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Geiger Station

Geiger Station

 Geiger Station Overview

Seven-tenths of a mile east of this marker was Geiger’s Station, the largest station on the Geiger Grade Toll Road, the main thoroughfare between the Comstock Lode and the ranches of Truckee Meadows.

Following the extension of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad to Reno in August 1872, the toll road fell into disuse, and a few years later it became a public highway.

Category

  • Trail
  • Road

Marker Type

Blue marker

Nevada Historical Marker Number

Geiger Station is Nevada Historical Marker #218.

Click here to view the full list of Nevada State Historical Markers.

County

Washoe County, Nevada

GPS Coordinates

39.375751 -119.715927

Nevada Historical Marker Transcription

Seven-tenths of a mile east of this marker was Geiger’s Station, the largest station on the Geiger Grade Toll Road, the main thoroughfare between the Comstock Lode and the ranches of the Truckee Meadows.  Located at the site were a toll house, three blacksmith shops, three barns, several corrals, and an inn named Magnolia House.

During the boom years of the Comstock Lode, the 1860s and 1870s, the station was crowded with freight outfits, stagecoaches, and weary teamsters.  Passing travelers could stop at the inn for a drink or a quick meal.

Following the extension of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad to Reno in August 1872, the toll road fell into disuse, and a few years later it became a public highway.  Magnolia House continued operating until 1915.  Social activity at the inn included dances, attracting residents from Virginia City, nearby valleys, and the Truckee Meadows.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO.  218

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

References Used

Geiger Station