Churchill County

Churchill County is an administrative county in western Nevada that spans a large area with mountains, lakes, and desert landscapes. The region stretches between Reno and Las Vegas, with Fallon serving as its county seat and main population center.

The county was established in 1861 and named after Brigadier General Sylvester Churchill, an officer from the Mexican-American War. Its creation during the Civil War era shaped early development in the region.

The area has long been shaped by irrigation and ranching, which remain visible in how the land is used and organized today. Local communities continue to depend on these activities, making them central to how people live and work throughout the region.

Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 50 run through the county and connect Fallon with major transportation hubs in Nevada. These highways make it easy to reach the area and travel between neighboring regions.

The county operates Churchill County Communications, a rare example of local government managing its own telecommunications company. This shows how communities can build their own infrastructure to serve residents.

Location: Nevada

Inception: 1861

Capital city: Fallon

Shares border with: Pershing County, Lyon County, Washoe County, Lander County, Nye County, Mineral County

Website: https://churchillcountynv.gov

GPS coordinates: 39.60000,-118.34000

Latest update: December 22, 2025 13:32