Panaca, Nevada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Panaca, Nevada
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Main Street in Panaca, 2012
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 Panaca, Nevada
Location in Nevada
Panaca, Nevada
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Nevada |
| County | Lincoln |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7.98 km2 (3.08 sq mi) |
| • Land | 7.98 km2 (3.08 sq mi) |
| • Water | 0.00 km2 (0.00 sq mi) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 870 |
| • Density | 109.07/km2 (282.47/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
89042
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| Area code(s) | 775 |
| FIPS code | 32-54200 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2583949 |
| Reference no. | 39 |
Panaca is a small community located in eastern Lincoln County, Nevada. It is an unincorporated town, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. Instead, it is managed by the county. Panaca is found on Nevada State Route 319, very close to the border with Utah. It sits about 4,729 feet (1,441 meters) above sea level. In 2010, about 963 people lived there. Panaca is special because it's one of only two places in Nevada where gambling is not allowed. The other place is Boulder City.
Contents
History of Panaca
The area where Panaca is located was first explored by Mormons in 1857. They were looking for a safe place in case of conflict with the U.S. military. They chose this spot because of the Meadow Valley oasis, which had a good water source. Mormon scouts started building irrigation ditches and planting crops. However, they soon left the area when the feared conflict did not happen.
Panaca became the first permanent settlement by European Americans in southern Nevada. It was officially founded as a Mormon colony in 1864. At first, it was part of Washington County, Utah. But in 1866, the government redrew the state borders. This change moved Panaca into Nevada.
Panaca is also unique because it is the only community in Nevada that is "dry." This means it forbids the sale of alcoholic drinks. Along with Boulder City, it is also the only place in Nevada where gambling is not allowed.
In the past, there were coke ovens in Panaca. These ovens made charcoal, which was used in smelters (factories that melt metal) in a nearby town called Bullionville. Today, Bullionville is a ghost town. Panaca's economy is mostly based on farming.
The name "Panaca" comes from the Southern Paiute language. The word Pan-nuk-ker means "metal, money, or wealth." A Mormon missionary named William Hamblin found a silver mine there in 1864. He named it the Panacker Ledge, which later gave the town its name.
Where is Panaca?
Panaca is a census-designated place, which is a special area defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. It covers about 3.3 square miles (8.5 km2) of land. There is no water area within its boundaries.
If you travel east from Panaca on Nevada State Route 319, it's about 19 miles (31 km) to the Utah state line. From there, it's another 60 miles (97 km) to Cedar City, Utah. If you go west from Panaca, it's just 1.0 mile (1.6 km) to U.S. Route 93. From that point, you can go 11 miles (18 km) north to Pioche or 14 miles (23 km) south to Caliente.
Getting Around Panaca
The Panaca area is served by a few important highways:
U.S. Route 93 (also known as the Great Basin Highway)
Nevada State Route 319 (which is also Main Street in town)
Nevada State Route 816 (Panaca Airport Road)
The Lincoln County Airport is an airport that anyone can use. It is run by Lincoln County. You can find it west of Panaca's main area, and you can get there using State Route 816.
Panaca's Population
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2010 | 963 | — | |
| 2020 | 870 | −9.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Panaca was 963 people in 2010. By 2020, the population was 870.
Fun Things to See and Do
Panaca is located very close to Cathedral Gorge State Park. This park is famous for its unique clay formations and tall, narrow canyons. It's a great place to explore and take pictures.
Several Nevada historical markers have been placed in Panaca. These markers tell important stories about the town's past:
- Panaca (#39)
- Panaca Mercantile Store (#93)
- Panaca Spring (#160)
- Panaca Ward Chapel (#182)
Panaca celebrates Pioneer Day every year. This holiday is held on the Saturday closest to July 24. The celebration includes many fun events. You might hear cannons firing early in the morning! There are games, races, a parade, and art displays. The day usually ends with a big community dinner. This celebration is similar to the Utah holiday that remembers the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley.
See also
In Spanish: Panaca (Nevada) para niños
