As early as 10,000 years ago, Indian hunting parties camped in nearby caves to hunt game. Some time after 1150 A.D., Shoshone-speaking people entered the region, camping and hunting here until the beginning of historic time. The name Jarbidge comes from a Shoshone word meaning "a bad or evil spirit."

Gold was discovered in this isolated area in 1909 by Dave Bourne, and a total of $9 million was produced. Production of ores - and the population - varied, and a decline occurred in the late 1920's. However, in the early 1920's the Jarbidge district replaced fading Goldfield as the premier gold-producing area in Nevada.

On a cold, stormy December 5, 1916, the last stagecoach robbery and murder in the history of the West took place in Jarbidge Canyon, one-quarter mile north of the town.