Nye County

Nye County extends across 18,159 square miles of Nevada territory, making it the third-largest county in the contiguous United States.

The county, established in 1864 during the American Civil War, takes its name from James W. Nye, the first governor of Nevada Territory.

The region contains numerous ghost towns from the early 1900s mining era, including Rhyolite, which reached a population of 10,000 during its peak.

The county seat of Tonopah provides administrative services while Pahrump serves as the largest population center with connections to Las Vegas.

The Nevada Test Site within Nye County conducted nuclear experiments from 1951 to 1992, affecting land access in specific areas.

Location: Nevada

Inception: 1864

Capital city: Tonopah

Shares border with: Lander County, Churchill County, Lincoln County, Eureka County, White Pine County, Clark County, Esmeralda County, Mineral County, Inyo County

Website: https://nyecountynv.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.05000,-116.45000

Latest update: May 28, 2025 17:58