Historical Markers in
Nye County, Nevada

1921 Fordson Tractor A Changing Landscape A Home A Miner's Life Amargosa Valley's Clay Industry Assay Office Beatty Belle's Mine Belmont Belmont Mine Fire Mural Big Smoky Valley Charcoal Yard Chief Tecopa Columbus Company Boardinghouse Cook Bank Building County Court House Cultural Clues to the Past Desert Hills Cemetery Doctor's Office & Home Firmin Bruner First Tonopah Cemetery Foster's Blacksmith Shop Framing Building Glory Hole Harry Stimler Haul Out The Riches Into the Depths Jack Longstreet Jack's Stone Cabin Jim and Belle Butler John C. Humphrey John G. Kirchen Lady Guardian of Old Belmont Machine Shop Manhattan - "The Pine Tree Camp" Millers Mine Superintendent's Home Mine To Market Mizpah Hotel Mizpah Mine Powder Magazine Mrs. Phillips Home Nevada Test Site Old Boundary Ophir Rhyolite Rhyolite Train Depot Rhyolite's District of Shadows Round Mountain Silver Top Mine Silver Vein Stage Station Stopes Tate's Stage Station Teamsters The Berlin Mill The Clubhouse The Hoistmen The Leasers The Railroads The Tonopah Mining Boom Titus Canyon Road Tom Kelly Bottle House Tonopah Tybo Undiscovered Silver Vein Up From The Depths Verdi Lumber Company Coal Bin Watson's House Welcome to Rhyolite WM. "Billy" Marsh "Big" Bill Murphy
Las Vegas was once home to atomic bomb testing: During the 1950s, Las Vegas was a popular site for atomic bomb testing. The mushroom clouds from the explosions could be seen from the Strip.
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.