The boom years of Pioche were from 1870-1875. It was
one of the most violent towns in the West with 72 (numbers
vary between 67-79) men being murdered before anyone
died of natural causes. The Overland Hotel was my favorite
place to stay. Many rooms were themed and there is a neat
old back bar. At one time there was a single 21 game. I
enjoyed talking to Ernie Ferrie, owner of the Alamo. Once
he let me dig through a box of Alamo chips and take what
I wanted. The 21 table was still there but not open. The
million dollar courthouse is the town’s main attraction.