Pioche, named after Francois L.A. Pioce was one of the most notorious mining camps ever to exist. The mining camp grew rapidly after the first discovery of gold and silver in 1863. By 1870 it had become one of the most active mining towns in Nevada with a population of nearly 8000. Hired gunmen were improted at a rate of about 20 a day to fight mining claim encroachments. "Boot Row" cemetary had 75 men buried befor anyone had died of natural causes. The mines produced more than $40,000,000 of gold and silver before drying up. One of the remaining buildings, the Licoln County Courthouse was condemed in 1933 before the original construction costs were paid off.