Zak Bagans and the Ghost Adventures crew are venturing into the desolate heart of Nevada, braving the dust and echoes of Belmont, a ghost town with a history as wild as its spectral inhabitants. In this upcoming episode, airing Saturday on the Travel Channel, the team tackles not only the typical Wild West spirits but also the lingering unease of a more recent, chilling chapter: the Manson Family’s presence.
Founded in 1865 during a silver rush, Belmont boomed, boasting a population of over 2,000, a bustling main street, and even its own newspaper, the Belmont Courier. Figures like “Diamondfield Jack” Davis, a notorious gambler and accused murderer, walked its dusty streets. But as with many boomtowns, Belmont’s fortunes waned. The silver dried up, the railroad bypassed the town, and residents drifted away, leaving behind a shell of its former glory. Now, only crumbling buildings and whispers of the past remain.
But it wasn’t just prospectors and pioneers who inhabited Belmont. In the late 1960s, Charles Manson and his followers sought refuge in the abandoned courthouse, using it as a temporary base. While no major crimes are directly linked to their time in Belmont, the association adds an unsettling history to the already eerie atmosphere. The Ghost Adventures team will attempt to connect with the spirits of Belmont’s past, from the miners who toiled underground to the more sinister presence of the Manson Family.
Bagans and the team will utilize their signature blend of paranormal investigative techniques, attempting to capture evidence of any lingering spirits within the dilapidated buildings. While the Ghost Adventures formula often leans into the theatrical, the historical backdrop and the unsettling Manson connection could offer a more grounded exploration of Belmont’s haunted reputation. Whether they unearth genuine paranormal activity or simply capitalize on the location’s creepy history, it’s likely to be a chilling journey.
Ghost Adventures “Belmont” airs Saturday, November 9th at 9 p.m. on Travel Channel.
