I have more info here. Reid bought his own BLM land in the middle of Searchlight in early 70s, likely at $2.50 per acre mining patent under 1872 law.
The BLM also owns land within the County residential areas. We built a new church in 1995 on W. Spring Mountain and had to pay our “turtle tax” every year. They made us lease the land for 99 years, until this last year when, by the grace of God, He got them out of our hair and we were able to buy it. I get real happy when I know one day these crooks will stand before God.