Historical Markers of Churchill County
- HM 10 - Sand Mountain
- HM 19 - Ragtown
- HM 26 - Forty Mile Desert
- HM 27 - Grimes Point (Prehistoric Rock Art Site)
- HM 83 - Rock Creek (Cold Springs Station)
- HM 110 - Wagon Jack Shelter
- HM 111 - Edwards Creek Valley
- HM 135 - New Pass Station
- HM 147 - A Home of Early Man
- HM 161 - Churchill County Courthouse
- HM 178 - Hazen
- HM 201 - Wonder (Historic Mining Camp -- 1909-1919)
- HM 202 - Fairview (1905-1917)
- HM 215 - Lahontan Dam
- HM 216 - Stillwater
- HM 263 - Oats Park School
Nevada Landmarks Home Page
*HM 19*
-- Ragtown --
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Location: Western Churchill County
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Date Conquered: 7/21/07
Nearest intersection: Pioneer Way
Quick Description: A marker commemorating a famous oasis on the Carson River and final respite for California bound emigrants.
Signed: Yes -- Signed on both lanes of US 50.
GPS: LAT, N39° 30' 20.6" LON, W118° 55' 09.4"
Marker History: #19, among the low number series of Stone markers, has been re-done in the past decade using the "Standard (L)" after its vandalism circa 1994. After a few requests were made, ther marker was removed and not surprisingly, its re-erection became an afterthought. Fortunately, after a few years hiatus (give or take five years), #19 was spotted along the roadside once again, re-erected using this new issue. Kudos to NDOT for a job well done!
Full Description:
Ragtown was never a town, but the name of a most welcome oasis and hamlet. This mecca on the banks of nearby Carson River received its name from the appearance of pioneer laundry spread on every hand bush around.
The Forty-Mile Desert, immediately to the north, was the most dreaded portion of the California Emigrant Trail. Ragtown was the first water stop after the desert. To the thirst-craved emigrants and their animals, no site was more welcome than the trees lining the Carson River.
Imagine, if you will, the moment when the animals first picked up the scent of water--the lifted head, the quickened pace, and finally the mad, frenzied dash to the water's edge. Then, rest and repair for the arduous crossing of the Sierra Nevada that lay ahead.
In 1854, Asa Kenyon located a trading post near Ragtown. Here he offered goods and supplies to the trappers. During the 1850's and 1860's, Ragtown was one of the most important sites on the Carson branch of the California Trail.
Exact description as reads...
