Pershing County was founded in 1919 and was the last county established in Nevada, not counting Carson City. Within the 6,000 square miles that make up Pershing, there is a wide Pershing County Courthouserange of geographical features, including mountains, lakes, rivers and beautiful flatlands. The county is home to 6,661 (DETR, 2017), with a large portion of those folks residing in the largest city and county seat of Lovelock. As the county is located about an hour and a half northeast of Reno, Interstate 80 will take you directly through the middle of Pershing running southwest to northeast. The 2018 book, Pershing County: 100 Years describes Pershing County as “rich in history, scenic wonders, close-knit communities, a diverse economy, and an even more diverse population.”

Pershing’s territory was formed from Humboldt County, and much of Pershing’s early history is intertwined with Humboldt’s. For example, anyone interested in genealogical tracing through Pershing is recommended to visit Humboldt’s archives (see Genealogy Trails). The longstanding rivalry with Humboldt in Pershing’s early days inspired the County Commission to the 1921 construction of the Pershing County Courthouse. This building, with its Roman Pantheon design, aimed to outdo its neighbor’s buildings, and to this day remains in its original construction. It is the place point of Nevada Historical Marker 17.

Before Pershing’s founding and the construction of the courthouse, Lovelock was a favoredSeveral hot air ballons at the Lovers Aloft Ballon Festival resting place for settlers and miners on their way through Nevada. In 1868, well after mining had become integral to the surrounding area, the Central Pacific Railroad was built running through Lovelock. By 1900, there was a school, churches and a business district. By 1919, with an increasing community, Pershing was formed. To this day, Lovelock remains a small, residential, agricultural and mining town. 
     
In regard to community events and outdoor recreation, Pershing County is rich in opportunities. Typically held the last weekend in July, the Lovelock Frontier Days are a three-day event with live music, games for all ages and a parade. Also held in Lovelock, the Sean Miller Memorial Ranch Rodeo runs in late May and includes team roping, tie-down roping and big loop cow roping.

For outdoor recreation and fresh air, citizens and visitors seek out the Humboldt Range. These hikes run from Imlay in the north to the junction in the West Humboldt Range in the south. The Humboldt Range is home to Star Peak, which is the highest point in Pershing. Other outdoor recreation activities include hunting for turkeys, pheasants, chuckers, bighorn sheep and mountain lions. ATV and UTV riding is also popular in Pershing, and riders can visit the Dun Glen trails located just northeast of Imlay and Mill City.

Those seeking some history and unique finds in Pershing can visit one of the nine ghost towns, such as Star City or Farrell. Most famously, visitors can attend Burning Man, one of the state’s unique events that take place each year. Located in the Black Rock Desert, this event brings in over 70,000 people from around the world and is generally held the week prior to Labor Day.

Pershing County NEAP

County Engagement
Jan. 20, 2021 Introduction to NEAP-Presentation to Board of County Commissioners Virtual
Jan. 22, 2021 Community Engagement-Asset Gathering Session Virtual
Technical Reports
Socioeconomic Baseline Report: Pershing County, Nevada
Community Asset Survey Results for Pershing County, Nevada
Fact Sheets
Demographic Characteristics for Pershing County, Nevada    
Economic Characteristics for Pershing County, Nevada    
Land Use and Fiscal Characteristics for Pershing County, Nevada    
Industry Top Performers for Pershing County, Nevada    
Social Characteristics for Pershing County, Nevada    
Community Assets for Pershing County, Nevada    
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Pershing County    
Current Articles
Surveys
Pershing County: Community Asset Survey-This survey is closed

Special Thanks

The NEAP team would like to give our thanks to the following members of the Pershing County Community who have assisted us in this process.

  • Pershing County Commission
  • Pershing County Office of Economic Development
  • Residents of Pershing County