Carson Valley has a rich historical heritage dating back to 1850, when Genoa, formerly known as the Station of Mormon, was the first settlement before Nevada was even a state! Nevada became a state on October 31, 1861, when it was largely separated from the territory of Utah. Today, the state still celebrates its statehood every year. The state celebrates Nevada Day on the last Friday of October, and banks, post offices, schools, and all other government offices are closed.
Nevada humble beginnings
Back in the 1850s, Carson Valley quickly became one of the favorite stops of immigrants in covered wagons and on horseback. Today, you can travel in time, visiting any local historical sites, stopping on many road signs in the area or taking some local tours. If a stand alone tour is more your style, you can pick up a tour card at the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and at the Visitor Center.
Gardnerville
In 1879, the Gardnerville Hotel, a blacksmith shop and salon were built along the new road leading north and south, now known as US Highway 395. Gardnerville was born in the center of the hay and grain community. The city was named after John M. Gardner, who organized the area in 1861. Here are a few moments of Gardnerville:
* The Museum and Cultural Center of the Carson Valley was built in 1915 as the Douglas County High School. Today it is a museum with exhibits associated with our local history and the heritage of our beloved Carson Valley. The hotel has an art gallery, a souvenir shop, a seating area with picnic tables and public toilets.
* Carson Valley Hospital (Logan Building) - The first hospital in our city was built in 1914 and is an elegant brick Victorian courtesy of Dr. Hawkins. He later became a guesthouse and a mansion. Today, tenants report that a friendly ghost lives there.
Minden
HF Dangberg, founder of the Dangberg Land and Livestock Company, founded Minden in 1905 to provide terminals for the Virginia & Truckee (V & T) railway. Minden is named after the German city near the birthplace of Dangberg. Minden Park, Minden, Nevada, Carson Valley
* Douglas County Courthouse - The Nevada Legislative Assembly voted to relocate the district to Minden in 1916, after a terrible fire destroyed Genoa, almost leveling everything in the city. The courthouse was designed by FJ DeLongechamps and built on many sites from the Dangberg Land Company.
* Minden Inn - currently the offices of Douglas County, the building was designed by FJ DeLongchamps in 1917.
* Minden Park - Built in 1906, the park became known as the “town square” for the first residential area of Minden. Today it is a place for many community activities. During the summer months, local companies sponsor musical acts to come and perform in Minden Park on Friday night, where people of all ages gather for good food, music and great times when the sun sets in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Genoa
Genoa, originally known as Mormon Station, was the first settlement in Nevada. John Reese went west to create a trading post and a travel station for settlers moving west as the word traveled that there was gold and silver in the hills! John Reese and his party were Mormons from Utah, hence the name, Mormon Street. The city was renamed "Genoa" in 1855 after Christopher Columbus. Place of Birth.
The most significant event in the history of Genoa was the Great Fire of June 28, 1916. Two blocks of enterprises and several houses burned to the ground after a fire broke out in a county county house and quickly spread throughout the city. The courthouse was just a brick shell when the fire went out. Although district commissioners approved the restructuring of the courthouse, many of the enterprises moved to the growing Minden and Gardnerville, which ultimately led to a change of district in 1916.
* Museum of Genoa - The Courthouse Museum was built in 1865 and rebuilt in 1910. Once in 1916 the county seat was moved to Minden, it became a schoolhouse. Today it is a museum that reflects the rich history and heritage of the area.
* Mormon Station State Park - a copy of the original trading post and fort, built in 1851 by John Reese. There are picnic tables and toilets, and this is a great place to go and learn more about the roots of the Wild West of Nevada.
* Genoa Bar - The Genoese Bar is the oldest greedy room in Nevada (aka-saloon), dating from the 1850s. The bar was built by J. C. Livingstone. This bar is still open for business, and you can still climb and get a high cool drink today! Many locals have seen celebrities and other famous people who have enjoyed the atmosphere of the Genoese bar over the years!
