Named for the mercury mines that presided in the area, the town began as a military-style base meant to provide housing and services for employees of the Nevada Test Site.
Originally named Base Camp Mercury, the site expanded from its housing quarters and offices to include a post office. The push for more civilian establishments and the atmosphere of an actual small town led to its renaming.
With a growing population in the 1960s, more civilian facilities were established, including a school, health clinic, library, bus station, and even an auto service station. As the town's inhabitants grew to over 10,000 people, even more recreational facilities were built, including a bowling alley, movie theater, swimming pool, and retail stores.
In 1992, nuclear testing at the test site came to a stop due to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. Most of the facilities were abandoned as its citizens relocated, leaving behind a small group of scientists and military personnel to continue limited testing and research. The estimated population has been reduced to 500, and access remains restricted.
