Cities and Towns in Lander County, Nevada
Founded in 1862, Lander County is one of 16 counties in the state of Nevada. Historically, Lander County was formed from Churchill County & Humboldt County. The city of Battle Mountain is the county seat. With FIPS code of 15, Lander County has a population of 5,734 and area of 5,798 square miles (15,017 km²).
List of all cities in Lander County, NV alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Austin, NV | 89310 | 775 |
Battle Mountain, NV | 89820 | 775 |
Ione, NV | 89310 | 775 |
Kingston, NV | 89310 | 775 |
Reese River, NV | 89310 | 775 |
Rixie, NV | 89820 | 775 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lander County, Nevada
Battle Mountain
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: 3,500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 89820
- Latitude: 40.6366° N
- Longitude: 116.9540° W
Location and History
Battle Mountain is the largest town and county seat of Lander County, located in central Nevada, about 60 miles east of Winnemucca along U.S. Highway 80. The town gets its name from the Battle of the Humboldt, a 1867 confrontation between the U.S. Army and local Native American tribes. Historically, Battle Mountain has been a center for mining, ranching, and transportation. The town was founded in the mid-19th century when gold and silver were discovered in the surrounding area, leading to a mining boom. By the late 1800s, the Central Pacific Railroad established a station here, which helped solidify Battle Mountain’s role as a regional trade and transportation hub. Although the mining industry has fluctuated, the town has remained a small but vital center for the local agricultural and mining sectors. Battle Mountain’s location along U.S. Highway 80, one of the historic routes of the American West, continues to make it a key stop for travelers on the “Loneliest Road in America.”
Major Schools and Landmarks
Battle Mountain is served by the Battle Mountain Union High School and several elementary schools under the Lander County School District. These institutions offer a range of educational services for students from pre-kindergarten through high school. One of the most notable landmarks in the town is the Battle Mountain Rest Area, which offers travelers historical information about the region, including the Battle of the Humboldt. The Battle Mountain State Recreation Area, located just outside of town, offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The area surrounding the town also offers several ghost towns, mining remnants, and historic sites, perfect for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. The annual “Battle Mountain Fair” celebrates the town’s Western heritage, featuring rodeo events, concerts, and a parade. Additionally, the local El Toro Hotel, built in 1927, is an iconic landmark that reflects the town’s early 20th-century charm.
Austin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.2 square miles
- Population: 300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 89310
- Latitude: 39.5312° N
- Longitude: 116.9866° W
Location and History
Austin is a small historic town located in the Toiyabe Range of Lander County, Nevada, situated along U.S. Highway 50, also known as “The Loneliest Road in America.” Austin was founded in 1862 when silver was discovered in the area. The town quickly grew into a bustling mining community, attracting prospectors from around the country. At its peak, Austin had a population of more than 10,000 people, and it was a vital center for both silver mining and commerce. The town boasted multiple saloons, hotels, and even an opera house. However, as the silver mines began to deplete in the late 1800s, the town’s population rapidly declined. Despite the downturn in mining activity, Austin has remained a small rural community with a rich history. Today, it is known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, some of which house museums, galleries, and local shops. Austin’s location in the high desert offers visitors scenic views, and the town is considered a popular stop for travelers exploring Nevada’s history and natural beauty.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Austin is served by the Austin Combined School, which provides education for both elementary and secondary students. The school offers a range of programs designed to meet the needs of a small, rural population. Austin’s historic district is a key attraction for visitors, as it is home to several well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including the Austin Courthouse and the Old Opera House, which hosts local events and cultural performances. Another major landmark in Austin is the Stokes Castle, a unique stone tower that was built in 1897 by a wealthy mine owner as his personal residence. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert, making it a popular site for tourists. The nearby Toiyabe National Forest is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Austin is also known for its annual “Pioneer Day,” which celebrates the town’s history with events such as parades, rodeos, and community gatherings.
Kingston
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 60 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 89310
- Latitude: 39.5155° N
- Longitude: 116.9795° W
Location and History
Kingston is a small town located in the Toiyabe Mountains of Lander County, Nevada, approximately 10 miles north of Austin along U.S. Highway 50. Kingston was originally settled in the mid-19th century due to its proximity to rich mining areas, especially silver deposits discovered in the region. At its peak, Kingston was a thriving mining community with a few hundred residents. However, as the silver mines began to deplete, the population of Kingston declined significantly, and the town’s commercial activity dwindled. Today, Kingston remains a quiet, rural settlement with only a handful of residents. The town’s remoteness and scenic location near the Toiyabe National Forest make it a popular spot for outdoor activities, particularly camping, hiking, and hunting. Despite its small size, Kingston offers a glimpse into Nevada’s mining history, with several historical buildings and remnants from the town’s mining days still visible in the surrounding area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kingston does not have its own school, and students typically attend schools in nearby Austin or other parts of Lander County. The town is known for its picturesque setting amidst the Toiyabe Mountains and its proximity to natural landmarks like the Kingston Canyon, which offers hiking and recreational opportunities. The Kingston Valley, with its wide-open spaces, is a prime spot for camping, wildlife watching, and stargazing. Although small and remote, Kingston is close to the Toiyabe National Forest, where visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking on the many trails that wind through the area. The nearby Silver Peak Mountains also offer an insight into the area’s past, as they were once home to several active mining operations. While Kingston is a quiet town, its natural beauty and historical significance make it an interesting stop for those exploring central Nevada.
Ione
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 10 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 89310
- Latitude: 39.6519° N
- Longitude: 116.4849° W
Location and History
Ione is a very small and largely unincorporated community located in Lander County, Nevada. Situated about 20 miles east of Austin, it is one of the smallest towns in the county. Ione was founded in the late 1860s during a mining boom in the area, where gold, silver, and copper were discovered. The town was initially a bustling mining community, but by the early 1900s, mining activities began to wane, leading to the town’s decline. Today, Ione has a population of only a few residents and serves as a historical site, reflecting the rapid rise and fall of Nevada’s mining towns. The town is situated in a remote area of central Nevada, surrounded by the rugged hills of the Toiyabe Range and desert landscapes. While it is no longer a mining hub, Ione’s history is integral to the broader narrative of the state’s mining past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ione does not have a school of its own, and children from the town attend schools in nearby Austin or other parts of Lander County. The town is very small, with only a few notable buildings left from its mining days, but it is surrounded by scenic and historical sites. The nearby Ione Cemetery provides a quiet and historic resting place for the town’s early residents. Nearby landmarks like the Pony Springs, the Ione Valley, and the surrounding areas offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploration of the area’s mining history. Ione’s remote location also makes it a quiet stop for visitors interested in experiencing the solitude of central Nevada. Though a ghost town by most definitions, Ione provides a glimpse into the past of Nevada’s pioneering spirit.