Cities and Towns in Pershing County, Nevada
Founded in 1919, Pershing County is one of 16 counties in the state of Nevada. Historically, Pershing County was formed from Humboldt County. The city of Lovelock is the county seat. With FIPS code of 27, Pershing County has a population of 6,741 and area of 6,009 square miles (15,563 km²).
List of all cities in Pershing County, NV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Apache, NV | 89418 | 775 |
| 89418 | 775 | |
| Humboldt, NV | 89418 | 775 |
| 89418 | 775 | |
| Imlay, NV | 89418 | 775 |
| 89418 | 775 | |
| Lovelock, NV | 89419 | 775 |
| 89419 | 775 | |
| Lower Valley, NV | 89419 | 775 |
| 89419 | 775 | |
| Mill City, NV | 89418 | 775 |
| 89418 | 775 | |
| Nevada Mass, NV | 89418 | 775 |
| 89418 | 775 | |
| Oreana, NV | 89419 | 775 |
| 89419 | 775 | |
| Rabbit Hole, NV | 89419 | 775 |
| 89419 | 775 | |
| Rye Patch, NV | 89419 | 775 |
| 89419 | 775 | |
| Thunder Mountain, NV | 89418 | 775 |
| 89418 | 775 | |
| Toulon, NV | 89419 | 775 |
| 89419 | 775 | |
| Trinity, NV | 89419 | 775 |
| 89419 | 775 | |
| Tungsten, NV | 89418 | 775 |
| 89418 | 775 | |
| Unionville, NV | 89418 | 775 |
| 89418 | 775 | |
| Upper Valley, NV | 89419 | 775 |
| 89419 | 775 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pershing County, Nevada
Pershing County, located in northern Nevada, is one of the state’s more rural regions, known for its expansive desert landscapes, historical sites, and small, close-knit communities. The county’s towns and cities, including Lovelock and Imlay, offer a unique look at the state’s past, primarily rooted in agriculture, mining, and transportation. Below are the key cities and towns in Pershing County.
Lovelock
Location and History
Lovelock, the county seat of Pershing County, is located in the central part of the county, along the Humboldt River. It was established in the 1860s as a stagecoach stop along the Overland Mail route and quickly grew as a vital center for trade and transportation. Lovelock was named after the Lovelock family, who settled in the area, and it became an important settlement for travelers heading west during the expansion of the railroad in the late 19th century. The town grew further when the nearby mines and agriculture industry began to thrive. Over the years, Lovelock has evolved from a small trading post to a hub for the surrounding farming and ranching communities. Its location near both the Humboldt River and the historic California Trail has cemented Lovelock’s place in Nevada’s development.
Major Schools
Lovelock is served by the Pershing County School District, with the primary educational institution being Pershing County High School. The district also operates several elementary and middle schools, including Lovelock Elementary School and the Middle School. Higher education options are limited, but many students pursue higher learning opportunities in nearby cities such as Reno.
Major Landmarks
Lovelock is most famous for its connection to the California Trail, with the nearby Lovelock Cave being a significant historical site. Lovelock Cave contains ancient artifacts left behind by indigenous people, including well-preserved basketry and other tools. The town is also home to the Pershing County Courthouse, a historical building that reflects the area’s past. Other notable landmarks include the Lovelock Pioneer Cemetery, which dates back to the early settlement days. The nearby Rye Patch Reservoir and state recreation area offer outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and camping, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
City Stats:
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 1,898 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89419
- Latitude: 40.1775° N
- Longitude: 118.5130° W
Imlay
Location and History
Imlay is a small town located in the northern part of Pershing County, near the junction of U.S. Highway 80 and Interstate 80. The town was originally established as a railroad station in the late 19th century when the Central Pacific Railroad expanded through the area. Its primary role was as a service and supply station for the railroad, which brought people and goods through the region. Over time, Imlay grew as a mining and agricultural center, with local industries centered around farming, livestock, and ore extraction. However, as mining operations and rail services declined in the mid-20th century, the population of Imlay decreased significantly, and the town’s focus shifted more toward local ranching. Today, Imlay remains a quiet, rural community, serving as a stopping point for travelers and a reminder of Nevada’s industrial past.
Major Schools
Imlay is part of the Pershing County School District, with its residents attending Lovelock schools, including Pershing County High School and Imlay Elementary School, a small rural institution. Like other towns in Pershing County, Imlay’s educational options are limited, and students generally attend schools in Lovelock for a more extensive educational experience.
Major Landmarks
Imlay’s primary claim to fame is its location at the crossroads of two major highways, making it a key transportation stop in the region. While the town itself is not home to many major tourist attractions, visitors passing through can enjoy views of the surrounding rural landscape and nearby desert areas. The town’s proximity to the Humboldt River and the nearby Rye Patch Reservoir provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, and boating. Nearby historical landmarks from Imlay’s mining past can be found, though they are mostly unmarked remnants scattered in the region.
City Stats:
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 90 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 89418
- Latitude: 41.0160° N
- Longitude: 118.0496° W
Mill City
Location and History
Mill City is a small community located northeast of Lovelock, in the Humboldt River Basin. It was originally established in the early 1900s as a mining town, specifically for the extraction of gold and silver from nearby ore deposits. The town developed around the mill that processed the ores, and it quickly became a thriving hub of mining activity. At its peak, Mill City had a population of several hundred people, with many workers employed in the local mines and mills. However, as mining operations declined in the mid-20th century, Mill City’s population dwindled, and the town became largely abandoned. Today, Mill City remains a very small, sparsely populated area, with only a few remaining homes and buildings, and it serves as a reminder of Nevada’s mining history.
Major Schools
Mill City is part of the Pershing County School District, and like Imlay, students typically attend Lovelock’s schools, including the Lovelock Elementary and Pershing County High School. There are no significant educational institutions located directly in Mill City, and residents must commute to Lovelock for any secondary or higher education opportunities.
Major Landmarks
Mill City is best known for its mining history, with the remnants of old mills and mining equipment scattered throughout the area. While there are no major modern landmarks, the town is a point of interest for those interested in Nevada’s mining past. The surrounding natural beauty, including the Humboldt River and nearby mountain ranges, also provides scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. The closest recreational areas include Rye Patch State Recreation Area, located south of Mill City, which offers fishing, boating, and camping facilities.
City Stats:
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 25 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 89418
- Latitude: 40.6344° N
- Longitude: 118.0152° W
Lovelock Cave
Location and History
While not a town, Lovelock Cave is an important historical and archaeological site located just a few miles northeast of Lovelock. The cave is famous for its discovery in 1911 of ancient artifacts, including basketry and human remains, that provided evidence of indigenous cultures living in the region thousands of years ago. The cave contains remains from the Peewee or Lovelock Cave people, an ancient group who lived in the area around 2,000 years ago. The artifacts found in the cave have helped to shape the understanding of Native American history and prehistory in Nevada. The site is also known for its famous “mummy,” a set of human remains that were found well-preserved due to the dry conditions of the cave. The cave is considered a critical archaeological site for understanding the ancient cultures of the Great Basin region.
Major Schools
Although Lovelock Cave is a historical site and not a town, it remains an important landmark for educational and cultural programs in the area. Local schools, particularly in Lovelock, often organize field trips and educational visits to the cave, where students can learn about the prehistoric cultures that inhabited the area.
Major Landmarks
The Lovelock Cave itself is the major landmark, drawing tourists and researchers alike. It is situated in a remote area, with access primarily for those with guided tours. The cave is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is protected for its historical and cultural significance. It provides valuable insights into the prehistoric Native American groups who once thrived in the region.
City Stats:
- Area: N/A (Archaeological Site)
- Population: N/A
- Zip Codes: 89419
- Latitude: 40.2650° N
- Longitude: 118.4400° W
