county, southwestern Nevada, U.S., on the California border. An arid region covered by the Monte Cristo, Silver Peak, and Palmetto mountain ranges, the county is sparsely populated. In the northwest corner is part of Inyo National Forest. Esmeralda, an original Nevada county, was formed in 1861. The county seat is Goldfield. Gold and silver mining is the leading economic activity. Area 3,589 square miles (9,295 square km). Pop. (1990) 1,344.