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Washoe County Nevada

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Nevada Counties » Washoe County Nevada

Washoe County Nevada

Welcome to Washoe County, Nevada, a captivating oasis of natural beauty, rich culture, and exhilarating adventures that await every traveler who seeks a truly unforgettable experience.

Nestled between the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada Mountains and the pristine shores of Lake Tahoe, Washoe County is a vibrant playground of year-round activities that beckon to outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. With its mesmerizing landscape, world-class attractions, and a diverse array of gastronomical delights, Washoe County promises to deliver an extraordinary escape to all who venture into its enchanting embrace.

Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more – come, discover the magic of Washoe County, Nevada!

Timeline

  • 1844: Explorer John C. Frémont became the first European-American to enter the region, setting the stage for future settlement and development.
  • 1859: The Comstock Lode, a significant silver deposit, was discovered, sparking a mining boom that would transform the region and lead to the establishment of many towns and cities, including Virginia City and Reno.
  • November 25, 1861: Nevada Territory was established, with Washoe County being one of the original nine counties.
  • 1868: Reno was founded and named after Union Major General Jesse L. Reno. It later became known as “The Biggest Little City in the World.”
  • 1874: The University of Nevada, Reno was founded, becoming a vital center of education and research in the region.
  • 1908: The Newlands Reclamation Act facilitated the creation of the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, leading to agricultural development in the region.
  • 1910: Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation was established for the Northern Paiute people, preserving their culture and history.
  • 1931: Nevada legalized gambling, which would play a significant role in the growth of tourism and entertainment industries in Washoe County.
  • 1960: Squaw Valley, located in the neighboring Placer County, California, hosted the Winter Olympics, showcasing the region’s beauty and recreational opportunities to the world.
  • 1968: The first National Championship Air Races were held in Reno, and it has since become an annual event, attracting aviation enthusiasts from around the globe.

This is just a glimpse into the rich history of Washoe County, Nevada. As you explore the area, you’ll discover even more fascinating stories and events that have shaped this captivating region.

Historical Points of Interest in Washoe County Nevada

Nevada Historical Markers in Washoe County Nevada

Delve into the captivating history of Washoe County, Nevada, by embarking on a journey through its remarkable collection of Nevada Historical Markers.

These treasured landmarks offer a fascinating window into the area’s rich past, from its earliest Native American inhabitants to the influential mining, transportation, and cultural developments that have shaped the region over the centuries.

As you explore Washoe County’s scenic landscapes and vibrant cities, these historical markers will guide you on an enlightening voyage of discovery, revealing the stories and events that have left an indelible mark on the fabric of Nevada’s history. Unearth the hidden gems and iconic tales of Washoe County, and let the legacy of its storied past unfold before your eyes through its captivating Nevada Historical Markers.

As we visit each we will link the articles below for you to learn more about the history of the site the marker represents.

  1. #4 Junction House – The First Settlement
  2. #18 Pyramid Lake (Koqyoqe Panunadu)
  3. #24 Olinghouse
  4. #29 Chinese in Nevada
  5. #30 Reno
  6. #43 Derby Diversion Dam
  7. #62 Truckee River – West
  8. #63 Truckee River – East
  9. #68 Wadsworth
  10. #79 Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery 
  11. #81 Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Tree
  12. #88 Sparks
  13. #94 The Winters Ranch (Rancho del Sierra)
  14. #114 Franktown
  15. #128 The Great Train Robbery (Nevada)
  16. #148 The Two Battles Of Pyramid Lake
  17. #149 High Rock Canyon
  18. #152 Gerlach
  19. #166 Bowers Mansion
  20. #169 Glendale School
  21. #189 Southern Pacific Railroad Yards
  22. #191 Verdi
  23. #198 Steamboat Springs
  24. #210 Nevada-California-Oregon Railroad Depot
  25. #211 Old Geiger Grade
  26. #212 Galena
  27. #218 Geiger Station (Magnolia House)
  28. #220 The Fight of the Century
  29. #221 Sand Harbor
  30. #227 Lake Mansion
  31. #230 Mount Rose Weather Observatory
  32. #234 Moana Springs
  33. #238 Huffaker’s
  34. #240 Coney Island
  35. #245 Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps (June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969)
  36. #246 The Great Incline of the Sierra Nevada
  37. #247 Site of Nevada’s First Public Library
  38. #248 Virginia & Truckee Railroad Right of Way
  39. #253 Emigrant – Donner Camp
  40. #256 Historic Transportation
  41. #265 Governor Emmet Derby Boyle
  42. #267 Galena Creek Fish Hatchery
  43. #274 Nevada State Hospital

Click here to view all of our articles related to Washoe County, Nevada.

Ghost Towns in Washoe County, Nevada

Embark on an enthralling expedition into the intriguing world of Washoe County’s ghost towns, where the whispers of Nevada’s bygone days echo through the remnants of once-thriving communities.

As you traverse the rugged landscapes and unearth the relics of history, these forsaken settlements will transport you to an era of prospectors, pioneers, and dreamers seeking their fortunes in the Silver State.

Amid the shadows of time, the enigmatic tales of these ghost towns come alive, offering a compelling insight into the hardships, triumphs, and resilience of the people who once called these places home.

Join us on this captivating journey as we uncover the secrets and stories that lie hidden within the haunting beauty of Washoe County’s ghost towns, and experience the enchanting allure of Nevada’s storied past.

  1. Auburn – Located 2 1/2 miles northeast of downtown Reno.
  2. Big Canyon
  3. Brooklyn
  4. Castle Peak
  5. Crystal Peak
  6. Deep Hole
  7. Derby
  8. Diessner
  9. Empire
  10. Flanigan – A town on the Fernley-Klamath Falls branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad at the point where it is crossed by the Western Pacific Railroad. Named for P. L. Flanigan owner of a sheep ranch in the vicinity and a prominent citizen of the county.
  11. Fleish
  12. Franktown
  13. Galena
  14. Glendale (Stone and Gates Crossing)- A community southeast of Reno on the Truckee River, on Donner Party Route. Established in 1853 and named for its pleasant surroundings.
  15. Huffakers
  16. Hunter’s Station
  17. Incline
  18. Jamison’s Station
  19. Jonesville (Upper Pyramid)
  20. Junction House
  21. Lake’s Crossing
  22. Leadville
  23. Magnolia House
  24. Mill Station
  25. Olinghouse – A mining district in Olinghouse Canyon northwest of Wadsworth on the east flank of the Pah Rah Range named for E. Olinghouse who located the mining claims here.
  26. Ophir
  27. Peavine Ranch
  28. Poeville
  29. Pyramid City (Pyramid and Lower Pyramid) – A station on the Southern Pacific Railroad branch one on the northwest side of the lake. A mining district southwest of the lake that was discovered in 1860.
  30. Sand Pass
  31. Steamboat Springs
  32. Vya – A town in northwest Washoe on Nevada 34 just north of its junction with Nevada 8A. Settled in 1907 and was named for Vya Wimer, the first white baby born in the Valley.
  33. Wadsworth– A town in extreme eastern Washoe County. At the big bend in the Truckee River. Known in the early days as Lower Emigrant Crossing on the Southern Pacific Railroad and US 40. The town was laid out in 1868 by the Central Pacific Railroad on which it was a division point until the shops and roundhouse were moved to Sparks in 1904. Named by railroad officials for Brigadier General James S. Wadsworth, a noted Union officer in the Civil War.
  34. Washoe City
  35. Wedekind

Washoe County Nevada