Elko County, located in the northeast corner of Nevada, is the fourth
largest county in the continental United States. Miles and miles of
sagebrush give way to scenic spots, such as Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby
Mountains, and locals are proud of this ruggedly beautiful land.
Although the county's area is vast, there are only 2.5 people per square
mile, and almost 90 percent of the land is owned by the federal
government. The major towns in Elko County were established in the late
1860s, when the railroad arrived and brought ranching and mining jobs to
the area. In the 1930s, Elko County began attracting big-name
entertainment and also became a destination for gaming, and those
traditions continue today. With its rich heritage and unique,
high-desert landscapes, Elko County is considered one of the last
frontiers of the Old West.