The Great Basin was primarily settled by European immigrants.

While Native Americans inhabited the Great Basin for thousands of years before European settlers arrived, significant settlement by European immigrants occurred during the 19th century, especially during and after the westward expansion of the United States. The discovery of minerals, such as silver and gold, along with the promise of land and new opportunities, attracted a diverse group of settlers, including miners, farmers, and ranchers, primarily from Europe. This influx dramatically altered the region's demographics and led to the establishment of towns and infrastructure, shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the Great Basin.