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.
- #4 Junction House – The First Settlement
- #18 Pyramid Lake (Koqyoqe Panunadu)
- #24 Olinghouse
- #29 Chinese in Nevada
- #30 Reno
- #43 Derby Diversion Dam
- #62 Truckee River – West
- #63 Truckee River – East
- #68 Wadsworth
- #79 Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery
- #81 Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Tree
- #88 Sparks
- #94 The Winters Ranch (Rancho del Sierra)
- #114 Franktown
- #128 The Great Train Robbery (Nevada)
- #148 The Two Battles Of Pyramid Lake
- #149 High Rock Canyon
- #152 Gerlach
- #166 Bowers Mansion
- #169 Glendale School
- #189 Southern Pacific Railroad Yards
- #191 Verdi
- #198 Steamboat Springs
- #210 Nevada-California-Oregon Railroad Depot
- #211 Old Geiger Grade
- #212 Galena
- #218 Geiger Station (Magnolia House)
- #220 The Fight of the Century
- #221 Sand Harbor
- #227 Lake Mansion
- #230 Mount Rose Weather Observatory
- #234 Moana Springs
- #238 Huffaker’s
- #240 Coney Island
- #245 Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps (June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969)
- #246 The Great Incline of the Sierra Nevada
- #247 Site of Nevada’s First Public Library
- #248 Virginia & Truckee Railroad Right of Way
- #253 Emigrant – Donner Camp
- #256 Historic Transportation
- #265 Governor Emmet Derby Boyle
- #267 Galena Creek Fish Hatchery
- #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.
- Auburn – Located 2 1/2 miles northeast of downtown Reno.
- Big Canyon
- Brooklyn
- Castle Peak
- Crystal Peak
- Deep Hole
- Derby
- Diessner
- Empire
- 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.
- Fleish
- Franktown
- Galena
- 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.
- Huffakers
- Hunter’s Station
- Incline
- Jamison’s Station
- Jonesville (Upper Pyramid)
- Junction House
- Lake’s Crossing
- Leadville
- Magnolia House
- Mill Station
- 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.
- Ophir
- Peavine Ranch
- Poeville
- 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.
- Sand Pass
- Steamboat Springs
- 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.
- 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.
- Washoe City
- Wedekind