National Register Listing

Pershing County Courthouse

400 Main St., Lovelock, NV
Local significance of the building:
Law; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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.

law politics government architecture courthouses buildings
Mark Twain spent time in Nevada: The famous American author Mark Twain spent time in Nevada during the state's mining boom in the late 1800s. He worked for the Territorial Enterprise newspaper in Virginia City, which was a mining boomtown at the time.
Nevada random facts
Pershing County, located in the northwestern part of Nevada, has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Paiute and Shoshone people, who relied on the local resources such as the Humboldt River for sustenance. In the 19th century, European settlers began to explore the region, and it eventually became part of the United States when Nevada achieved statehood in 1864.

The county earned its name from General John J. Pershing, a renowned military leader who played a significant role in the county's history. During the early 20th century, Pershing County experienced a mining boom, with the discovery of gold and silver deposits in the area. The town of Lovelock, named after George Lovelock, a local entrepreneur, grew rapidly as miners flocked to the region in search of riches. The mining industry became the backbone of the county's economy, with various mines operating in the area.

In the mid-20th century, Pershing County became known for its military presence. During World War II, the U.S. Army established the Hawthorne Army Depot, a large munitions storage facility, which contributed to the local economy and provided employment opportunities for the residents. The military base remains an important aspect of Pershing County today.

In recent years, Pershing County has continued to evolve, with a focus on tourism and outdoor recreation. The county's beautiful landscapes, including the Black Rock Desert and the Rye Patch Reservoir, have attracted visitors from around the world. The annual Burning Man festival, held in the Black Rock Desert, has also put Pershing County on the map, drawing tens of thousands of participants each year. With its diverse history and natural attractions, Pershing County continues to be a compelling destination for visitors and a unique place to call home.

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

  • Pershing County was formed in 1919 from parts of Humboldt County and Churchill County.
  • In the early 1900s, the area was primarily used for silver and gold mining.
  • In the 1920s, the town of Lovelock became the county seat.
  • During World War II, the county hosted the Camp Lovelock prisoner of war camp.
  • In the 1950s, the creation of the Rye Patch Reservoir brought irrigation to the county.
  • In the 1990s, the county experienced a boom in population due to the opening of a state prison.
  • Pershing County is known for its vast open spaces, desert landscapes, and historic mining sites.