![]() | NE corner of US 93 and Casino Way -- Jackpot |
Original Date Visited: 5/18/09
Signed: No
![]() | Did You Know ...The small border communities of Owyhee, Jackpot, and West Wendover are the only towns in Nevada within the Mountain Time Zone? That means residents of these three communities are officially one hour ahead in the future than every other Nevadan. This is done as a convenience for residents who have greater connections to the states of Idaho and Utah. |
Exact Description:
This historical marker commemorates the lasting notoriety of flamboyant western gunman Jackson Lee Davis (1870-1949), who was better known by the colorful name, "Diamondfield Jack." As a young man, after unsuccessfully prospecting for diamonds in the nearby hills, Davis was jokingly called "Diamondfield Jack," a nickname that he carried the rest of his life.
In the late 1890's, Davis gained a measure of fame as a gunman for the cattle interests, including rancher John Sparks, who would later become a Nevada governor, that were attempting to restrict sheep ranchers from southern Idaho and northeastern Nevada rangelands. Following a sensational trial in 1896, Davis was convicted of murdering two sheepherders. He was sentenced to be hanged, even after others confessed to the murders.
In 1902, Davis was finally pardoned for the crimes. He moved to the central Nevada mining towns of Tonopah and Goldfield, where he became a successful mine operator. He also helped found several mining camps, including one called Diamondfield. In later years, he drifted into obscurity and died in Las Vegas in 1949 after being struck by a car.
- 251 - is the first historical marker on southbound US 93.
Related Links & Markers:
The Ballad of Diamondfield Jack Davis (Nevada Magazine) Jackson Davis & The Idaho Murders (Digging History)
Have you been to this marker? Tell us all about it here!