Location: Located 10 miles from Virginia City, Alder is gateway to the Upper Ruby Valley and the Ruby Reservoir.
Population: 116 according to the 2000 US Census with the local zip code serving 343.
Schools: Alder has a K-8 school with high school students attending school in Sheridan.
History: In 1896, the railroad made a start towards the Ruby Valley. In 1901, the line was extended to Laurin where some difficulty arose about ground for the depot, sidings and the “Y”. It is said that the railroad company had just planned to put the rails to Laurin. The Conrey Placer Mining Company offered land enough in Alder to accommodate the railroad, and the line was extended to Alder. The advent of the railroad reaching Alder brought people to the Alder district and some business enterprises were started at this time in 1901-1902. The fact that great quantities of freight began to move into Alder on account of the Conrey Placer Mining Company activities prompted many people to move into the area. Some of the early business enterprises in Alder included a saw mill and mercantile business. A saloon was soon established and a hotel was erected. When enough people were in the area, a Community Hall was erected, which was used for lodge meetings, theatricals and so forth. After a time, a brick school house was built. In later years the Alder Mercantile was built and still stands today.
Population: 116 according to the 2000 US Census with the local zip code serving 343.
Schools: Alder has a K-8 school with high school students attending school in Sheridan.
History: In 1896, the railroad made a start towards the Ruby Valley. In 1901, the line was extended to Laurin where some difficulty arose about ground for the depot, sidings and the “Y”. It is said that the railroad company had just planned to put the rails to Laurin. The Conrey Placer Mining Company offered land enough in Alder to accommodate the railroad, and the line was extended to Alder. The advent of the railroad reaching Alder brought people to the Alder district and some business enterprises were started at this time in 1901-1902. The fact that great quantities of freight began to move into Alder on account of the Conrey Placer Mining Company activities prompted many people to move into the area. Some of the early business enterprises in Alder included a saw mill and mercantile business. A saloon was soon established and a hotel was erected. When enough people were in the area, a Community Hall was erected, which was used for lodge meetings, theatricals and so forth. After a time, a brick school house was built. In later years the Alder Mercantile was built and still stands today.
