Pioche is a town located in Lincoln County, Nevada, of which it is the county seat. The population is approximately 700. It is named after François Louis Alfred Pioche , a San Francisco financier.
History
The first settlement of the area occurred in 1864 with the opening of a silver mine. The area was abandoned for a short time due to hostile Indians. It was reorganized in 1868, and François Pioche bought the town in 1869. By the early 1870s, it had grown to become one of the most important silver-mining towns in Nevada.
The town had a reputation for being one of the roughest towns in the Old West. Local lore says 75 men were killed in gunfights before the first natural death occurred in the camp. This legend is immortalized by the creation of "Boot Hill", now a landmark in the city.
Landmarks and attractions
Pioche is known for its "Million Dollar Courthouse," built in 1871. The original cost of $88,000 far exceeded initial estimates and was financed and refinanced with bonds totalling nearly $1 million. It currently contains the county administrative offices and has one of the oldest grade schools in the state.
A tram stretches across the mountains where the city lays and was built by Francis Walker in the mid 19th century. The tram navigates up and down various mountains using only gravity to power its carts uphill.
During Labor Day in September, the population swells when tourists and old locals come to taste the small town atmosphere. Tourists can participate in a variety of mucking events and view heritage day plays, which plays are based upon true Pioche stories and focuses on local heritage.
Current-day Pioche now boasts a well-developed downtown area, with parks, historic buildings and a vintage mining atmosphere. A christmas tree lighting occurs each December, with a public tree decorated by locals.
External links