National Register Of Historic Places Listings In Churchill County, Nevada

The following article delves into the Registered Historic Places located within Churchill County, Nevada, offering a comprehensive, if somewhat exhaustive, overview of these designated sites. One might wonder about the cosmic significance of such an inventory, but for those who find solace in the meticulously preserved remnants of human endeavor, this list serves its purpose.

The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance. In Churchill County, these listings often reflect the rugged pioneering spirit, the harsh realities of desert life, and the development of agricultural and civic infrastructure that shaped this particular corner of Nevada. Each entry on this list represents a tangible link to the past, a silent testament to the lives and struggles that preceded us, carefully cataloged by the National Park Service for posterity.

For those who enjoy the morbid fascination of pinpointing exact coordinates, the locations of these National Register properties and districts, particularly those with provided latitude and longitude, are conveniently mapped. One might even call it a digital scavenger hunt for the historically inclined, available through an online map accessible by clicking on "Map of all coordinates." It’s almost efficient enough to be impressive, for an administrative task.

This particular list, maintained diligently by the National Park Service, a division of the United States Department of the Interior, is asserted to be complete through the most recent listings posted as of November 21, 2025. One can only hope such administrative precision extends to more pressing matters.

The collection of Registered Historic Places within Nevada is organized by its constituent counties, a structure designed to bring order to what might otherwise be a chaotic jumble of historical footnotes. For a broader perspective on the state's historical tapestry, a Nevada state-wide list is also available, providing a dizzying array of sites that collectively narrate the state's unique story, from its indigenous roots to its mining booms and modern development.

Below, you'll find links to the individual county listings, each a curated collection of structures and sites that have, for better or worse, earned their place in the annals of recognized history.

Current listings

The following table meticulously details the Registered Historic Places within Churchill County. The entries are organized numerically, an arbitrary but necessary system for classification. The coloring scheme, for those who appreciate such aesthetic details, differentiates National Historic Landmarks and historic districts from other listed buildings, structures, sites, or objects. Each date listed is accompanied by an eight-digit number, an identifier within the National Register Information System database, a system so robust it almost makes you forget the ephemeral nature of all things.

	Name on the Register	Image	Date listed	Location City or town	Description
1	Carson River Diversion Dam	[[Carson River Diversion Dam]]	March 25, 1981 (#81000380)	Carson River 39°29′50″N 118°59′57″W / 39.497222°N 118.999167°W (Carson River Diversion Dam) Fallon	This engineering marvel, listed for its significant role in the agricultural development of the region, diverts the waters of the Carson River. Constructed in the early 20th century as a crucial component of the Newlands Project, one of the first federal irrigation projects under the Reclamation Act of 1902, it transformed arid lands into fertile fields around Fallon. Its listing acknowledges its pivotal impact on the economic and social landscape of Churchill County, enabling sustained settlement and agricultural prosperity in an otherwise unforgiving desert environment. It stands as a testament to the human determination to manipulate nature for sustenance, a theme as old as civilization itself.
2	Churchill County Courthouse	[[Churchill County Courthouse]]	September 23, 1992 (#92001258)	10 Williams St. 39°28′30″N 118°46′51″W / 39.475°N 118.780833°W (Churchill County Courthouse) Fallon	A dignified fixture in Fallon's civic landscape, the Churchill County Courthouse is an exemplary representation of early 20th-century public architecture. Completed in 1903, this structure, often showcasing elements of Classical Revival architecture, served as the administrative and judicial heart of Churchill County for decades. Its listing recognizes not only its architectural merit but also its enduring role as a symbol of local governance and justice, witnessing countless legal proceedings and administrative decisions that shaped the community. It's a place where the weight of human endeavor, legal and otherwise, has settled into the very stones.
3	Churchill County Jail	[[Churchill County Jail]]	April 9, 2002 (#01001546)	10 W. Williams Ave. 39°28′30″N 118°46′36″W / 39.475°N 118.776667°W (Churchill County Jail) Fallon	Adjacent to the courthouse, the historic Churchill County Jail offers a stark contrast in purpose yet shares a common thread of civic utility. Built around the same period as the courthouse, this facility once housed the county's less fortunate, or perhaps, less law-abiding, citizens. Its robust construction and utilitarian design speak volumes about the era's approach to incarceration. The jail's inclusion on the Register acknowledges its historical significance in the administration of justice and law enforcement within Churchill County, providing a tangible link to the social history and penal practices of the early 20th century. A charming reminder that not all history is built on pleasantries.
4	Cold Springs Pony Express Station Ruins	[[Cold Springs Pony Express Station Ruins]]	May 16, 1978 (#78001718)	Address Restricted Frenchman	The ruins of the Cold Springs Pony Express Station stand as a poignant reminder of a brief, yet iconic, chapter in American communication history. Established in 1860, this station was a vital link in the legendary Pony Express route, providing fresh horses and a brief respite for the intrepid riders who carried mail across the vast western territories. Located in a remote and often hostile environment near what is now Frenchman, Nevada, its "Address Restricted" status underscores the fragility of such historical sites, protecting them from undue disturbance. The remnants evoke the incredible logistical challenge and human endurance required to connect a rapidly expanding nation.
5	Cold Springs Station Site	[[Cold Springs Station Site]]	February 23, 1972 (#72000762)	51 miles west of Austin on U.S. Route 50 39°23′31″N 117°51′12″W / 39.391944°N 117.853333°W (Cold Springs Station Site) Austin	Not to be confused with the Pony Express ruins, the Cold Springs Station Site refers to a broader historical complex that served as a stagecoach stop and way station along the Overland Trail and later U.S. Route 50, the "Loneliest Road in America." Located west of Austin, Nevada, this site played a crucial role in the westward migration and the development of transportation networks in the mid-19th century. Its designation recognizes its importance as a nexus for travelers, freight, and communication in an era when such stops were lifelines in the barren landscape of Nevada, facilitating everything from commerce to the movement of settlers.
6	The Cottage Schools	[[The Cottage Schools]]	June 10, 2008 (#08000509)	255 E. Stillwater Ave. 39°28′19″N 118°46′25″W / 39.471829°N 118.773475°W (The Cottage Schools) Fallon	Part of the "School Buildings in Nevada MPS" (Multiple Property Submission), The Cottage Schools in Fallon represent a distinctive approach to educational architecture and pedagogy from the early 20th century. Rather than a single large building, this complex comprised smaller, independent structures, reflecting a progressive educational philosophy that favored more intimate learning environments. Built in 1913, these charming buildings offer a glimpse into the evolution of public education and architectural trends in rural Nevada. Their listing underscores their historical significance in the development of educational infrastructure and community life in Fallon.
7	Douglass-Frey Ranch		November 17, 2015 (#15000796)	1075 Dodge Ln. 39°22′34″N 118°45′18″W / 39.3761°N 118.7549°W (Douglass-Frey Ranch) Fallon vicinity	The Douglass-Frey Ranch, situated in the vicinity of Fallon, represents a significant agricultural enterprise that contributed to the economic backbone of Churchill County. Ranching and farming were, and to some extent remain, vital industries in this region, shaping its landscape and economy. This particular ranch, through its sustained operations and the families associated with it, embodies the agricultural heritage of the Lahontan Valley. Its designation as a historic place acknowledges the enduring legacy of farming and ranching families who tamed the desert and established a viable agricultural economy.
8	Robert L. Douglass House	[[Robert L. Douglass House]]	August 13, 2001 (#01000822)	10 S. Carson St. 39°28′29″N 118°46′42″W / 39.474667°N 118.778464°W (Robert L. Douglass House) Fallon	The Robert L. Douglass House in Fallon stands as a testament to the prominent individuals who shaped the community during its formative years. Robert L. Douglass was a significant figure in local business and politics, and his residence reflects the architectural styles and social standing of the town's early elite. This house, likely built in the early 20th century, showcases the domestic architecture prevalent among successful citizens in emerging Western towns. Its inclusion on the Register recognizes its association with an important local figure and its architectural integrity as a reflection of Fallon's historical development.
9	Fallon City Hall	[[Fallon City Hall]]	October 27, 2004 (#04001197)	55 E. Williams Ave. 39°28′28″N 118°46′36″W / 39.474444°N 118.776667°W (Fallon City Hall) Fallon	As the seat of municipal government, Fallon City Hall has been the locus of civic life and decision-making for the city of Fallon. Constructed in 1931, the building often exhibits architectural styles popular during the Great Depression, such as Art Deco or Streamline Moderne, reflecting a blend of functionality and understated elegance typical of public works projects of that era. Its listing recognizes its long-standing role as a center for local administration, community gatherings, and the embodiment of civic identity in Fallon. It's where the mundane, yet essential, gears of local society grind on.
10	Federal Building and Post Office	[[Federal Building and Post Office]]	March 8, 2006 (#06000109)	90 N. Maine St. 39°28′34″N 118°46′32″W / 39.476111°N 118.775556°W (Federal Building and Post Office) Fallon	The Federal Building and Post Office in Fallon represents the federal government's presence and investment in the region during the early to mid-20th century. Often designed with a sense of stately permanence, these buildings were crucial for delivering mail, conducting federal business, and symbolizing national authority in local communities. Built in 1939, its architectural style, frequently Art Moderne or Classical Revival, reflects the prevailing tastes for public structures of the period. Its inclusion on the Register acknowledges its historical importance in facilitating communication and federal services within Churchill County, serving as a tangible link to a bygone era of public service.
11	Fort Churchill and Sand Springs Toll Road	[[Fort Churchill and Sand Springs Toll Road]]	November 24, 1997 (#97001383)	Address Restricted Fallon	This entry encompasses not just a single structure, but an entire historic transportation corridor: the Fort Churchill and Sand Springs Toll Road. This road was a vital artery in 19th-century Nevada, connecting the military outpost of Fort Churchill with the significant Sand Springs Station (a Pony Express and stagecoach stop), and onward to the burgeoning mining communities. Its designation recognizes its critical role in commerce, communication, and military logistics during a tumultuous period of Western expansion, including the Paiute War of 1860. The "Address Restricted" status is likely due to its expansive nature and the need to protect archaeological remnants along its historical path near Fallon.
12	Grimes Point	[[Grimes Point]]	February 23, 1972 (#72000763)	Along U.S. Route 50 about 7 miles east of Fallon 39°24′05″N 118°38′50″W / 39.401389°N 118.647222°W (Grimes Point) Fallon	Grimes Point is an extraordinarily significant archaeological site, boasting one of the largest and most accessible collections of prehistoric petroglyphs in Nevada. Located approximately 7 miles east of Fallon along U.S. Route 50, these ancient rock carvings, etched by early Native American inhabitants thousands of years ago, offer invaluable insights into their cultures, beliefs, and daily lives. The site, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, provides a direct connection to the deep history of human presence in the Great Basin. Its listing as a historic place underscores its immense scientific and cultural value, a silent gallery of ancestral art that predates recorded history.
13	Harmon School	[[Harmon School]]	May 23, 1989 (#89000055)	Junction of Kirn Rd. and Harmon Rd. 39°29′26″N 118°41′17″W / 39.490556°N 118.688056°W (Harmon School) Fallon	The Harmon School, located at the junction of Kirn and Harmon Roads near Fallon, is a classic example of a rural one-room schoolhouse, a once-ubiquitous institution that played a critical role in educating generations of American children. Built in 1916, this modest structure served the agricultural community of Harmon, symbolizing the importance placed on education even in remote areas. Its listing on the Register acknowledges its architectural representation of a particular type of educational building and its historical significance in the social and cultural development of Churchill County. It's a reminder of a simpler, perhaps more communal, approach to learning.
14	Hazen Store	[[Hazen Store]]	January 28, 2002 (#01001547)	600 Reno Highway 39°33′50″N 119°02′56″W / 39.563889°N 119.048889°W (Hazen Store) Hazen	The Hazen Store, located in the small community of Hazen, Nevada, served as a vital commercial and social hub for the surrounding agricultural and railway communities. Dating back to the early 20th century, this general store provided essential goods, served as a gathering place, and facilitated economic activity in a remote area. Its architecture and continued existence offer a tangible link to the commercial development of rural Nevada and the self-sufficient nature of frontier towns. The store's designation recognizes its historical role in supporting the community and its representation of early 20th-century rural commerce.
15	Holy Trinity Episcopal Church	[[Holy Trinity Episcopal Church]]	May 16, 2003 (#03000413)	507 Churchill St. 39°28′13″N 118°46′32″W / 39.470183°N 118.775672°W (Holy Trinity Episcopal Church) Fallon	The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Fallon is a beautiful example of early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture, reflecting the spiritual and community life of the growing town. Built in 1914, this church often features elements of Gothic Revival or Craftsman style, common for the period. Beyond its architectural beauty, the church has served as a center for worship, community events, and social support for over a century. Its listing on the Register acknowledges its historical significance in the religious and social development of Fallon, providing a spiritual anchor in a landscape often defined by material pursuits.
16	Humboldt Cave	[[Humboldt Cave]]	March 15, 1976 (#76001140)	South of Lovelock off U.S. Route 40 39°52′53″N 118°43′21″W / 39.881389°N 118.7225°W (Humboldt Cave) Lovelock	Humboldt Cave, located south of Lovelock (though geographically in Pershing County, often associated with Churchill County listings due to historical administrative overlaps or proximity), is an archaeological treasure trove. This dry cave site has yielded an extraordinary collection of perishable artifacts, including basketry, textiles, and tools, providing unparalleled insights into the ancient Great Basin cultures. Occupied by various indigenous groups over thousands of years, the cave's arid environment preserved materials that would typically decay elsewhere. Its listing as a historic place signifies its immense value for understanding prehistoric lifeways, diets, and technologies of Native Americans in the region.
17	Lahontan Dam and Power Station	[[Lahontan Dam and Power Station]]	March 25, 1981 (#81000381)	Southwest of Fallon 39°27′45″N 119°03′53″W / 39.4625°N 119.064722°W (Lahontan Dam and Power Station) Fallon	The Lahontan Dam, located southwest of Fallon, is a monumental achievement of early 20th-century engineering and a cornerstone of the Newlands Project, alongside the Carson River Diversion Dam. Completed in 1915, it was one of the first major dams constructed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. This multi-purpose facility provided irrigation water to the Lahontan Valley and generated hydroelectric power, fundamentally transforming the agricultural potential and economic development of Churchill County and beyond. Its listing recognizes its national significance as an early and successful example of federal water management and its profound impact on regional development.
18	Lovelock Cave	[[Lovelock Cave]]	May 24, 1984 (#84002073)	Address Restricted Lovelock	Lovelock Cave, like Humboldt Cave, is an internationally renowned archaeological site, located near Lovelock (and also often associated with Churchill County in these listings). Famous for the exceptional preservation of prehistoric artifacts, including intricate duck decoys and ancient basketry, it provided groundbreaking evidence for early human occupation in the Great Basin. The dry conditions within the cave preserved a wealth of organic materials, offering an unparalleled window into the lives of the Paiute and other indigenous peoples who utilized it over thousands of years. Its "Address Restricted" status is a measure to protect this fragile, irreplaceable cultural resource.
19	Maine Street Historic District	[[Maine Street Historic District]]	June 27, 2019 (#100004098)	Downtown along Maine & Center Sts. & Williams Ave. 39°28′23″N 118°46′38″W / 39.4731°N 118.7771°W (Maine Street Historic District) Fallon	The Maine Street Historic District encompasses the vibrant commercial and civic heart of downtown Fallon. This district, centered along Maine and Center Streets and Williams Avenue, showcases a collection of buildings that tell the story of Fallon's growth from a small agricultural settlement into a thriving county seat. The architecture typically spans the early to mid-20th century, featuring a mix of commercial blocks, public buildings, and storefronts that retain their historical integrity. Its designation as a historic district recognizes its collective significance in representing the economic, social, and architectural evolution of Fallon. It's where the pulse of the town has always been, for better or worse.
20	Oats Park Grammar School	[[Oats Park Grammar School]]	May 2, 1990 (#90000715)	167 E. Park St. 39°28′24″N 118°46′02″W / 39.473333°N 118.767222°W (Oats Park Grammar School) Fallon	The Oats Park Grammar School is a prominent and architecturally significant educational building in Fallon. Constructed in 1914, this impressive two-story brick building served as a central institution for elementary education in the city for many decades. Its design, often incorporating elements of Classical Revival or Beaux-Arts architecture, reflects the ambitions of the community for its educational facilities. The school's listing on the Register acknowledges its architectural distinction and its profound historical role in the educational and social fabric of Fallon, having shaped generations of its citizens.
21	Sand Springs Station	[[Sand Springs Station]]	November 21, 1980 (#80002465)	Address Restricted Fallon	The Sand Springs Station is another vital historical site associated with the Pony Express and the broader Overland Trail stagecoach routes. Located in a remote desert area near Fallon, this station served as a crucial stop for changing horses and providing provisions for travelers and mail carriers in the mid-19th century. Its "Address Restricted" status is a common measure for protecting sensitive archaeological and historical remnants from degradation. The site is a powerful reminder of the arduous journey across the American West and the network of stations that made such travel possible, embodying the spirit of frontier communication and transportation.
22	Stillwater Marsh		March 19, 1975 (#75001104)	Address Restricted Fallon	Stillwater Marsh, a vast wetland ecosystem, is not just a natural wonder but also a site of profound archaeological and historical importance. Located near Fallon, these marshes have sustained human populations for thousands of years, offering abundant resources. Archaeological investigations have revealed extensive evidence of ancient indigenous cultures, including significant burial sites and artifacts. The designation of Stillwater Marsh as a historic place acknowledges its critical role in the prehistory and cultural heritage of Churchill County, providing invaluable insights into the long-term human adaptation to and utilization of the Great Basin's wetland environments. Its "Address Restricted" status safeguards its sensitive archaeological integrity.

National Register Of Historic Places Listings In Churchill County, Nevada

Contents

Current listings

See also