NEVADA COUNTY

On May 18, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), and the county as a whole, celebrated 175 years, marking a legacy of community service and dedication.

Nevada County was originally part of Yuba County, which was incorporated in 1850. At that time, R.B. Buchanan was the first Yuba County sheriff. John Gallagher was elected the first Sheriff of Nevada County proper; however, Buchanan is still recognized as the first sheriff to serve Nevada County territory.

By 1951, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office had grown to just eight people total after 100 years, according to The Nevada City Nugget: the sheriff, undersheriff, five deputies, and one jail matron. The small team operated two jails in Nevada County, just as NCSO does today: the main county jail in Nevada City (capacity in 1951: 24; capacity today: 284) and the Truckee Jail holding facility, which operates in the same fashion today with a capacity of 12.

Members of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office researched extensive records and publications through the Nevada County Historical Archive to share historic information with residents. Through the years, some articles and records have varied on the official date Nevada County was incorporated, with April 25 and May 18 most cited. It is believed May 18 represents the date Nevada County was officially signed into law by Governor John McDougal.

~ Nevada County Sheriff’s Office press release