Beginning with Cairo and Fulton constructed beginning in 1872, railroads have long dominated Nevada County. The local lines, Prescott and Northwestern (founded in 1891 and still operated), and the Reader Railroad constructed in the 1920s to accomodate the oil fields at Waterloo and the timber industry. Today, the Union-Pacific line runs through the north part of the county.
Organized in the latter part of the 1800's, has operated under various names and ownerships, but is still operating as part of the Potlatch Corporation.
Nevada County has been home to industries such as furniture factories, stave mills, pickle factories, vegetable packing sheds, a cotton oil mill, and 13 cotton gins.
