LINCOLN COUNTY, NEVADA
By Nevada Lifestyle Lincoln County Magazine 2024 Edition
Established in 1866, Lincoln County came into existence when Congress expanded Nevada’s boundaries by shifting its state line eastward and southward, encroaching upon Utah and Arizona territories. The county derives its name from Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Initially, proposal legislation aimed to designate the county as “Stewart County” after William M. Stewart, a Nevada Senator, but eventually, a substitute bill led to a change in the name.
The county’s first seat was Crystal Springs in 1866, followed by Hiko in 1867, and then Pioche in 1871. Notably, Lincoln County initially encompassed a ranch village and railroad siding called Las Vegas, which later became the foundation for the city of Las Vegas. However, with the formation of Clark County on July 1, 1909, as decreed by the Nevada Legislature, Las Vegas became detached from Lincoln County. It is worth mentioning that Lincoln County hosts Area 51, and the county sheriff acts as a representative for the perimeter security forces.
Lincoln County possesses a rich history stretching back thousands of years. Originally, the region was populated by diverse Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and the Paiute, who relied on the available resources of the land for sustenance, such as hunting and foraging wild plants. In the early 1800s, European explorers like Jedediah Smith and John C. Fremont ventured into the area. Subsequently, in 1866, the Nevada Territorial Legislature established Lincoln County, naming it after President Abraham Lincoln. Initially, the county encompassed a vast expanse of land, spanning parts of present-day Nevada and Utah. The discovery of silver deposits in the area, especially in the nearby town of Pioche, triggered a rapid influx of miners and settlers. Pioche soon gained notoriety as the “most lawless town in the West” due to the disorder it experienced during the mining boom.
The county played a significant role in the mythology of the American Old West, serving as the stomping grounds for infamous outlaws like Billy the Kid and members of Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch. The notorious Lincoln County War, a conflict between rival factions vying for control over county government and businesses, unfolded in the late 1870s. This violent period witnessed numerous fatalities and involved the fabled Sheriff Pat Garrett. As time progressed, the mining industry waned, prompting the diversification of Lincoln County’s economy. Ranching became a prominent pursuit, and the county gained a reputation for its agricultural output. Presently, Lincoln County boasts several small communities, including Caliente and Panaca, and continues to attract visitors with its natural wonders.
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