McDermitt, Nevada-Oregon
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McDermitt is an unincorporated community straddling the Nevada–Oregon border, in Humboldt County, Nevada, and Malheur County, Oregon in the United States. For statistical purposes, the census bureau has defined the portion of McDermitt in Nevada as a census-designated place (CDP). The census definition of the area may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the area with the same name. The Oregon portion of McDermitt is not part of the CDP, but is included in the Ontario, OR–ID Micropolitan Statistical Area.
As of the 2000 census, the CDP population was 269, a precipitous decline from the 373 people enumerated in the census a decade earlier.[citation needed]
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[edit] History
The community, originally called Dugout, was named after Charles McDermit [sic], a commander of the Military District of Nevada in the 1860s. The original military fort, Fort McDermitt, which was five miles (8 km) outside the current township, was originally established to protect a stagecoach route from Virginia City to Boise, Idaho. The township of Dugout was established as support for the military fort.
[edit] Geography and climate
The community is on U.S. Highway 95, 73 miles (117 km) north of Winnemucca. The elevation of McDermitt is 4425 feet (1349 m) above sea level.
McDermitt has a dry high desert climate with warm, dry summers and cold winters.[citation needed]
According to the U.S. Census, the CDP has a total area of 13.2 square miles (34.1 km²), none of it covered by water.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 269 people, 90 households, and 60 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 20.4 people per square mile (7.9/km²). There were 107 housing units at an average density of 8.1/sq mi (3.1/km²). 262 (97.4%) of the population is Native American; seven people (2.6%) are White. Two people (0.74%) are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 90 households out of which 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.4% were married couples living together, 25.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 30% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.85.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 108.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $16,563, and the median income for a family was $17,396. Males had a median income of $25,625 versus $24,375 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $6,399. About 37.7% of families and 33.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 35.0% of those sixty five or over.
[edit] Indian Reservation
The demographic data above does not include the populace of the local Paiute and Shoshone Native American reservation, the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, which when included nearly doubles the demographic numbers.[citation needed]
[edit] Economy
Its economy has historically been based on mining, ranching, and farming. It was home to three mercury mines and two gold mines until 1990. Mining may resume in the area, developed by the Canadian firms Gold Canyon Resources and Western Uranium. Samples from former mercury mines in the area suggest that they could become a large source of uranium and the home to the world's only gallium mine. Gallium is normally produced as a by-product of aluminum and zinc mining.
[edit] Points of interest
The state line goes through the White Horse Inn, a historical landmark now being restored, which was a saloon, hotel, and (reportedly) brothel.[2] When it was open, food could be ordered and paid for in Oregon, avoiding the Nevada state sales tax.[3]
[edit] Education
Humboldt County School District operates the McDermitt Combined School, a kindergarten-twelfth grade (K-12) school, in the community.
[edit] Transportation
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Historic images of McDermitt from Salem Public Library
- April 15, 2003 article on McDermitt from the Reno Gazette-Journal[dead link]
Coordinates: 41°59′52″N 117°43′8″W / 41.99778°N 117.71889°W
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