A garden in the desert? A regional study of ranching and farming in Southern Nevada, 1870-1930

Sherryl Lynn Weber, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Abstract

In the years between 1870 and 1930 Southern Nevada ranchers were actively engaged in reclaiming the land for agriculture. The availability of cheap land, artesian water, railroad transportation, nearby markets, along with enthusiastic support from town boosters facilitated their determined efforts to develop agriculture as a viable economic activity. Ranching and farming played an important role in Southern Nevada's early development and contributed in a significant way to its economic growth. Moreover, it reflects a noteworthy and integral part of the area's history.