Harmon School
Jct. Kirn Rd. and Harmon Rd., Fallon, NVThe Harmon School is significant on a state and local level for its association with the development of Nevada's public education system and as an intact example of an early twentieth century, rural school complex. Erected between 1915-16, the Harmon School served as the Elementary School for the Harmon District of Churchill County from its construction until county school consolidation in 1956. As common for the period, the school was a noted community and social center and cited as one of Nevada's "finest rural schools" in the Biennial Report of the Superintendent Public Instruction for 1915-16.The Harmon School is the only intact, early twentieth century, rural school complex to be documented in the state and is one of two rural schools to survive in Churchill County.
The school was built in response to the rapid population growth in Churchill County which accompanied the Newlands Reclamation Project (1903) and the construction of Lahontan Dam on the Carson River. As a result of this first, federal reclamation project, cultivation of the desert was possible. Homesteader and ranch families soon moved to the area straining the existing school facilities.
In May, 1914, the residents of Harmon District voted to construct a larger school. A ten-acre parcel was subsequently donated to the school district by the U.S. Reclamation Service. In July 1914, the building site was leveled by volunteer labor. In that same year a $5,000.00 bond was raised for school construction. In March, 1915, the Secretary of the Interior officially withdrew the ten acre school parcel from the government reclamation project and school construction was completed the following fall. Lon Kaiser was awarded the contract for the concrete work while Mark Wildes was the project carpenter.
Local significance of the building:
The school was built in response to the rapid population growth in Churchill County which accompanied the Newlands Reclamation Project (1903) and the construction of Lahontan Dam on the Carson River. As a result of this first, federal reclamation project, cultivation of the desert was possible. Homesteader and ranch families soon moved to the area straining the existing school facilities.
In May, 1914, the residents of Harmon District voted to construct a larger school. A ten-acre parcel was subsequently donated to the school district by the U.S. Reclamation Service. In July 1914, the building site was leveled by volunteer labor. In that same year a $5,000.00 bond was raised for school construction. In March, 1915, the Secretary of the Interior officially withdrew the ten acre school parcel from the government reclamation project and school construction was completed the following fall. Lon Kaiser was awarded the contract for the concrete work while Mark Wildes was the project carpenter.
Education
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first U.S. nickel was made in Nevada: The first U.S. nickel was produced at the United States Mint in Carson City, Nevada in 1866.
About Churchill County
Churchill County Timeline
Churchill County, Nevada, located in the western part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The region was initially home to Indigenous peoples, including the Paiute and Shoshone tribes, who lived off the land and utilized the area's natural resources. The first European explorers arrived in the early 1800s, with John C. Frémont documenting the region during his expeditions. However, it was not until the mid-1800s that permanent settlement began.
The discovery of silver and gold in nearby mines, such as the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, sparked a population boom and led to the establishment of several towns in and around Churchill County. In 1861, Churchill County was established, named after Fort Churchill, a nearby military outpost. During this period, the county served as a supply center for the mining camps and experienced rapid growth.
By the late 1800s, agriculture started to play a significant role in the county's economy. The Newlands Reclamation Act in 1902 brought irrigation water to the region, transforming the arid desert into fertile farmland. The Lahontan Valley became known for its extensive alfalfa fields, dairy farms, and other agricultural products. The town of Fallon, the county seat, became the heart of the agricultural community, with a growing population and thriving businesses.
In the 20th century, Churchill County played a crucial role during World War II when the Fallon Naval Air Station was established. The airbase served as a training ground for Navy and Marine aviators preparing for combat and continues to operate today as the Naval Air Station Fallon. Over the years, the county has also diversified its economy to include mining, manufacturing, and tourism, with attractions such as the Carson River and Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area drawing visitors.
Overall, Churchill County's history is marked by the rapid growth and development spurred by mining, the transformation of the arid desert into productive farmland, and the long-lasting presence of the Naval Air Station Fallon, all contributing to the county's unique character and economic success.
The discovery of silver and gold in nearby mines, such as the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, sparked a population boom and led to the establishment of several towns in and around Churchill County. In 1861, Churchill County was established, named after Fort Churchill, a nearby military outpost. During this period, the county served as a supply center for the mining camps and experienced rapid growth.
By the late 1800s, agriculture started to play a significant role in the county's economy. The Newlands Reclamation Act in 1902 brought irrigation water to the region, transforming the arid desert into fertile farmland. The Lahontan Valley became known for its extensive alfalfa fields, dairy farms, and other agricultural products. The town of Fallon, the county seat, became the heart of the agricultural community, with a growing population and thriving businesses.
In the 20th century, Churchill County played a crucial role during World War II when the Fallon Naval Air Station was established. The airbase served as a training ground for Navy and Marine aviators preparing for combat and continues to operate today as the Naval Air Station Fallon. Over the years, the county has also diversified its economy to include mining, manufacturing, and tourism, with attractions such as the Carson River and Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area drawing visitors.
Overall, Churchill County's history is marked by the rapid growth and development spurred by mining, the transformation of the arid desert into productive farmland, and the long-lasting presence of the Naval Air Station Fallon, all contributing to the county's unique character and economic success.
Churchill County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Churchill County, Nevada.
- 1861: Churchill County is established in Nevada Territory.
- 1864: Churchill County becomes part of the newly formed state of Nevada.
- 1870: The county seat is established in the town of Stillwater.
- 1904: The county seat is moved to Fallon.
- 1908: The Southern Pacific Railroad arrives in Fallon, enhancing transportation and trade.
- 1940s: The Fallon Naval Air Station is established during World War II.
- 1950: Construction of the Lahontan Dam begins.
- 1951: Lahontan Dam is completed and the Lahontan Reservoir is formed.
- 1963: The Churchill County Museum is opened to preserve the area's history.
- 1974: Fallon Naval Air Station becomes a major training center for naval aircrews.