Genoa, Nevada: The State's Oldest Pioneer Settlement

Mormons Abner Blackburn &
Hampton Beatie established a
temporary trading post in
western Carson Valley in 1850.

The trading post was known

as Mormon Station.

The following year, Mormons brought in supplies and a more permanent trading post was built.  Soon there settlement had a blacksmith shop and livery stable.  Flour and saw mills were built to serve the Mormon settlers.






In 1851, this section of Nevada
was part of the Utah Territory.





The squatter's government was replaced by Mormon Probate Judge Orson Hyde in 1854.  He also served as the community's spiritual adviser.

Hyde renamed the

town Genoa

In 1857 Brigham Young called
all Mormans back to Salt Lake
City to defend it from the
advancing U.S. Army.

Genoa was a regular stop on 

the Pony Express from 1860 

through 1861.

The same year Congress created
the Nevada Territory.

Nevada became a state in 1864.

Genoa continued as a hub for
passenger & freight traffic while
the Comstock silver and gold
discoveries continued.

The Central Pacific Railroad line

was built through Minden &
Genoa saw declines in shipping.

A fire in 1910 burned down two blocks of businesses and several homes.  Many who lost homes and businesses left for other communities.  Genoa cleaned up the damage, did some rebuilding and today is a popular tourist area showcasing Nevada's first pioneer settlement.