Prehistoric people once visited this site, and Shoshone Indians used it for jackrabbit drives and celebrations. Silver ore discoveries in 1865, along with the convenience of wood and water and a naturally fine location, led to the development of Belmont as an attractive, tree-shaded mining and milling center. It became the most flourishing town in eastern Nevada and served as the county seat from 1867 to 1905. English-Irish feuds flared frequently, and the German-dominated merchant section of town once flew its own flag. Silver production totaled $4 million from unusually high-grade but shallow ores, and most mines shut down by 1890.