Seasonal stories & historical reading
History of Genoa, Nevada, USA
Journey back in time to Genoa, Nevada, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Genoa, Nevada, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Genoa
Established in 1851 by Mormon traders, it was called Mormon Station until 1855 when, as legend has it, Judge Orson Hyde named the burgeoning town after Genoa, Italy, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
In September of each year, Genoa holds a Candy Dance. The event began in 1919 to raise money for streetlights by passing out candy at a dance and continued to pay the electric bills.
travelnevada.com
In September of each year, Genoa holds a Candy Dance. The event began in 1919 to raise money for streetlights by passing out candy at a dance and continued to pay the electric bills.
travelnevada.com
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VINTAGE GENOA
Genoa Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Genoa, Nevada, USA
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Nevada's Oldest Saloon, est. 1853
Genoa, Nevada, USA
Photo taken by us
Douglas Lodge No. 12. Est. 1868
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to GENOA
I Love NEVADA Mug – Las Vegas, Hoover Dam & Lake Tahoe Coffee Cup
Show your love for the Battle Born State with each sip. It's a conversation starter, a cherished keepsake, and a reminder of all the adventures and memories you've created in Nevada. So, why wait? Add a touch of Nevada charm to your everyday routine with this stunning Ceramic Mug!
NEVADA Dreamin' Ceramic Mug – Lake Tahoe Enthusiast Edition
Embrace your inner Nevadan with this charming ceramic coffee mug, perfect for anyone who proudly claims the Silver State as home. Featuring the playful caption, "I'm from Nevada. That explains a lot about my love for Lake Tahoe, where I ski in winter and tan in summer, sometimes in the same day!"—this mug is a delightful ode to those sunny slopes and snowy peaks that make Lake Tahoe a year-round paradise.
NEVADA ANCESTRY - "My Ancestors Came From Nevada" Mug – The Ultimate Road Trip Companion
Sip your coffee with a side of desert charm! This Nevada-inspired mug proudly boasts the caption: "My Ancestors Came From Nevada. That explains a lot about my love for road trips through endless desert highways, where the tumbleweeds have the right of way."
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Genoa: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Genoa through the years.
1850 - Hampton S. Beatie and party established a trading post on the new Carson River Route of the Emigrant Trail at what would be Genoa.
1851 - June - John Reese and a party of Mormon's from Salt Lake arrived in Carson Valley.
Established a trading post on the Carson River Route of the California Emigrant Trail, Reese's Station.
1852 - First land claims filed in Nevada at Reese's Station now called Mormon Station.
1852 - The first United States Post Office in Nevada opened Dec. 10th, at Mormon Station, Carson County, Utah Territory.
1853 - Benjamin Palmer the first black settler in Nevada took up land south of Genoa on the Emigrant Trail.
1854 - Eliza Mott opened the first school in Nevada in her kitchen
1855 - June 15 - Carson County Probate Judge Orson Hyde, U.S. Judge George Stiles, U.S. Marshal Joseph Heywood, and 35 others arrive at Mormon Station (renamed Genoa by Judge Hyde) to set up Carson County government for western Utah.
1856 - John A. "Snowshoe Thompson" began carrying the mail on skis between Genoa and Placerville.
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1857 - The Motts third child died and was buried in the yard. That grave was the first in what became the first cemetery in Nevada.
1858 - Territorial Enterprise printed in Genoa was the first press printed newspaper in Nevada.
The hanging of Lucky Bill Thorington was the first hanging in Nevada.
The first telegraph line in Nevada was constructed in 1858 between Placerville and Genoa.
The first telegraph line in Nevada was constructed in 1858 between Placerville and Genoa.
1860 - Van Sickle toll road opened between Lake Tahoe and Genoa (Kingsbury Grade).
The first courthouse in Nevada was built in 1860 in Geona, the county seat of Carson County, Utah Territory.
1862 - Wally's Hot Springs - first resort in Nevada, built south of Genoa.
1919 - Candy Dance
The Candy Dance began in 1919 when the town of Genoa had no funds for the street lights they needed. Lillian Virgin Finnegan suggested a buffet dinner dance with candy as a special treat similar to one she had attended on a cruise. Lillian and her aunt, Jane Campbell, headed up the town ladies that made all the food & candy for the dinner dance. All the people of Carson Valley were invited. The ladies of the town passed out candy on silver trays to all those in attendance. It was a huge success and the town got their street lights. The ladies of Genoa and the surrounding area continued each year to provide a lovely buffet and candy for the Candy Dance.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Genoa:
Genoa Bar and Saloon: Start your visit with a trip to the oldest saloon in Nevada, established in 1853. The Genoa Bar and Saloon exudes Old West charm and serves up cold drinks and great stories from the past. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Mormon Station State Historic Park: Explore the site where the first permanent, non-native settlement in Nevada was established in 1851. The park features a replica of the original trading post, which provides insight into the area's early history.
Genoa Courthouse Museum: Located in the heart of Genoa, this museum is housed in a beautiful, historic building. It showcases the town's history with exhibits and artifacts, including a fascinating display of the Pony Express, which once passed through Genoa.
Genoa Lakes Golf Club: If you're a golfer, don't miss the opportunity to play at Genoa Lakes Golf Club. This scenic course offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a challenging round of golf.
Genoa Town Park:...
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Mormon Station State Historic Park: Explore the site where the first permanent, non-native settlement in Nevada was established in 1851. The park features a replica of the original trading post, which provides insight into the area's early history.
Genoa Courthouse Museum: Located in the heart of Genoa, this museum is housed in a beautiful, historic building. It showcases the town's history with exhibits and artifacts, including a fascinating display of the Pony Express, which once passed through Genoa.
Genoa Lakes Golf Club: If you're a golfer, don't miss the opportunity to play at Genoa Lakes Golf Club. This scenic course offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a challenging round of golf.
Genoa Town Park:...
GENEALOGY IN GENOA
Discover YOUR Roots: Genoa Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Genoa through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Genoa, Nevada, USA
We currently have information about 10 ancestors who were born or died in Genoa.
View ancestors by year of birthRESEARCH RESOURCES
Genealogy Resources and General Items of Interest for Genoa
Douglas County Historical Society Courthouse Museum, Genoa, Nevada
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Updated: 9/12/2023 1:53:19 PM
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