National Register Listings in
Nye County, Nevada

Bartlett, George A., House Bass Building Belmont Berg, William H., House Berlin Historic District Boak, Cada C., House Board and Batten Cottage Board and Batten Miners Cabin Brann Boardinghouse Brokers Exchange Brown, Hugh H., House Burdick, E. E., House Butler, Jim, Mining Company Stone Row Houses Campbell and Kelly Building Clinton, Charles, Stone Row House Combellack Adobe Row House Curtis, Uri B., House Curtis, Uri B., House/Tasker L. Oddie House Dunham, Samuel C., House Frame Cottage Gatecliff Rockshelter Golden, Frank, Block Gregovich, John, House James Wild Horse Trap Kendall, Zeb, House Manhattan School Masterson, Dr. J. R., House McDonald, Irving, House McKim, H. A., Building Mizpah Hotel Nevada-California Power Company Substation and Auxiliary Power Building Nye County Courthouse Nye County Mercantile Company Building Raycraft, Arthur, House Sawle, Judge W. A., House Sedan Crater Shaw, Cal, Adobe Duplex Shaw, Cal, Stone Row House Shields, E. R., House St. Marks P. E. Church State Bank and Trust Company Stone Jail Building and Row House Tonapah Liquor Company Building Tonapah Mining Company Cottage Tonapah Mining Company House Tonapah Public Library Tonapah Volunteer Firehouse and Gymnasium Tonapah-Extension Mining Company Power Building Tybo Charcoal Kilns US Post Office-Tonopah Main Verdi Lumber Company Building Water Company of Tonapah Building Wieland Brewery Building
Nevada is the only state in the U.S. with legalized prostitution: Prostitution is legal in some rural counties in Nevada, making it the only state in the U.S. where it is legal.
Nevada random facts
Nye County, Nevada has a rich and intriguing history that stretches back to the early days of exploration and mining in the American West. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Western Shoshone and Paiute tribes. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers and fur trappers began venturing into the area, followed by American prospectors in the mid-1800s during the California Gold Rush.

The first major influx of settlers occurred with the discovery of silver in the area, leading to a mining boom in the late 1800s. Towns such as Rhyolite, Tonopah, and Goldfield were established and quickly grew in population. Tonopah, in particular, became a major mining center and one of the richest silver strikes in the state. The mining industry fueled the economy and attracted people from all walks of life, including miners, businessmen, and entertainers.

During the early 1900s, Nye County experienced a decline in mining due to exhausted resources and the overall economic downturn. However, the region saw a resurgence during World War II with the establishment of the Nevada Test Site, which included the infamous Area 51. The county became a center for nuclear weapons testing and scientific research, bringing both economic benefits and environmental concerns to the area.

In recent years, Nye County has become an attractive location for outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and individuals seeking a slower pace of life. The region is known for its natural beauty, with attractions such as the Death Valley National Park and the Spring Mountain Range. Today, Nye County continues to witness development and growth, while also preserving its historic roots and heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Nye County, Nevada.

  • 1864: Nye County is established on February 16 as one of the original nine counties of Nevada.
  • 1875: Belmont becomes the county seat.
  • 1882: Tonopah, a major mining town, is established.
  • 1905: Goldfield replaces Belmont as the county seat.
  • 1911: Rhyolite, another prominent mining town, experiences a boom and subsequent decline.
  • 1951: The Nevada Test Site is established within Nye County for nuclear weapons testing.
  • 1995: The last underground nuclear test is conducted at the Nevada Test Site.
  • 2000: Nye County's population exceeds 32,000.