McDermitt Indian Reservation
In the mid-1860s many Paiutes returning from Oregon’s Indian reservation, joined some from the pyramid lake Indian reservation (home of the “cui-ui eaters”) because of poor treatment and the dishonest dealings of U.S. Indian agents. These Native Americans settled about fort McDermitt, where they aided the local military against bannocks and others resisting settlers who were taking over.
Nearby mercury mines furnished employment for Native Americans adjusting to the life style of the settlers. Likewise, today a local precision assembly industry utilizes the dexterity skills of the Indians today. Red and green clays from the canyon are now made into pottery.