Historical Markers of Lincoln County
- HM 5 - Pioche
- HM 38 - Pahranagat Valley
- HM 39 - Panaca
- HM 55 - Caliente (Culverwell's Ranch)
- HM 57 - Old Boundary (Nevada's Southern Boundary 1861-1867)
- HM 90 - Delamar, "The Widow Maker" (1893-1909)
- HM 93 - Panaca Mercantile Store
- HM 160 - Panaca Spring
- HM 182 - Panaca Ward Chapel
- HM 203 - Bullionville
- HM 204 - Jackrabbit
- HM 205 - Crystal Springs
- HM 206 - Hiko
- HM 249 - Union Pacific Depot -- 1923
Nevada Landmarks Home Page
*HM 160*
-- Panaca Spring --
Location: Southern Lincoln County, Panaca
Directions: At the intersection of Ernst & Fifth Sts at Panaca Community Park
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Location: 1
Visibility: 1 Accessibility: 1 Marker type: St (M) |
Date Conquered: 3/16/09
Quick Description: A marker noting the importance of a spring that aided Mormon settlers' emigration into Nevada.
Signed: No -- Historically, this marker was never signed.
Marker History: Other resources will tell you this marker is, "Located on the County road, one mile north of Panaca, Nevada". Well, at one time it was. "1 mile" actually meant Panaca Spring, as seen in the photos shown below...
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...The truth is, the SHPO chose a great location for this marker, considering that most desert springs are either located on private property or require miles of walking from the typical highway. Panaca Spring is a public site people can access by following Fifth Street for one mile. The spring is beautiful and comes complete with a litter barrel and picnic table (more evidence of NDOT's doing). This hole, proudly claimed by Panaca locals, might more or less lead to reason WHY the marker was removed in the first place.
So, I touched base with a Lincoln County Sheriff and he informed me that they ("the Highway Patrol") and NDOT took it upon themselves to move the marker to protect it from vandalism. Although the spring only sits a mile outside of town, no-gooders could easily get away with mischief, or destroying a marker, because of the remote setting. As a result, "they" moved the marker to a spot where, "it could be monitored more properly", at the Panaca City Park in plain sight. Too bad not more Nevada folks follow in the ways of these people. MANY, MANY KUDOS go to NDOT and the Lincoln authorities for safely relocating #160. Also, many thanks goes to the Sheriff (name disclosed) who took the time to provide me with this valuable information. Well done!
Full Description:
The large and constant flow of sweet, warm water from this spring makes possible the desert oasis of Meadow Valley. First noted by Manley's ill-fated Death Valley Party in 1849, the site was cultivated in 1858 by Brigham Young's White Mountain Mission men, who sought a desert refuge should U.S. persecution of Mormons occur in Utah. The site was abandoned that same year when this issue was resolved.
Dependent on these spring waters, Mormons built the first permanent settlement in southern Nevada at Panaca in 1864. For 80 years this water was used for all domestic purposes.
The Meadow Valley Mining District, including the Pioche area, was organized in 1864 with its center at Panaca Spring.
Exact description as reads.
Thanks to Gary Bodell (NDOT) for helping provide correct information on this Historical Marker and providing contactees for Lincoln County branch NDOT.
See you out there!
