Nevada's Birthplace
Old Location: Central Douglas County, Minden
NEW LOCATION:
Old Directions: "Located at the junction of U.S. Highway 395 and State Route 88 just north of Minden, Nevada.
NEW DIRECTIONS:
Location: 2
Visibility: 2
Accessibility: 10
Marker type: Stone
Date Conquered: 1/20/11
Nearest Intersection: Airport Road/Heybourne Lane
Quick Description: A marker remembering the founding roots of Nevada.
Signed: No -- This marker has since been removed from its previous location. Any signage was no doubt lost in the process.
The Conquering of [12] Nevada's Birthplace
After a decade of frustration, [12] Nevada's Birthplace has finally been conquered![12] Nevada's Birthplace is missing from its original location this marker now lives in a peaceful existence protected by candid eyes. Without second thought, I called the number and was given permission to visit [12] and within minutes, I was on my way to finally conquer this old Stone marker. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a handful of county officials all of whom were happy to discuss the marker's history!
Yes folks, there is a reason why this marker is behind bars...
A State of Shock
First off, you may wondering why I keep referring to these people as "county officials." Well, here's the bad news: [12] is located on private property, well-protected behind a barbed wire fence at the Douglas County Public Works facility branch in Carson Valley. (More on this in a minute ...) All of the officials were surprised at the notoriety of this marker. In addition, the Douglas officials had recognized me from my article in the Nevada Appeal and wanted to help me in any way they could to close this case for good. In fact, I was given another shocker when county road worker, who has asked to keep his identity a secret, greeted me with a firm handshake. The worker, who I've nicknamed "Buddy", was the very same person who moved this marker from its current location at the State Route 88 junction in Minden sometime around 1998. Truly, Buddy didn't want to withhold any information and while I myself could tell you the story in my own words, I think you'll find his story a bit more intriguing. Buddy began telling the story with fast lib and a business-like demeanor making absolutely sure that I soaked in the full story ...
Buddy: "It (the marker) used to be at a Park & Ride, right at the junction there at 88 and 395 in Minden. If you go there today you'll see a big dirt patch. When it was time to build the intersection, we had to demolish the Park & Ride and my supervisors told me I had two options ... either take it (the marker) or it's going to the dump. I didn't want to see it destroyed, so we loaded it up onto a trailer and moved it here."
Paul: "So, you moved it here because you had no other choice --"
Buddy: "-- I thought it was too unique for it go to the dump."
And the golden question that sealed the deal...
Paul:
Buddy: "Very carefully."
After the reveal, everybody at the office including myself thanked Buddy for his initiative! I reminded him that without his intuition, this precious stone marker would have been lost forever. To my surprise, my invitation to conquer [12] offered everybody a bit of closure. For years, nobody had known why this marker was here! The first time anybody at the office had learned the full story about a stone monument that stood right outside their bay windows was finally revealed. [12] sits at an angle facing Genoa, approximately five miles to the southeast. Buddy himself set the marker in this position because he thought it best represented "Nevada's Birthplace." Kudos! ... And case closed! Not only is [12] very much alive, but it is forever protected at its new home amidst caring people.
I'll admit I was a bit frustrated at first when I learned that this marker is now mostly inaccessible to the public. Learning the truth, and seeing the marker's rugged condition, however, had freed my mindset of this small inconvenience. In short, I'm glad the decision was made to relocate it on private property. Thanks to this decision, the marker is in excellent condition considering the hardship it's been through. Its text is all original, well-legible, and still etched in stone as it was twenty years ago. The fence and survellance cameras posted on the Douglas County Public Works building forever protects this old girl from future mishaps and vandalism. As such, I leave you with this ...
The entrance to the Douglas County Public Works on Heybourne Lane. Don't even think about trespassing without permission!
A Word of Caution:
I end this former MIA case on an important note: The Douglas officials were nice enough to ask that the public do not visit #12 without permission. This facility is private property and vehicles that visit without permission or prior notification are subject to impoundment. To plan your visit to the marker, the Works Office is open Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm. Upon closing, the gate is locked and monitored by surveillance cameras. Therefore, do not by any means loiter or linger around the facility for a peek at the marker from outside the fence. I only say this because it wouldn't take long for a Douglas Sheriff to arrive and ask you to leave.
... Now, onto the marker!
This old girl has seen its fair share of hardships!
Full Description:
Exact description as reads ...
The people who work at the County Works finally know the true story behind this old marker!
Carson Valley is the birthplace of Nevada. In 1850 a first settlement was made at Mormon Station, renamed Genoa in 1856. Here, in 1851, the first attempt to form a government was made. In 1861, Nevada's Territorial Government was established at Genoa.
Over the old road skirting the west bank of the Carson River thousands of immigrants moved southward to cross the Sierra, feeding their livestock on grass cut along the river. At Genoa, at Mottsville, settled in 1852; and at Sheridan, settled by Moses Job about 1854, they stopped to enjoy produce of the state's first gardens. Pony Express riders used this route in 1860, switching in 1861 to the shorter Dagget Trail, now Kingsbury Grade.
[12] standing proud with the protection it deserves. "Buddy" angled this marker to face Genoa, approx. 5 miles in the b.g.
** This facility is PRIVATE PROPERTY. Permission is REQUIRED for any and all visits! **
(The officials have asked that I keep the contact information for this facility secret for privacy of the county works. I figure if any of you are so inclined to visit the marker, you'll put in the effort to find the right contact number.)
** Many thanks go to the anonymous "tip" I received for revealing this marker's location. You know who you are.
** Also, many thanks to the officials at the Douglas County Public Works for allowing me access to conquer [12]. I enjoyed the laughs and sharing my marker adventures with you all.
** Finally, many thanks goes to "Buddy" at Douglas County road maintenance for relocating this marker so many years ago for the sake of future protection. Your initiative is valued beyond words.
See you out there!
