Markers: 12

Humboldt

Southern Humboldt is another diamond in the rough. It's the county's southwest corner in fact that continues to mystify man. Just when we begin to question Nevada's true self the Black Rock comes on strong in its silence-is-golden rule. The remoteness here is more like a rough paradise suited for the extremist who wishes to see "everything" in the world at the same time. Here, the land is primal and full of surprises! And, the Black Rock is not alone in its wildness. Island sanctuaries like the Jackson Mountains and the Quinn River drainage supplies life with the resources it needs to play out its symphony. Save for a handful of ranchers and a party full of Labor Day "burners," this remote corner of Humboldt still receives only a small amount of visitors per year. Old emigrant trails still demark the land as raised tracks in the sage undisturbed and likely to remain so for centuries.

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See the description on the map below for each marker's locals' tips and tricks!

Trip to soldier meadows

- 2 - Pioneer Memorial Park

"This spot was part of the pioneer cemetery where rests Frank Baud and others of the pioneers who founded Winnemucca, earlier known as French Fort."

- 21 - The Humboldt Canal

"Its primary purpose was to supply water for over 40 stamp mills planned at the above Mill City, but it was also designed for barge traffic and some irrigation water supply."

- 22 - The Humboldt River

"Entering Nevada near present Denio, Ogden came southward along Quinn River and the Little Humboldt River, emerging on the Humboldt main stem near this site."

- 89 - Paradise Valley

"Paradise Valley soon became the granary and fruit-raising center for the mining camps of central and eastern Nevada and those of southwest Idaho Territory."

- 105 - Golconda

"In 1868, Golconda became an ore shipping station on the new Central Pacific Railroad. Renewed activity in 1897 resulted in the narrow-gauge Golconda and Adelaide Railroad to the Adelaide mine."

- 143 - Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins (1844-1891)

"Sarah sought understanding between her people and whites when the latter trekked across and settled on Indian homelands."

- 144 - Fort McDermitt

"Its purpose was to protect the Virginia City-Quinn River Valley-Oregon Road. Twenty-four years of operation made it the longest active Army fort in Nevada."

- 146 - McDermitt Indian Reservation (Northern Paiute)

"In the mid-1860's many Paiutes returning from Oregon's Indian reservation here joined some from the Pyramid Lake Reservation (home of the "Cui-ui Eaters") because of poor treatment and dishonest dealings of U.S. agents."

- 162 - Camp McGarry

"In 1866, Camp McGarry was made headquarters of the District of Nevada. In autumn 1868, troops moved to Camp Winfield Scott, north of Paradise, Nevada, and Camp McGarry ..."

- 164 - Button Point

"Using their famous Double Square brand, they raised thousands of fine horses on the 4,000 square miles of ranchland."

- 167 - Valmy

"Overlooking the Old California Emigrant Trail, Valmy was named after the Battle of Valmy in France."

- 239 - Stonehouse

"This historic site takes its name from the stone house whose ruins can be seen to the northwest on Lone Tree Hill."

Grand Spaces

Moving eastward Central Humboldt is the county's population center, comprising both the Quinn River and Paradise Valleys. The corridor along US 95 extends from Winnemucca to the tiny hamlet of McDermitt. Along this path, the highlight of central Humboldt is the Santa Rosa Range - not just another island of mountains but one of the county's most-dependable watersheds. Of course, that pesky interstate carries life as well. Friendly folks and tattered stories reside in some places like Golconda and Valmy, young saplings that sprouted out of the sagebrush and rooted to the interstate.

Perhaps no other place is more fastened to the 80 than Winnemucca, a name that literally means, "Place by the River" and named for the great Chief Winnemucca. His daughter Sarah was an author and a humanitarian who vowed for peace and co-existence between whites and her native Paiutes. What we have some 150 years later is a mini-city here in Nevada with just about every amenity the weary interstate commuter might need ... twenty four hours a day. A visit to Winnemucca will undoubtedly highlight its reason for being: to serve the interstate, but locals are trying to change that image to a cowboy "hotspot." Even so, most will probably see the little burg for what it is - a quick pit stop on the way to Reno or Salt Lake City. Love it or hate it, the 80 remains a complete necessity in all things old and new in Humboldt County.

Humboldt County is home to the world's rarest opal!

Founded: January 16, 1856
Size: 9,658 sq. mi.
Rank: 4th out of 17
Population: 16,990 (2022)
Rank: 9th out of 17
Density: 2 sq. mi.
Rank: 9th out of 17
Largest Community: Winnemucca (7,820)
County Seat: Winnemucca (7,820)
Highest Point: Granite Peak (9,732')

Known for ...
Black Rock Desert, Sheldon Wildlife Refuge, Virgin Valley "Opal Mines," Hinkey Summit & Santa Rosa Range