One of the coolest things we saw on our 80-day trip to California and back. On this trip, we visited 32 National Parks and Monuments. The drive across Nevada had unexpected beauty. Along Highway 50, nicknamed the loneliest road in America, sits the Great Basin National Park, which is full of surprises. The Great Basin of the Western United States encompasses most of Nevada, as well as large portions of Oregon, Utah, and California. The National Park is an Island of tree-covered mountains in the middle of a desert landscape.
In Great Basin National Park, an archaeologist discovered a Winchester Model 1873 rifle leaning against a juniper tree in 2014. The gun, manufactured in 1882, was found in a remote area during a habitat restoration project. It was left in place for research and preservation, and its discovery has become a popular story, even going viral on social media.
The rifle, a Winchester Model 1873, is a lever-action centerfire rifle chambered in .44-40 caliber. It has a 24-inch octagonal barrel and a magazine that holds up to 12 cartridges. The gun was found with a round of ammunition dating from 1887 to 1911, suggesting it had been there for many years. It was later x-rayed, revealing a live cartridge in the buttstock. 
The rifle's backstory remains a mystery, contributing to its allure. The area where it was found was known for hunting, prospecting, and sheep herding. While the exact reason for its abandonment is unknown, it has become a symbol of the American West and its history. The rifle is now on display at the park's visitor center.
We didn't spend much time here, but it was a great stop that proved to be very informative. Plus, we got to see the Winchester 1873.
