The pages of Nevada’s history are filled with references to remote outposts. And situated at the top of the state on the Nevada-Oregon border is one such settlement.

The pleasant, unincorporated community of McDermitt began as a cavalry station at a time of tension and turmoil between the region’s American Indian tribes and incoming settlers. It was named after Colonel McDermitt, a fort commander who died during one of the many clashes between these opposing forces. Today, both the town and its nearby reservation share the McDermitt name and the region’s past is well represented. Annual events like the Indian Rodeo and the Ranch Hand Rodeo are steeped in both Indian culture and cowboy history, and there are also historic structures to be explored. Like many other towns in the region, McDermitt’s past also includes a chapter on mining. Minerals including gold, silver and mercury have been mined here, but the main industry in McDermitt remains ranching.