It's Your World ~

Genoa: The First Town in Nevada Nestled in the shadows of the eastern Sierra Nevada range, Genoa has long been a special place in Nevada. In 1851, Mormon traders settled in the area -- making it the first permanent settlement in what would become the state of Nevada -- to provide provisions for the wagon trains that had just completed the difficult journey across Nevada and Utah. Called the Mormon Station (changed to Genoa in 1855), the post quickly developed into a small but important farming community. However, in 1857, Brigham Young recalled Mormons throughout the west back to Salt Lake City because of a dispute with the federal government. Many of the Mormons abandoned their homes and farms or settled for token payments. This ultimately let to disagreements and, in 1862, Orson Hyde, a Mormon elder who found his land confiscated by non-Mormons in his absence, actually placed a curse on the area residents in the hope of frightening them into paying for the property. Fortunately, Genoa (which is pronounced Jeh-NO-uh, not JEN-no-a, as it is in Italy), survived the curse. For a time, the growing town became the center of activity in the region. From 1860-61, it was a stop on the famous Pony Express route and a rest station for travelers on the Overland Stage Line. In 1864, Genoa became the seat of Douglas County in the new state of Nevada. Around that time, Genoa also became home for several of the state's earliest newspapers, including the Territorial Enterprise, which would later relocate to Virginia City where it became one of the West's most beloved and famous periodicals, featuring writers such as Mark Twain. Being first doesn't always guarantee success. Within a few years, Genoa was eclipsed in importance by other communities in northwestern Nevada, such as booming Virginia City and Reno. By the 1880s, Genoa could only claim a few hundred people and a handful of businesses. Indeed, several fires over the years succeeded in decimating much of the original town. One story has it that the worst fire in 1910 was started by a resident of the county poor farm who lit a pan of sulfur beneath his bed to rid himself of bedbugs. The mattress caught fire and sparked a blaze that destroyed half the business district and the original Mormon Fort, which, to be quite frank, had never reached landmark status, having been used over the years as a chicken coop and a pig barn. In 1916, Genoa was replaced as the county seat by Minden, a newer ranching and farming community located closer to the major highways. Despite the loss, the town never joined the ranks of Nevada's ghost towns. Perhaps because of its magnificent picturesque setting in the Sierra pines, Genoa has survived. The splendid two-story brick courthouse, built in 1865, was used as a school from 1916 to 1956, then was converted into a museum. The site of the Mormon Fort became the location of a shaded state park that features a replica of the old fort, which also houses a museum. It was the setting for the opening scenes in the movie Charley Varrick starring Walter Matthau. Additionally, one of Genoa's true claims to immortality is that it is home of the famous Genoa Bar -- the oldest saloon in the state. From its uneven floor to its worn wood and brass counter to the ancient chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, the Genoa Bar is a genuine Nevada landmark and worthy of a visit if only for a tall, cool one. The town is filled with quaint, friendly buildings and homes that echo the region's past. If you walk the NEARBY TIMESHARE • Just minutes from Genoa is David Walley's Resort, Hot Springs and Spa, pictured to the right, a geothermal resort offering relaxing natural hot pools, spa, and cafe. The resort is affiliated with Interval International. • Other resorts within driving distance include those in Reno, NV. and Lake Tahoe. Be sure to check in your RCI or I.I. catalogs for resorts in those places. unpaved side streets, you can find half-hidden gems, such as the lovely Orchard House, constructed in the 1860s, and now a bed and breakfast located in the town's oldest neighborhood. In recent years, Genoa has become increasingly popular as a residential area by people willing to invest a little time and effort into restoring the graceful Victorian homes perched overlooking the nearby Carson Valley. Befitting its reputation as an open, friendly town, Genoa's most important annual special event is the Candy Dance, traditionally held in late September. The event, which attracts hundreds each year, features a large craft fair and a candy festival with dozens of homemade candies, fudge, cookies and other delectables. Highlight is an old-fashioned, down-home community dance -- the Candy Dance. For more information about Genoa contact the Nevada Commission on Tourism at 1-800-NEVADA-8, or go to http://www.travelnevada.com/ or http://www.visitcarsonvalley.org/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ IT'S YOUR WORLD ARCHIVES || CURRENT STORY CURRENT NEWS: NEWS HEADLINES News || Travel Guide || Home © Copyright The Timeshare Beat all rights reserved