Every town in Nevada—no matter how big or small—is unique in its own way. However, there’s one town in our state that is one of the most unique in the country for the fact that it shares two states at once. McDermitt, Nevada is a super tiny town located right on the Nevada-Oregon border. Many people don’t even know this little community exists, nevermind the fact that it’s located not just in one but two states. It’s well-worth a visit if you happen to be in the area for the unique geographical location alone, but the town’s history is also very fascinating and worth checking out.
Hiding way up at the top of our state in Nevada’s vast and remote Cowboy Country is the little town of McDermitt. At first, it may not look like there’s much to see in this humble community, but stick around for a bit and you’ll quickly understand what makes it so unique.
Ken Lund/Flickr
First of all, McDermitt is one of the few towns in the entire country that shares TWO states at once. Located right on the state line that separates Nevada and Oregon, the geographic location of this tiny hamlet definitely sets it apart from other Northern Nevada communities.
Ken Lund/Flickr
In fact, the actual state line runs right through a historical landmark in town called the White Horse Inn. In the past, this old structure was a saloon, hotel, and (rumor has it) a brothel. The saloon was located on the Nevada side where gambling was legal, and the rest of the structure is technically in Oregon!
Richard Bauer/Flickr
Today, McDermitt is a quiet community of only 500 or so residents. However, the town’s beginnings were less than peaceful. Originally called Dugout, McDermitt’s early days as a calvary station were plagued with tension between the region’s new settlers and the American Indian tribes that were native to the area.
Richard Bauer/Flickr
Remnants of McDermitt’s past can still be seen even to this day. Located just five miles outside of town is Fort McDermitt. The fort was initially built in order to protect the local stagecoach route that stretched from Virginia City to Boise City, Idaho. It was considered the longest active army fort in Nevada, as it remained open for 24 years.
John Stanton/Wikipedia
At the end of its service, the fort was turned over to the Indian Service and used as a school for the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation. Amazingly, many of the fort’s century-old buildings are still standing. The original main building for the fort along with the jail structure make for a fantastic insight into the area’s history.
John Stanton/Wikipedia
At first, McDermitt may seem like just another remote outpost in Nevada’s rural Cowboy Country. However, there is a lot more to this place than meets the eye. Once you’ve visited it, you can even say you’ve been in two states at once!
Ken Lund/Flickr
Did you know about the unique town of McDermitt, Nevada? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Check out more one-of-a-kind communities in our state with this list of The 10 Most Charmings Towns In Nevada.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Richard Bauer/Flickr
John Stanton/Wikipedia
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
