Borax was discovered by William Throop at Salt Wells. In 1870, the American Borax Co. built a borax works there. In 1871, the plant was in operation, along with a smaller plant, producing 20 tons per month, though production ceased in a few years due to the low grade of the deposit. The borax deposit consisted of about 400 acres with a borax content of 10%, sometimes reaching 30%. In the 1920s and 30s, Salt Wells had a bar The brothel closed in 2004. In 2007, the brothel was destroyed in a fire. In 2009, the Salt Wells Geothermal Plant was opened south of Salt Wells.{{cite news In March 2018, it was reported that the
Nevada Department of Transportation was considering Salt Wells as a possible route from
Tonopah, Nevada to
Interstate 80; the new route would be part of
Interstate 11.{{cite news == References ==