Elko history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Elko is inextricably linked to the construction of the first Transcontinental Railroad. The city was founded in 1868, when the rails of the Central Pacific Railroad reached the eastern part of the state of Nevada. What began as a temporary railway camp rapidly transformed into a permanent settlement, and by 1869, Elko officially became the administrative centre of the county bearing the same name.

Key Factors of Development

The rapid development of the city was facilitated by a fortunate combination of geographical and economic circumstances:

• Strategic Location: The city is situated in the Humboldt River valley, which historically served as a vital route for settlers heading to California (the so-called "California Trail").
• Railway Logistics: The station in Elko became a key hub for dispatching cargo and passengers, connecting remote mines with civilisation.
• Trading Hub: The city took on the role of the main supply centre for numerous mining camps located in the surrounding mountains.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of early Elko consisted of mining and agriculture. The vast pastures around the city contributed to the booming development of livestock farming, turning the settlement into a major centre for the trade of cattle and wool.

The cultural image of the city was formed as a classic example of the Wild West, yet with unique features. A special role was played by Basque immigrants who arrived in the region to work as sheep herders. They brought with them distinctive traditions and cuisine, which harmoniously intertwined with the local cowboy culture, creating a unique atmosphere that is still palpable in Elko today.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1868: The city is founded as an important station on the route of the Central Pacific Railroad construction.
• 1869: Elko becomes the administrative centre of the eponymous county, separated from Lander County.
• 1874: The University of Nevada opens in the city, the state's first higher education institution, which was later moved to Reno.
• 1917: Elko officially receives the status of an incorporated city with its own governing body.
• 1926: The city's airport receives the first commercial airmail flight by Varney Air Lines, the predecessor to United Airlines.
• 1948: Famous Hollywood actor and singer Bing Crosby becomes the honorary mayor of the city, attracting press attention.
• 1961: The discovery of the rich Carlin Trend gold belt nearby initiates a "new gold rush" in the region.
• 1968: Great Basin College opens, becoming the main educational centre for northeastern Nevada.
• 1985: The city hosts the first National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, turning Elko into a centre for preserving Western folklore.
• 1995: The Western Folklife Center is established in the restored historic Pioneer Hotel building.

Stages of Development and Transformation

Elko's history is a journey from a temporary camp to a modern economic and cultural centre of northeastern Nevada. Below are the key moments that defined the modern appearance of the city.

• Establishment of a Railway Hub (1868–1869)
  The arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad turned Elko from a tent city into a permanent settlement.
  Significance: The city secured its status as the region's main logistical hub, ensuring supplies to remote mines and ranches, which became the foundation of its early economy.
• First Educational Centre of the State (1874)
  It was in Elko that the first University of Nevada was founded (later moved to Reno).
  Significance: This event demonstrated the city's ambitions as a cultural centre. Although the university was relocated, this historical precedent laid the groundwork for the future development of educational infrastructure, including the modern Great Basin College.
• Era of Aviation and Technological Breakthrough (1926)
  Elko became the destination for the first commercial airmail flight in the USA, executed by Varney Air Lines (predecessor to United Airlines).
  Significance: Including the city in the national aviation network overcame geographical isolation and stimulated the influx of investments and new technologies.
• Discovery of the Carlin Trend Gold Belt (1961)
  A geological discovery by Newmont Mining revealed enormous reserves of microscopic gold in the vicinity.
  Significance: The modern "gold rush" began, which radically changed Elko's urban landscape, ensured a stable population influx, and made the city one of the key centres of global gold mining.
• Cultural Branding: Cowboy Poetry (1985)
  Organisation of the first National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
  Significance: This event transformed the city's image, turning it from a strictly industrial centre into an international tourist destination and guardian of Wild West traditions, which significantly diversified the local economy.

Urban Structure

The urban plan of Elko is typical for settlements that emerged thanks to the railway. The historic core of the city is formed by an orthogonal grid of streets, oriented parallel to the railway tracks rather than the cardinal points. The "facade" of the city originally faced the rails, as that was where people and goods arrived. Over time, with the development of automobile transport (especially after the construction of the I-80 highway), the city began to expand north and south, occupying the hilly territories of the valley.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Elko's architecture cannot boast of medieval Gothic or the lavish Baroque characteristic of Europe. It is a classic example of an American Western city, where functionality prevailed over decor, and style was dictated by available materials and economic booms.

• Late Victorian Style and "Frontier" (Late 19th Century): Early wooden structures have practically not survived due to fires and dilapidation. However, the spirit of this era is felt in the layout of the old centre and the rare surviving residential houses with verandas and gable roofs.
• American Commercial Style (Early 20th Century): After a series of fires, the city centre was rebuilt using brick and stone. Buildings from this period (1900–1920s) are distinguished by strict facades, large display windows on the ground floors, and decorative cornices. This is solid, utilitarian architecture, symbolising the transition from a temporary camp to a permanent city.
• Neoclassicism (1910s): A striking representative of this style is the county courthouse building. This style was chosen for administrative buildings to emphasise the rule of law, stability, and civic pride in the developing region.
• Mid-Century Modern and "Googie" (1950–1960s): The era of automobile travel and the flourishing of motels brought neon signs, angular roofs, and the extensive use of glass and concrete to Elko. This style is still noticeable in the design of some historic motels and venues along the old highways.

Landmark Buildings and Sites

The appearance of Elko is formed by several key structures that serve as architectural landmarks and guardians of history:

• Elko County Courthouse: Built in 1911, this building is the city's main architectural monument. Executed in the Neoclassical style (Classical Revival), it is adorned with monumental columns and a dome, rising above the low-rise buildings of the centre.
• Pioneer Hotel (now Western Folklife Center): A building constructed in 1913, originally serving as a hotel, represents a fine example of commercial brick architecture of the early century. Today, it houses a centre that preserves the culture of cowboys and ranching.
• Commercial Hotel (Commercial Casino): Although the facade has undergone changes, this building remains a legendary place. In the mid-20th century, it became a symbol of the city's entertainment industry, attracting tourists not only with gaming options but also with performances by pop stars.
• Basque Boarding Houses: A unique feature of Elko is the preserved buildings of former Basque boarding houses (for example, the Star Hotel). Architecturally, they are simple and functional, often two-story with brick or plastered finishes, but they play a vital role in the cultural landscape of the city.

Distinguished Personalities of Elko

The history of Elko is rich with the names of people who not only shaped the appearance of the city but also influenced the development of the entire state of Nevada. From pioneers and politicians to world-class stars, these individuals left a noticeable mark on the region's chronicles.

• Bing Crosby
  Singer, actor, media mogul
  The legend of American pop music and cinema had close ties to Elko. In the 1940s, Crosby acquired several ranches in the vicinity of the city and actively participated in community life. In 1948, he was awarded the title of "Honorary Mayor of Elko". His presence attracted national press attention to the city and contributed to the growth of tourism.
• Newton Crumley
  Entrepreneur, hotelier
  Owner of the famous Commercial Hotel. It was Crumley who revolutionised Nevada's entertainment industry in 1941 by starting to invite top-tier stars (such as Ted Lewis and Sophie Tucker) to perform at his establishment for large fees. This strategy was implemented in Elko even before it became the standard for Las Vegas.
• Waddie Mitchell
  Poet, public figure
  A native of these parts and a hereditary cowboy who became a world-renowned poet. Mitchell is one of the co-founders of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. Thanks to his efforts, the city transformed into a major global centre for the preservation of oral traditions and the heritage of the Wild West.
• Lewis R. Bradley
  Politician, cattleman
  The second Governor of Nevada (1871–1879). Bradley was a successful cattleman in Elko County prior to his election. He became the first Governor of Nevada to represent the interests of the eastern part of the state and the agricultural sector, rather than the mining industry of western Nevada.
• Pedro Altube
  Cattleman, settlement pioneer
  Known as the "Father of Basques in the American West". He founded the legendary Spanish Ranch in Elko County, which occupied vast territories. His success stimulated mass immigration of Basques to the region, which forever changed the cultural and ethnic landscape of the city.
• James H. Ledlie
  General, engineer
  A Union Army officer and railway engineer. It was Ledlie who, in 1868, selected the site for the station and laid out the plan for the future city of Elko. Although his military reputation was controversial, as an urban planner, he played a decisive role in the very fact of the city's existence on the map.