Here was a key point on Nevada's earliest road, the famed Humboldt Trail that brought 165,000 emigrants west in the 1840's and 50's. Travelers named this rich valley The Big Meadows and stopped for water and grass before continuing south to cross the dreaded 40-Mile Desert, the most difficult lap on the trail to California.

Mining, still an important industry, began here in 1850's. George Lovelock, merchant, rancher and prospector, gave his name to the county seat. The coming of the railroad in 1869 brought new growth to the area. Pershing County, established in 1919, was previously part of Humboldt County.

Nevada Centennial Marker No. 17