RonnieAdventures: RonnieAdventure #0058

What’s the oldest town in Nevada? That depends on who you ask! I happened to be in Genoa when I asked a local resident that question and she assured me that the oldest town in Nevada is Genoa! And there is a sign posted in the City square to prove it!

In June of 1850, two members of the Mormon Battalion established a temporary trading post in the western part of Cason Valley to serve travelers on the California Trail. News of the beautiful area soon spread to Salt Lake City and there was interest in establishing a permanent settlement in the area to provide supplies and services to the increasing number of people traveling to California.

In the spring of 1851 the Reese Company left the Salt Lake Valley with more than a dozen wagons full of supplies and built a trading post and small fort for protection. The area became known as "Mormon Station." Soon, a blacksmith shop, livery stable, and flour and saw mills were also established.

In 1854 the area residents formed a Squatter’s Government in what was then part of Utah Territory. The Government was approved and Governor Brigham Young appointed Mormon Apostle Orson Hyde to serve as probate judge and spiritual head of "Mormon Station." After arriving in the area, Orson Hyde didn't think the name "Mormon Station" was appropriate for the new community, so he changed the community's name to Genoa, after Genoa Italy.

The community grew quickly and was home to Nevada’s first hotel, newspaper, and a bar, which is now referred to as “Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor.” Then, on October 31, 1864, Nevada became the 36^th State admitted to the Union.

Over the years, notable patrons to the “thirst parlor” include Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, Johnny Cash, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood. Scenes from the Movie Misery, staring Kathy Bates, was also filmed in and around Genoa.

Much of Genoa, including the original fort, fire station, and hotel, was destroyed in a 1910 fire, but the buildings have been reconstructed. The fort was rebuilt in 1947 and is now a Nevada State Historic Park with a museum and various outdoor exhibits.

Apparently the oldest building in Genoa was demolished a number of years ago; and the second oldest building, which is now reported to be the "oldest" building still standing, is reported to be located on the Ranch 1 property; i.e., Ranch 1 means the first ranch in Genoa. There was also a Ranch 2, Ranch 3, etc. The Ranch 1 property is privately owned but members of a pioneer family that now own the ranch gave us a personal tour of the property, including what is now thought to be the "oldest" standing building in Genoa and the original barn that was constructed using wooden pegs to hold the timbers together.

The biggest annual event in town is the Candy Dance, which has been held every year since 1919. The celebration is typically held during the last weekend in September; so put on your dancin' boots and head to Genoa this Fall!