Historical Markers in
Elko County, Nevada

509th Composite Group – First Atomic Bombardment About Your Journey ... About Your Journey... Ancient Lake Bonneville Artzaina Zain Beowawe Geysers California Trail - Carlin Canyon California Trail - Greenhorn Cutoff California Trail - Humboldt Wells Route California Trail — Hot Springs Can Anything Survive Here? Carlin Carlin Canyon Early Inhabitants Education Elko Elko Airport Elko County High School Elko Independent Entertainment First Transcontinental Telephone Line Fort Halleck Fort Halleck Site From Covered Wagon to Freeway Travel Growth and Industry Historic Front Street Historic Wendover Field Hoppe-Lienhard Wagon Group Humboldt Wells Jarbidge Jail Lamoille Valley Leaving the River, Climbing the Hill Lincoln Highway Marking Time Missouri Flats Naming of the Ruby Mountains Oil From Shale Pilot Peak Pioneer Saloon and Hotel Remember Metropolis Ruby Valley Pony Express Station Sesquicentennial Sagebrush Sculpture & Time Capsule Sherman Station The California Emigrant Trail Interpretive Center The End of the Hastings Cutoff The Hastings Cutoff The Humboldt River Highway The Railroad The Star Hotel The Victory Highway Tough Traveling in the Desert Transcontinental Telephone Line Tuscarora Unknown Soldiers Wendover Will Reclaims Skyline Once Again West End of Hastings Cutoff Western Pacific Railroad Where Did the Lake Go? Zweifel Rooming House
Nevada was once part of Mexico: Before it became part of the United States, Nevada was part of Mexico's Alta California territory. In fact, the state's name comes from the Spanish word for "snow-covered," a reference to the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Nevada random facts
Elko County, located in northeast Nevada, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shoshone and Northern Paiute, who survived through hunting, gathering, and trading. European exploration began in the early 1800s as trappers and traders made their way through the region.

In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold and silver in Elko County led to a significant influx of settlers in the area. The town of Elko was established in 1868, and mining boomed as prospectors flocked to the region in search of riches. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 further fueled growth, as Elko became an important transportation hub for the area.

Elko County also played a crucial role in the development of the American West and the expansion of the United States. The completion of the First Transcontinental Telegraph Line in 1861 had a profound impact on communications in the region, linking Elko to the rest of the country. The area also became a vital stop on the Pony Express route, as riders and horses were exchanged at the Elko relay station.

Over the years, Elko County has experienced various shifts in its economy. While mining remains an important industry, the county has also diversified its economy to include ranching, agriculture, and tourism. The small towns and rural communities that dot the county continue to celebrate the region's history and maintain a strong sense of community pride. Today, Elko County is known for its vibrant arts scene, annual events such as the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and its stunning natural beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Elko County, Nevada.

  • 1868 - Elko County is established on March 5.
  • 1870 - The county's population reaches 3,000.
  • 1881 - The completion of the Central Pacific Railroad brings increased economic activity to Elko County.
  • 1911 - Elko becomes the county seat.
  • 1918 - The last major Native American conflict in Elko County occurs.
  • 1931 - The construction of the Hoover Dam results in increased traffic through Elko County.
  • 1942-1945 - Elko County is a major site for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
  • 1985 - The Carlin Trend, a major gold mining district, is discovered in Elko County.