Panaca
In 1863, Paiutes led Mormon missionary William Hamblin to a ledge of silver ore, which they called 'panacker' (this led to the creation of Pioche). The following year, the name evolved into Panaca when Francis C. Lee arrived and established a Mormon colony. At the time, this was part of the Utah Territory, but was absorbed by Nevada in 1866. Originally this change was protested by the Mormon settlers, but it was finally settled in 1870 after surveys were conducted. This led to many settlers moving on.
In the over 150 years since, little has changed. Panaca is still a small, agricultural community much like those found across Utah. It holds the distinction of being the oldest community in Southern Nevada, and a number of buildings remain dating to the early days.
