The structure retains roughly half of its original furnishings and equipment.

The school opened in 1922 after James Bradshaw donated seven acres of land for the project. It closed in 1967 as the rural population shifted and schooling needs changed.

The name comes from the Elgin family who lived in the area. The building shows how children of different ages learned together in one classroom, which was the standard way for rural communities to handle education.

The schoolhouse is open on weekends during April, May, September, and October for self-guided visits. Checking ahead for any ranger-led tours is recommended, as seasonal hours are limited.

Young female teachers frequently left their positions to marry local ranchers' sons, creating a constant turnover problem. The school struggled to keep staffing stable because of this common outcome.

Location: Nevada

Inception: 2005

Website: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/elgin-schoolhouse

GPS coordinates: 37.35190,-114.53580

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24