Southern Nevada's first permanent settlement and perhaps one of its most unique was settled as a Mormon colony by Francis C. Lee and others in 1864. Poor in resources, but rich in people, Panaca has changed but slowly down through the years. Although mining at nearby Bullionville and Pioche has had its effect, Panaca remains an agricultural community.

The post office was established in 1867, moved to Bullionville in 1874, and returned to "Panaker" in 1879. During the 1870's, coke ovens produced charcoal here for the smelters at Bullionville.

Originally located in Washington County, Utah, Panaca became a portion of Nevada by an act of Congress, dated May 5, 1866. As the boundary was not then surveyed, a dispute arose over taxes levied by Lincoln County, Nevada. Only after a long period of bitter litigation was the matter settled in favor of the Panaca citizenry on December 4, 1871.

There are those who lived and died in this community where they were born; others became world travelers. In their unspectacular way, many helped create the great pioneer story.

State Historic Marker No. 39
Nevada Sate Park System
Lincoln County Area Development Committee