Lincoln County, Nevada
Boot Hill Cemetery
Bullionville
Caliente
Cathedral Gorge
Christ Church
Clover Valley Mountains Steam Engine/Sawmill
Commercial Club
Crystal Springs
Delamar, "The Widow Maker"
Hiko
Jackrabbit
Masonic Hall
Miller's Point / Cathedral Gorge
Mountain View Hotel
Oddfellows and Rebekahs
Old Boundary
Old Fire Hall
Pahranagat Valley
Panaca
Panaca Mercantile
Panaca Spring
Panaca Summit Charcoal Kilns
Panaca Ward Chapel
Pioche
Pioche's Boot Hill
Rachel
Spring Valley Cemetery
The Groom Mining District
The Veitch House
Union Pacific Depot
Wheeler Monument
In 1866, Lincoln County was established by the Nevada Territorial Legislature. The county was named after President Abraham Lincoln and initially covered a large area of land, including parts of present-day Nevada and Utah. The discovery of silver deposits in the region, particularly in nearby Pioche, led to a rapid influx of miners and settlers. Pioche became known as the "most dangerous town in the West" due to its lawlessness during the mining boom.
The county played a significant role in the American Old West. It was home to several famous outlaws, including Billy the Kid and members of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch. The infamous Lincoln County War, a conflict between rival factions over control of the county government and businesses, took place in the late 1870s. This violent period resulted in numerous deaths and led to the involvement of the legendary Sheriff Pat Garrett.
Over time, the mining industry declined, and Lincoln County's economy diversified. Ranching became a prominent activity, and the county was also known for its agricultural production. Today, Lincoln County is home to several small communities, including Caliente and Panaca, and it continues to attract visitors with its natural beauty, ghost towns, and historical landmarks. The county's rich history and contributions to the Old West make it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
Brief timeline of the history of Lincoln County, Nevada:
- 1864 - Lincoln County is established by the Nevada Territorial Legislature
- 1866 - The town of Hiko is founded
- 1870 - Pioche becomes the county seat
- 1871 - Panaca, the oldest permanent settlement in the county, is settled
- 1873 - Delamar, a mining town, is established
- 1900 - The population of Pioche reaches its peak at around 10,000
- 1905 - Las Vegas becomes part of Lincoln County, but is transferred to Clark County in 1909
- 1920s - Decline of mining and population in the county
- 1950 - The population of Lincoln County drops to around 2,000
- 1990 - Rachel, a small town in the southern part of the county, gains notoriety for alleged UFO sightings at Area 51
- 2019 - Lincoln County gains nationwide attention for the "Storm Area 51" event
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lincoln County, Nevada.