Murals as town history

The charcoal ovens mural in Ely Nevada, painted 2003

Each year we travel from Capitol Reef NP to Tahoe California by way of Highway 50, called the loneliest highway in the U.S. Along this road are some quaint old towns, still vital, boasting some of the most colorful history of the gold and copper mining days. One such town is Ely, Nevada. Not too long ago, Ely looked just like most of the other small towns along highway 50 until the Ely artists came up with an idea to give color--and highlight Ely's history-- by asking for sponsors to commission art to cover the dull gray cinderblock walls on the parking-lot side of most town businesses. The idea took hold and now it is common to see travelers parked on the main street of Ely walking around the town taking photos of the town murals--and staying for lunch or coffee. During the summer tourist season, walking tours of the murals are given several times a day.
I took photos of about 15. The town's website features some of the older ones. Take a look!

I am constantly amazed at the determination exhibited by the pioneers and miners who forged West and created a life in these sometimes forbidding conditions.

Miners bathing area!