History of Genoa, Nevada, USA

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.

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.

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:... Read MORE...