Genoa, Nevada

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Simpson expedition Genoa, Nevada.
Simpson expedition Genoa, Nevada.

Genoa, Nevada was the first settlement in the Nevada territory in 1850. The population of Genoa as of 2005 is 248 [1]. It is situated in the Carson Valley and is about 42 miles south of Reno, Nevada.

Genoa was first settled by Mormons from Utah, creating a fort on the Carson Pass trail between Sacramento and Utah. The original Mormon traders sold their fort in 1854 to a rancher. The town was the home to Nevada's first hotel, newspaper and court.[citation needed] Nevada's first newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise was founded in Genoa in 1858, but moved to Virginia City, Nevada in 1860. Another first for the state, the Genoa Bar, billed "Nevada's oldest thirst parlor", was patronized by Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt and Johnny Cash and was used in John Wayne and Clint Eastwood films.[citation needed]

Much of Genoa, including the original fort, station and hotel was destroyed in a fire in 1910, but replica of the fort was built in 1947. Every year since 1919 Genoa has held a festival called The Candy Dance, where candy, food and crafts are sold to support its town government. The Candy Dance is usually held during the final weekend of September. Many pioneers rest in the Genoa graveyard including Snowshoe Thompson, his wife and his son.

A mile south of Genoa is David Walley's Resort, a famous natural hot springs and spa, now an upscale resort. It was first built in 1862 and known as Walley's Hot Springs.

Genoa, Nevada, unlike the city of Genoa, Italy, is pronounced with the accent on the second syllable: ge-NO-a.

42 miles from Reno, NV to Genoa, NV (see Mapquest© or Google Maps©). 17 miles to Lake Tahoe (Stateline, NV). Depending on route, it is about 431 miles to Las Vegas, NV.

Coordinates: 39°00′16″N, 119°50′50″W

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