Lyon County

Lyon County Nevada is named for Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, commander of the Federal forces at Wilson’s Creek during the civil war. General Nathaniel Lyon was the first Union General killed in the civil war after being shot three times on August 10th, 1861 at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek near Springfield, Missouri. The general was killed by a soldier named John Morgan after he was completely surrounded by Confederate soldiers

The county is one of the original nine counties in the great state of Nevada, that were in place on November 11th, 1871. The original county seat was located in Dayton, however now this honor belongs to Yerington.

The first mineral discoveries in Nevada occurred in Gold Canyon north of Dayton in the spring of 1850. Johntown was founded at the site and the states first mining camp. This areas was “the place to be” in terms of mining operations when the Comstock boom started.

Lyon county has a total area of 2,024 square miles (5,240 km²) and 23 square miles (60 km²) is water.^[It is the fourth-smallest county in Nevada by area. 

The bravest man I ever saw was General Lyon. After he was completely surrounded, and pulled off of his horse, he picked up rocks and fought with thousands of men around him. He struck Will Morgan in the face with a rock, and John Morgan shot him with an old-fashioned horse pistol, killing him.

Lyon County History

Lyon County’s early history was shaped by mining, with gold and silver deposits discovered in the area in the mid-1800s. The town of Dayton, located in the southern part of the county, was one of the earliest mining towns in Nevada and served as a supply center for the nearby Comstock Lode.

In the late 1800s, agriculture also became an important industry in Lyon County. The fertile land along the Carson River proved to be ideal for farming, and many settlers began growing crops such as alfalfa, wheat, and barley. Ranching also became popular, with many large cattle ranches established in the area.

During World War II, the town of Yerington in the western part of the county became an important center for munitions production. The Anaconda Copper Company built a plant in Yerington to produce copper wire, which was used in military equipment such as radios and tanks.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Lyon County experienced significant growth as the Las Vegas metropolitan area began to expand. The county’s location along major transportation routes made it an attractive location for new businesses and residential development.

Today, Lyon County is home to a diverse economy that includes mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including boating, fishing, and hiking in the nearby mountains and deserts.

Lyon County’s rich history is preserved in several museums and historic sites throughout the county, including the Dayton Museum, the Yerington Theatre for the Arts, and the historic courthouse in downtown Yerington. Overall, Lyon County has played an important role in Nevada’s development and continues to be an important part of the state’s economy and culture.

Lyon County Map

4×4 Trails

Lyon County Ghost Towns

Points of Interest

Lyon County Nevada State Historic Markers

Lyon County Pony Express Stations

References

• Wikipedia