Prior to the Carson & Colorado Railroad reaching this area in 1881, this was originally a stage station known as Deep Wells. Stages ran out of here to such places as Grantsville, Belmont, and Downeyville. In 1881 the name was changed to Luning, in honor of the major bondholder of the railroad.

During the period 1881-1882, Luning was a booming town with saloons, a post office, stores, and the railroad depot served the Santa Fe silver mines. By 1894, the mining had stopped, but a small revival occurred in 1900 due to the discovery of copper. Local ming activities continued during the WWI years. Today, only a couple dozen people live in Luning.