The Lyon County Courthouse was designed by Frederick J. DeLongchamps who was considered Nevada's premier architect. The building is one of many sophisticated, Beaux-Arts buildings that DeLongchamps designed throughout Nevada.

In large Nevada counties with sparse populations and few large towns, disputes often arose regarding the placement of the county seat. Competition for this privilege was fierce as the outcome often ensured the survival and growth of the winner, while the loser's prospects were markedly decreased.

In 1910, the Lyon County seat was located in Dayton, near to the dwindling Comstock Lode. The combination of that economic decline, plus a fire which destroyed the existing courthouse, led to the competition for the seat by the citizens of Yerington.

The expansion of mining in Mason Valley was the deciding factor and the courthouse was erected in Yerington.

Adapted from the NRHP nomination submitted in 1983.