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Missing Markers:
"The obnoxious case of the MIA's"
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So far in my collection of Nevada's historical markers, a handful of markers are what I consider "MIA's", markers that are "Missing in Action" so to speak. These 'MIA's' end up missing usually because of one of these three things...
1. Rapid expansion in our state -- when workers and builders take down the markers purposefully for their safety, but forget to re-erect them
2. 'Accidental deaths' -- when a marker is accidentally hit by a vehicle and destroyed
3. Intentional vandalism -- a sad case when a marker is intentionally de-faced, removed, destroyed or placed on private property by reasons known only to the perpetraitor.
In a few instances, mainly in rural areas, some markers have been vandalized beyond recognition and removed by the Historical Society itself to prevent further repair costs!
After speaking to the State Historic Preservation Office, or SHPO, I have learned that processes are being done to re-erect these missing markers. For one thing, it is NOT the job of the Office for erecting and maintaining of the state's historical markers, but rather NDOT's. In addition, the Office doesn't seem to record which markers go missing. The only way they found out is by us, the actual marker hunters, who call up and let them know they're present state. Therefore, finding any information on the missing markers in regards to their whereabouts or what happened to them is a real hit and miss, especially in rural areas of Nevada. As state budget costs fluctuate rapidly, needless to say, the task of looking out for the markers are down at the bottom of the list. If you would like these markers to be re-erected, as I would (especially to complete ALL 267)... please, feel free to write me or you can give the Office a call at (775) 684-3448. Like anything, with enough badgering and the public talking about how important they are, something WILL be done, even it is one marker at a time. In the meantime, if you see anybody vandalizing or otherwise defacing any historic markers, a downed marker that's recently been hit or any other oddity that may threaten the 'life' of the marker, please feel free to speak up! If you don't, another marker could be very well added to this already growing MIA list.
Until then, these are the following markers that I dub as "MIA's", markers that are still in the system, but aren't anywhere to be found. All of these markers (or marker locations) I have personally checked and confirmed that they ARE MISSING. At the risk of sounding pessimistic, don't expect these to be replaced anytime soon, due to recent state budget cuts and/or conflicting public and private land ownerships. On the other hand, maybe with a little badgering on our part, we can see them re-erected in the next few months or so. A few of these markers you'll find have their own page on this website, along with an "UPDATE" at the top of their page. This is only because I was fortunate enough to conquer them BEFORE their disappearance. Until a new update is posted, today's viewer will still find them completely gone.
Keep checking back on this page and Nevada-Landmarks, as further updates will be posted as soon I have them!
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~ As of: Oct/Nov 2009 ~
Missing Markers: 22/267
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-- Conquered, 'Late Removal' --
HM 10
Sand Mountain
[Churchill Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located just east of Fallon on US Highway 50."
Status: Notice the directions are in black, not red!. This one is a true loss for Nevadans. Everyone's loved and favorite place for desert fun, Sand Mountain, has been de-flowered by the sad and pathetic removal of its marker, #10. In addition, the famed "Loneliest Phone on the Loneliest Phone" was too, stolen by a few heartless idiots. From the information I've gathered, this marker was hit by a trailer, hauling a few of those dune buggies on their way out. Since the marker was already in bad shape, the legs finally gave way and fell to the ground. Here's where it gets interesting: instead of leaving the marker where it lie, it was taken and for all we know, could very well be sitting in their backyard! This separates it from being an accidental marker death, to purposeful! This case coincides with the disappearance of the "Loneliest Phone" as well. It's unclear whether these vandals stole the phone too, but it's not hard to put both of these disappearances together. 1 plus 1 always equals 2. In any case, this is a pathetic example of most likely transplants who don't know any better and red lighting the moniker, "transplants just don't care." If the marker was left alone, its likely NDOT would've taken it back to the station, refaced and re-inforced the legs for its re-erection. However, #10 will now most likely be forever gone, simply because of the sheer cost it takes to completely remake a whole new marker.
More information will be updated once I locate #10's true whereabouts, but until then, this makes #22 in our list of already state MIAs. If you happen to find out any more information in regards to this marker, please
let me know
so I can update this information with full credit given to you!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 12*
Nevada's Birthplace
[Douglas Co.]
Directions:
(According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:)
"Located at the junction of U.S. Highway 395 and State Route 88 just north of Minden, Nevada."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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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.
Status: As far as we know, there is NO MARKER HERE. In the case of #12, Nevada's Birthplace, I underwent some ardious research, only to learn that the marker was actually moved after NDOT rebuilt this intersection in 1993. Now where it was moved, nobody really knows for sure. I gave NDOT a call to find this out, and they quote, "don't have any records of an historic marker at that intersection". I roll my eyes at that response. In addition, I asked around and a few locals do remember the marker and a few even told me it was moved near Lampe Park in Gardnerville for awhile. After checking there too, covering Lampe Park from end to end and many of the back streets around the area to no avail, all of this information and months of trying to find this marker has led me to conclude that this marker is indeed MIA.
Unfortunately, hours of web searching hasn't led me to any new information on this marker. However, there are a few very elusive pictures of #12 sitting around Lampe Park courtesy of Phantomlair.com. At the risk of jumping to conclusions, I know these pictures aren't phony, simply because they clearly show the marker with chipped off edges and faded lettering, evidence of it taking damage after being moved by NDOT. The background in the photos are extremely difficult to make out, completely counting out any clues at to where it's true location (if there still is), is! I've been to Lampe Park and nearly every corner around the neighborhood, and still, completely unsuccessful in finding this marker. This frustrates me even more. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough? If you want to do your own hunting, it is an old "Stone" type marker and from what I've heard is in really bad shape. If you did find it, it'd probably blend in very well. According to my research, it was last seen "around Lampe Park" in Gardnerville. If you do find this marker, or have any information regarding it, please
let me know
and I will be glad to give you full credit to the finding of this marker!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 24*
Olinghouse
[Washoe Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located off a dirt road approximately six miles northwest of Wadsworth, Nevada."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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Named for a former teamster-turned-sheepman, Elias Olinghouse, who settled in a quiet canyon at the base of the Pah Rah mountain range to get away from it all. As prospecting activities increased about him, Olinghouse was caught up in the whirl of things, buying several claims and erecting a small stamp mill in 1903 to process ores.
The district was first prospected in 1860; it was not organized, however, until 1899. Shortly thereafter, the region reached its peak of activity, producing $410,000 in gold and silver values between 1898 and 1903.
Both electric and telephone service were installed in 1903, and in 1907 the standard-gauge Nevada Railroad arrived. This short-lived railroad was completed from a junction on the Southern Pacific near Wadsworth to Olinghouse in February of 1907; regular operations ceased on November 1, 1907. Aside from its short life, the Nevada Railroad Company was distinguished by having the first Shay-geared locomotives to be used in Nevada.
Sporadic activity has continued at Olinghouse until the present time. Total production is estimated to have been $520,000.
Status: There is quite a bit of story regarding this annoying marker. I learned there is much more to Olinghouse than meets the books. TONS of research has gone into uncovering the mystery of the Olinghouse Marker and although my search still continues today, I've concluded that #24 is pretty much forever gone, with an extremely slim that it'll ever be back. I'll get to why in a minute. If you ply the road to Olinghouse today, don't be shocked if you find it "CLOSED!" 6 miles from the highway. That's right. What was then is now a large cattle gate spanning the road, with liberally posted "Private Property" signs and other threatening signs warning people to "Stay Out!" My trip up to the gate was a calm one, however, others who came before me had much different experiences, including threats of violence...
Until about 5 years ago, the Olinghouse Marker (#24) was located at the townsite of Olinghouse, just a few minutes north of Wadsworth off of SR 447. As in the case of any old ghost town in Nevada, visitors could drive right up the road to Olinghouse, park, walk around and enjoy an old piece of our heritage. Well, those days are gone, in terms of Olinghouse that is. A new mining corporation, "Target Minerals", bought the entire townsite of Olinghouse and a good sum of adjoining lands, forever closing the town to the public for the sake of re-working the Olinghouse Mine. Here's where it gets interesting: I got in contact with Bob from Forgottennevada.org and a few others from an active GhostTownWebRing and have learned much about the goings on at Olinghouse. The owner (who's contact number I shall keep to myself for privacy reasons) is actually a pretty decent guy, stating that he only closed the town from the public for liability reasons. However, the story takes an abrupt turn when he stated that he has a "caretaker living on the property that likes to shoot at people". Research reports that some people who have tried to visit Olinghouse have been severely threatened by this 'caretaker', with little to no regard for anybody else, including threats of violence, nasty emails and reporting of 'trespassing' to Washoe County Sheriff. The problem is, these accused people have NEVER crossed the gate onto the property, but were confronted by this 'caretaker' for simply driving the PUBLIC ROAD to the town.
Accusations brought on by this 'caretaker' have made it all the way to Reno and now, don't be surprised if you see Washoe County Sheriff patrolling the 5 mile dirt path. In defense, the people who HAVE been threatened (including a single father WITH his 7 year old son at gunpoint!)also reported the incidents, but there is no new news on this lunatic 'caretaker'. My advice would be to just stay away. Accessing Olinghouse is OUT OF THE QUESTION, unless you can get in touch with the owner himself. Email me if you'd like more information. A fellow marker hunter, Dave S, has also been actively working to find out information about mysterious #24. According to a late email he sent to me, he met with Mara Jones, one of the Architectural Historians at the SHPO and learned a little more truth to this story.
Mara: "The marker at Olinghouse is no longer there. Apparently people were using it for target practice and the state was tired of replacing it (the plaque). We're still unsure whether we want to replace it or not."
The case of #24, Olinghouse, is a sad example of how heartless vandalism ruins precious sites for everybody! On a good note, Olinghouse is very well preserved, with 4 buildings and the cemetery still present! According to the owner, Olinghouse itself is in "good condition. We're keeping the town as it is and working around it." Although the townsite IS on private property, this preserves it for future generations, with hopefully some resolve to this mess in the future. As for conquering this marker, it's pretty much out of the question. The hunt for Olinghouse still continues today, but if you want to do your own hunting for it, I advise MUCH caution if you ply the road to Olinghouse! The road to Olinghouse is UNSIGNED, but the wide graded dirt road is hard to miss, located exactly 3 miles N of Wadsworth. Even though the road leads to private property, the county still maintains it, making it passable in any passenger car. The town itself lies only 6 miles W of SR 447, but the locked gate is at Mile 5. #24 is a "medium sized Standard" type marker.
BONUS!
As an added plot twist, even more research sprang up a rumor that #24 is actually located 70 miles northward at Bruno's Country Club in Gerlach! My thoughts on this rumor resemble a teeter totter, simply because I have seen what looked like a state historic marker (built by the SHPO) sitting in front of Bruno's. This "marker" was without a plaque, but instead embossed with the words "Bruno's Country Club". This also goes hand in hand with Mara's story: "People were using it for target practice and the state got tired of replacing it (the plaque)..." Maybe, just maybe, somebody might have found the marker and donated it to Bruno? If so, at least #24 would be present, regardless of its state, to be conquered. Again, this is only a rumor, but in terms of hunting for Olinghouse... I'll take any information I can get.
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 32*
Old Spanish Trail (1829-1850)
[Clark Co.]
Directions:
(According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:)
"Located in Fantasy Park, 1/4 mile east of Las Vegas Boulevard North and Washington Street in Las Vegas, Nevada."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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Stretching for 130 miles across Clark County, this historic horse trail became Nevada's first route of commerce in 1829 when trade was initiated between Santa Fe and Los Angeles. The trail was later used by the wagons of the "49ers" and Mormon pioneers. Concrete posts marking the trail were erected in 1965.
Status: Poor #32 seems to have suffered the same fate as all the MIA's down in Clark County: victim of massive urbanization. 15 years ago, there was a "Fantasy Park" that DID exist at this exact intersection. It wasn't much, little more than just a nice place to relax at the corner of LV Blvd and Washington. In fact, the "park" (if you can call it that) was actually built AROUND the marker, resembling a memorial, with a picnic table and grassy area for the kids or pets. For a short time it even had a small statue commemorating the OST. Unfortunately, the times caught up and huge renovations took place, decimating the little park and more than likely, the marker along with it. Today at Washington and LV Blvd, you will only be greeted by the Grant Sawyer Building, a huge state building with password and/or permission entry only. On my conquering of Clark, I tried to get into the complex by stating who I was and how far I'd come to capture the marker. I stated that I only wanted to walk the grounds for a few minutes and even offered to hand them my driver's license as collateral. I only got a rude reply stating that "only state officials are allowed through the gates. You have to leave." With that, I contacted a fellow marker hunter, Gary B. from NDOT (a state official) who himself has stated that #32 is nowhere to be found on this complex. It's rumored that the marker may be at a local maintenance station, but I find this highly unlikely considering that #32 is a rare "Classic" plaque, which would need to be removed from the mortar of a stone tower.
A week later, after coming back home from my conquering of Clark County, I researched the archives in Carson City to shed a little light on this marker. What information I found was extremely vague, and in some cases, almost non-existent. Apparently, the builders of the complex tried to work around #32, knowing full well that once it was destroyed, it would never again be replaced. This is my deduction according to the tiny bits of info I gathered, more or less, connecting dots for dots without confusing apples for bananas. This notion is promising, considering their reluctance to rid of the marker! This leads me to believe that #32 IS ALIVE, located somewhere in busy downtown mess of 'Lost Vegas'. Problem is, I never met a person who could truly find a needle in a haystack, especially a haystack as big as downtown LV. Fantasy Park was a perfect locale, considering the OST roughly followed the path of current North LV Blvd and parts of Washington. After this intersection, the OST ran south, following the path of Main Street, then the Strip, down to about Flamingo then northwest toward to SR 159. Logic dictates the marker could be along this path, keyword: COULD. Other hunches could be about a mile E of the intersection on Washington, but on my conquering, I went in circles for a good hour looking, asking, and searching for #32, all to no avail. The Clark MIA's are a thorn in my side because they aren't a skip away from where I live. In short, I'm relying on YOU, the fellow hunter, to keep me posted. If you live in Las Vegas and want to do your own hunting, #32 is a rare "Classic" type marker similar to markers #25, 27 & 31-34... last seen mortared into a stone tower about knee high at the intersection of North LV Blvd and Washington where today's Grant Sawyer Building is. If you yourself are a state official/employee and have access to the Building, have any further information, or even find this marker please,
let me know
and I will be glad to give you full credit to the finding of this marker!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 35*
Las Vegas Mormon Fort and Rancho (Nevada's Oldest Building)
[Clark Co.]
Directions:
(According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:)
"Located at North Las Vegas Boulevard at Washington Street."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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At this location Las Vegas had its beginning on June 14, 1855, when 30 Mormon missionaries arrived from Utah. They built a 150-foot square adobe fort enclosing eight two-story houses, cultivated small gardens and fields, planted fruit and shade trees, and established friendly relations with the Paiutes.
After the Mormons departed in 1858, Octavius Decatur Gass developed Las Vegas Rancho, using the adobe structures as headquarters. He farmed 800 acres, supplying produce to miners and travelers.
Mrs. Helen J. Stewart, owner of the property from 1882 to 1903, expanded the ranch to 1,800 acres, which she sold to the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad Company as the Las Vegas townsite, auctioned on May 15, 1905, starting contemporary Las Vegas.
One of the Fort houses remains as a monument to the 1855 pioneers.
Status: All I have to say about this one is this: Show some respect Vegas! This one is a damn shame considering the marker that commemorates NEVADA'S OLDEST BUILDING is GONE! Before I sound too harsh, this one MAY have a logical reason behind its disappearance, "MAY" meaning, it might be there right under our noses. When you visit the fort, you will find 2 markers out back. One is a Clamper, near the rear exhibits erected by DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers) and the other is out front, erected by the Clark County Boy Scouts. This marker sits near the museum that was probably erected when it was first built or remodeled. (The information gets sketchy here). In any case, the marker out front is interesting because it has the exact wording and description as the text listed above, along with a few extra lines thrown in. It's rumored this newer marker was built to "replace" the original blue Standard when the renovations took place. More or less, the text on this new marker IS #35, but because the marker itself isn't the original, I've concluded it as MIA. A few marker hunters before me shared this same information that I found upon my conquering of Clark, so I know the information is accurate. While I was there, I asked the few museum attendants about #35, only to get blank stares in reply. This makes sense considering none of them were probably older than 30. The few people I spoke with had no idea there was even an original here. Figures. I also checked with Nevada State Parks to shine a little light on what happened here. As expected, the markers are "out of their jurisdiction", but I still found it frustrating why they knew little to nothing about this particular state park. Maybe it sits outside of the dimension of all things Nevada?
The Clark MIA's are a thorn in my side because they aren't a skip away from where I live. In short, I'm relying on YOU, the fellow hunter, to keep me posted. If you live in Las Vegas and want to do your own hunting for #35, it was released by the SHPO as a large Standard type. From the information I found, it was erected where the current marker is in front of the museum. If you find #35's original marker, or plaque, please,
let me know
and I will be glad to give you full credit to the finding of this marker!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 40*
Las Vegas (The Meadows)
[Clark Co.]
Directions:
(According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:)
"Located on West Charleston Avenue and Valley View Road in Las Vegas, Nevada."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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The famous Las Vegas Springs rose from the desert floor here, sending two streams of water across the valley to nurture the native grasses and create lush meadows in the valley near Sunrise Mountain. The water gushed forth with such force that a man could not sink in the Springs.
The natural oasis of meadow and mesquite forest was the winter homeland of Paiutes, who spent the summers in the Charleston Mountains.
An unknown Spanish-speaking sojourner, whether padre, trapper or trader, named Las Vegas "The Meadows," and marked it as such on a map of the Southwestern Desert.
Antonio Armijo stopped at the Springs in 1829-30, traveling a route which became known as the Old Spanish Trail. After 1830, the route was traveled by Spanish traders, emigrants and frontiersmen, who rested beside the Springs. On one of his western explorations trips, John C. Frémont camped here on May 3, 1844.
Because of artesian water here, Mormons established the Las Vegas Mission and Fort in 1855; the Valley became a huge cattle ranch from 1866 to 1904; and the San Pedro, Los Angeles, Salt Lake Railroad Company acquired water rights and land and created the City of Las Vegas in 1905.
Status: This case is a sad and depressing one, not because it's the case of another MIA, but because it's a marker with MANY historical connections. #40 goes hand in hand with just about EVERY MARKER in Clark County. It makes mention of several references in Clark's markers AND the rest of Nevada, such as Armijo, the OST, John C. Fremont and the Paiute Indians. This marker is a great loss to our system and needs to either be found or re-erected ASAP!
 The previous site of Marker #40.
It's downright pathetic that the LVVWD (Las Vegas Valley Water District) actually builds and erects a commemoration of the Meadows and Springs yet somehow manages to lose/destroy the very marker it's founded by. Talk about a dog with its tail between its legs...
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Here's the story: Perhaps no other intersection in Las Vegas has undergone more renovation than Charleston at Valley View. At the NE corner of this intersection, you'll find the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) Headquarters, the former site of #40 as listed on several NDOT maps. Originally, the marker was placed here and before renovations took place of the HQ's grounds, #40 was in full view from any corner of the intersection. It was a good spot, considering what-were the actual Las Vegas Meadows/Springs are only a 1/4 mile N of here (now gone and replaced by a pathetic shopping mall). Apparently, the Headquarters weren't paying attention when landscapers came in and started full renovation on the NE corner. Ironically, in 2007, the new "Springs Preserve" was opened in commemoration of its history, a sight seeing attraction built around the Las Vegas Spring 'theme'. What's even more funny is Nevada released a new license plate commemorating the Las Vegas Springs Preserve! What a crying shame. If it's ever found, the new Preserve would be the best place to re-erect it. Finding information on this one is a difficult process. The employees at the LVVWD keep their mouths shut to any one who isn't a city/county/state official; that means us marker hunters with begging questions. I spent more time looking for this one that any other MIA in Clark County... searching parks, ponds, schools, fire stations, nearby museums, all within a 2 square mile radius and found not even a hint of anything. Even the Archives in Carson City have little info, let alone the SHPO. The hunt for #40 continues, but if you want to do your own physical searching for it, I advise MUCH CAUTION if you happen onto the grounds of the Headquarters! The grounds are heavily guarded and security patrols this place day, night and every time in between. Yours truly nearly got in trouble when the security officer approached me on my visit. I pulled into the grounds and security apparently saw me walk up to both office entrances (closed at the time) with notebook in hand mind you. I did a little scouring on what grounds there are, taking notes of my findings in the parking lot. I informed him as to who I was and how far I've come. It didn't matter. He very bluntly told me to leave without another word. He was too new to know anything about the history of anything 'Las Vegas Spring' and probably didn't even know what the well signified, let alone where the hell the very water he drinks comes from. Typical...
 Even the LVWWD erected a plaque commemorating the Spring!
If they hadn't LOST #40 in the first place, they would'nt have had to!
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The Clark MIA's are a thorn in my side because they aren't a skip away from where I live. In short, I'm relying on YOU, the fellow hunter, to keep me posted. This intersection is passed by thousands of people everyday and fewer than 1% will ever know that #40 even existed, or even what the Las Vegas Springs are/were. We need to change that! If you happen this way and somehow miraculously run into this marker, or have any information regarding it please,
let me know
so I can update this information or finding of it with full credit given to you! Only the LVWWD knows what happened to #40, but their mouths aren't opening. It was first erected around 1984 as a large "Standard" type marker that sat on the NE corner of Charleston and Valley View Rd. The odds of it ever being erected (or even found) again is extremely slim and it may have been destroyed altogether. Us marker hunters can only hope though right?
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-- Conquered, 'Late Removal' --
HM 84
Jedediah Strong Smith
(Explorer of the Western Wilderness)
[White Pine]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located at the rest areas, Alternate U.S. Highway 50, four miles north of Ely, Nevada."
Status: Well, I will say I NEVER expected this one to go missing, but unlike the others, it has a perfectly logical explanation for its removal. Although, I've already recorded this marker on this website, today's visitor will find no marker here! (Click on the link below to view this marker) #84 recently went MIA as of this summer (2009), due to the closing of this rest area, just north of Ely. This rest area was a pointless one, mainly because of its proximity to a major town. I contacted the Ely branch NDOT on this one and here's what they had to say.
NDOT: "...That rest area is in the process of being torn down. Nobody used it and we're doing it to reduce maintenance costs."
In regards to the marker...
"It was torn down too. We hope to have it up in the next few months."
Finally, an MIA with an explanation! This alone is reassuring and it's probably sitting right in their maintenance yard. I never had a chance to swing by to confirm this, but I will the next time I'm out that way. In closing, for now #84 will remain MIA with a good chance that it will be re-erected at least next year (2010) during the spring. No word on what the rest area will become, but at least funding for it will be transferred somewhere else... maybe to the maintenance of historical markers?? One can only hope. More information as it comes later.
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 85*
Sutro
[Lyon Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located on U.S. Highway 50, three miles east of Dayton, Nevada."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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Sutro was a town, a tunnel and a man. The orderly town was headquarters for the Sutro drainage tunnel. Adolph Sutro, German born, came to the Comstock in 1860. He advocated a drainage tunnel, visualizing development of the Comstock resource by a system long used to drain and explore mineral deposits.
By 1865, his vision gained approval of state and federal legislation. However, the mining interests, having at first supported the tunnel, became strongly opposed.
When construction began in 1869, it was first financed by the mine workers, since the tunnel would improve mine safety. Later, the funding came from international bankers.
The main tunnel broke through in 1878. Lateral tunnels were extended and the project drained, ventilated and serviced the Comstock as planned. When the tunnel was proven, Adolph Sutro sold his interest in the tunnel company and returned to San Francisco. A "magnificent hole in the ground" remains.
Status: I live only a few miles from here and I know for a fact, there is NO MARKER HERE. This could be for a very good reason. Up until about 5 years ago, Dayton was a quiet, sleepy town on US 50 East, the last real stop before heading out into the open plains of Lyon and Churchill Counties. Now, the housing boom in Dayton has changed everything, including the location of this marker. If you trip three miles from the stoplight in Dayton, "three miles east of Dayton" would put you exactly intersecting "Segale Road". All that lies at Segale Rd and US 50 are open, sageless plains of dirt where housing developers have pathetically plowed everything away to make way for new homes. This makes sense why that marker isn't to be found there today. I researched the official roap maps from NDOT, and what I found was interesting. These PDF maps clearly show a #85 somewhere in the suburban mess around "Fortune Dr", at the end of a suburban col-de-sac. I recently drove into this area and after spending a good half hour looking for it, I came out with no luck. (The "locals" probably weren't too thrilled about it either). In any case, after months of searching to find this marker, I've officially concluded it as MIA.
My only 'hunch' a little while back ago led me to believe it might've been located on the 'Private Property' of the Sutro Tunnel. The Storey County Historical Society arranges a tour only once a year to the Tunnel and if the marker was moved, instead of destroyed, it might've been moved up here in a haste. However, a recent email from Dave S, another fellow marker hunter, changed that hunch altogether. He got in touch with the owner of the Sutro Tunnel Co. and stated that the marker is NOT at the Sutro Property. More information from the owner revealed that several years ago, the Boy Scout Troop in Dayton restored the marker AND sign at that very same turnout. A few years past by and the marker fell victim to what we jokingly call, 'Blue Sign Season'. In other words, the same fate occured with Sutro as did Olinghouse, a generous plowing of buckshot! According to the owner, the Troop took it down the same time NDOT started working on that section of 50, completely removing any trace of the marker ever being there. From what we both could tell, the owner didn't mind the marker being removed, stating: "We don't want anyone to know where Sutro is". Very sad AND asinine.
Needless to say, #85 Sutro is a prime example of the endless loop of research we're doing trying to find out the whereabouts of these missing markers. If you want to do your own hunting, it is a "Large Standard" type marker that disappeared around 2002. If you do find #85 or have ANY information regarding it, please
let me know
let me know and I will be glad to give you full credit to the finding of this marker!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 90*
Delamar "The Widow Maker" (1893-1909)
[Lincoln Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 93 and the dirt road to Delamar."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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Gold was discovered here in 1889. This isolated, treeless metropolis of over 1,500 residents, had a newspaper, hospital, school, churches, saloons and a stockbroker. Entertainment included brass bands, dance orchestras and stage attractions at the Opera House.
Water came from Meadow Valley Wash, 12 miles away. All other materials were hauled through the mountains by mule team 150 miles from a railroad head at Milford, Utah. For 16 years, most of the bullion was hauled out in the same manner.
The dry milling processes used prior to the introduction of wet methods created a fine silicon or "death" dust which caused the deaths of many residents and gave the town its nickname.
Delamar produced $15,000,000 in gold and was Nevada's leading producer of that decade.
Status: Again, there is NO MARKER HERE! So far, I have been the only one to traverse into Lincoln County in sole purpose of conquering its historic markers and this battle has been my own. If you travel to where this marker used to be, there is only a litter barrel and a beautiful forest of Joshua trees to greet you. The road to Delamar is clearly marked, but the marker itself is NOT SIGNED (which didn't help matters either), completely throwing me off clue as to where it COULD be. The history of #90 is very elusive. Not many people come this way in search of Historic Markers. I found out, there WAS a marker here only a few years back. I stopped in Alamo on the way back after securing #57 Old Boundary, and got to chatting with a Lincoln County Sheriff. Fortunately, I got in touch with the right guy because he patrols this entire area from the Clark Line north to Panaca. He's covered this stretch of 93 in and out and told me he remembered seeing a "marker there for Delamar". He knows because he pulled somebody over at that very spot! As far as he knew, it was taken down because of vandals and hadn't been seen since. Again, this doesn't surprise me because of its remote location. To confirm this, and secure my far-fetched hunch of it being moved to the Delamar townsite, I made the long 28 mile round trip to Delamar and although saw very photogenic ruins, found no marker. NDOT and the SHPO has yet to give me a call back on this one and I don't think they ever will. With some luck, #90 may be sitting collecting dust within a Lincoln County maintenance yard. I'd rather it be this fate than it be completely destroyed beyond repair...
Anyway, if you want to do your own hunting, the Sheriff described the marker as "big and blue", pretty much confirming it as a "Large Standard" type marker. It was last seen only about 2 years back at the road to Delamar along US 93. If you do find this marker, or have any information regarding it, please
let me know . This is VERY FAR AWAY for most of us here, so I will be glad to give you full credit to the finding of this marker!
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-- Conquered, 'Late Removal' --
HM 94
The Winters' Ranch
(Rancho Del Sierra)
[Washoe Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located just east of U.S. Highway 395 in the northern portion of Washoe Valley."
Status: Notice the directions are in black, not red!. This time, we may know why #94 all of a sudden went missing. Although, I've already recorded this marker on this website, today's visitor will no longer find this marker. (Click on the link below to view this marker) Years ago, the intersection of SR 429 (Old US 395) and the Washoe Valley Freeway was relatively obscure, mostly quiet and ignored. Today, this intersection will pretty much be disappearing, due to the building of the I-580 freeway, estimated to be completed in 2010. This spot is where this freeway will connect to the already present Washoe Valley Freeway, deeming removal of this marker as "necessary" to make room for this connection. I have yet to contact NDOT regarding where this marker really is, but more than likely, it's located in the maintenance yard right across the road from its former location.
I have quarrels with this case for two reasons, both having to do with why it wasn't MOVED instead of completely taken down... 1) The actual Winters Ranch is located only a 1/4 mile north of this location along US 395. There's even a large pullout next to the ranch, perfect for marker re-erection! 2) The entire stretch of SR 429 will be unharmed. They could've moved it just south of this new freeway connection, either near Davis Creek Park even along the present 395 freeway, just south of the Winters Ranch. All of these locations are less than a 2 minute drive in either direction. Then again, this is just me. What common sense do I know?
In any case, more information will be updated once I locate its whereabouts. Until then, if you happen to find out any information in regards to this marker, please
let me know
so I can update this information with full credit given to you!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 103*
Gypsum Cave
[Clark Co.]
Directions:
(According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:)
"Located off Interstate Highway 15 at Apex, south six miles."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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Gypsum Cave was once thought to be one of the oldest aboriginal sites in North America. The cave is 300 feet long and 120 feet wide and is filled with dry, dusty deposits in all six rooms.
When excavated in 1930-31, the cave yielded the skull, backbone, nine to twelve-inch claws, reddish-brown hair and fibrous dung of the giant ground sloth, a vegetarian species common in the more moist environment known here about 7,500 to 9,500 years ago. Bones from extinct forms of the horse and camel were also found.
Pieces of painted dart shafts, torches, stone points, yucca fiber string and other artifacts were found mixed in with the sloth dung. When the dung was dated at 8,500 B.C. by the radiocarbon method, it was believed the man-made tools were the same age. Two radiocarbon dates on the artifacts themselves, however, indicate that the ground sloth and man were not contemporaneous inhabitants of the cave. Man probably made use of the cave beginning about 3,000 B.C., long after the ground sloths had abandoned it.
Status: *Whew* Where do I begin with this one. There is a whole lotta bogus story regarding this annoying marker, located just a skip away from the busy streets of Las Vegas. I guess we'll start with the beginning...
If you travel the road to Gypsum Cave, don't be shocked if you find it CLOSED 6 miles from the highway. What was then are now signs, liberally posted with "Private Property", "Private Road" or "No Trespassing". The question is, do they mean it?
 This sign will greet you at the southern entrance to the PABCO Mining Company along PABCO Road.
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I nearly got into a little trouble trying to uncover the outcome this pesky marker. Approaching sundown, I accessed the turnoff to Apex from I-15, following the directions of the SHPO, "Apex interchange, six miles south". This road is deceiving, doubling back before going over a "Private RR Crossing" and then over the Interstate. The road wound its way for exactly 6 miles without any other postings of Private property before suddenly coming into view of the PABCO Gypsum Corporation. I figured cause it was on a Sunday, crowds and employees would be long gone home. Well, an employee from the plant slowed as he passed me by and asked what I was doing. I told him who I was and specifically asked about the marker to cover my own tail. He gave me a little lee way considering I'd driven such a long way (from Carson City) to capture it. According to him, it was taken down to prevent "people like you" from viewing it. As far as he knows it was
destroyed. Selfish.
 The ones responsible for #103's possible destruction!
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This is another sad case of 'dont want people viewing the marker on my property' syndrome. Here's the problem I'm having with this case. #1: When the SHPO chose this location in 1994 (the date of it was erected), PABCO was STILL AROUND and in fact owned property along this road. Although the road was still signed as "Private", locals could use it to access I-15 @ Apex. At the time, the marker was present, well taken care of and accounted for. Strange. #2: Years ago, you could drive to the actual cave. Today, you'll see this sign at the dirt road to Gypsum Cave...
 "Private Road"??
Well, explain this one... (the photo below)
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 ...Private huh?
As you can see, the actual Gypsum Cave (the blue arrow) seems to have a few visitors. I highly doubt PABCO officials drive a red minivan. This is a 'trespassing' vehicle on otherwise posted 'private' property.
PABCO: Either enforce your signs or remove them!
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Today, the cave is closed (or is it?) and is being mined by PABCO. Even if the road leading to the cave is "Private", it's not very well enforced as you saw. As a result, this still doesn't warrant a reason for PABCO removing the marker. The cave is a good 1/2 mile away in the opposite direction! #3: I checked with NDOT branches covering Clark County AND Las Vegas Roads Department, and both have told me that "PABCO Road" IS NOT OWNED by PABCO. It is a PUBLIC ROAD and commuters are allowed to use it to and from I-15! Even on Nevada atlases, the road is still labeled as "Private Road", but rest assured, the road belongs to everybody. In conclusion, my little encounter was totally uncalled for, as well as the removal of #103. This marker suffered only from ignorance, another sad case like many in Nevada where people are completely entangled in their own selfish world to share our own heritage with the rest of us.
The Clark MIA's are difficult for me to keep track of, so I'm relying on YOU, the fellow marker hunter, to keep me posted. If you happen this way and somehow miraculously run into this marker, or have any information regarding it please,
let me know
so I can update this information or finding of it with full credit given to you! Please know by reading this information, it does not give you any authority to fight back or otherwise trash talk a PABCO worker who may stop you like they did me. Be polite and respect their wishes. Leave if they ask and just reassure them you aren't there to loiter or trespass. Maybe with enough badgering, PABCO will either close the road permanently, or even re-erect the marker far away from their facility. A good spot would be at the PABCO intersection with Lake Mead Blvd, or the onramp from I-15. Even though the PABCO official told me it was 'destroyed', there is still a slim chance it could be alive. Us marker hunters can only hope, especially for a marker with such fine text and history as this one.
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-- Found while 'Missing in Action' --
HM 116
Searchlight
[Clark Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located on U.S. Highway 95 in Searchlight, Nevada."
Status: FOUND AND ACCOUNTED FOR! Here's the deal about this one. If you enter Searchlight today, it's easily visible where this marker used to be. In fact, #116 is still signed, almost as if it was taken down in a haste. The marker used to be at a very small turnout just as you enter the town of Searchlight on southbound US 95. Today, all that sits there is nothing, nothing but a blank hill with a large creosote bush in front. At first the turnout isn't so conspicuous, but look closely and you'll notice a few piled rocks... the former base of #116.
It was on a Sunday morning during my conquering of Clark County that I accidentally discovered this marker sitting in an NDOT maintenance station. The rest of the story picks up here...(Click on the link below to view this marker)
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-- Conquered, 'Late Removal' --
HM 131
Dresslerville
[Douglas]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located on U.S. Highway 395 six miles south of Gardnerville, Nevada."
Status: Although, I've already recorded this marker on this website, today's visitor will longer find #131 here! (Click on the link below to view this marker) #131 recently went MIA as of this spring (2009), due to an accident on southbound US 395, just south of Gardnerville. Unfortunately, that accident happened right here where #131 used to stand. According to NHP reports, a three vehicle crash occured here in front of the Washo One Stop Indian Smoke Shop in April of 2009, with two vehicles not only hitting each other, but clipping a third car that sailed right into the marker! The accident completely destroyed #131, but left #125, it's neighbor marker, completely unharmed. In a haste, NDOT came out to repair the already unharmed #125 by adding a new "footbase" to insure it wouldn't be taken out by another accident. In other words, if we can't save one, at least we can prevent the other from being destroyed.
According to Gary B, fellow marker hunter and NDOT official for Lincoln County Branch, these new "footbases" are new security measures being constructed on all the "Standard Type" blue markers whenever possible, to prevent them from collapsing under weight or in this case, being mowed down by a vehicle. The old bases were nothing more than two steel legs mounted into the ground, erroneously without a concrete foundation of any kind. These holes were dug to about 18 inches and the marker was dropped down inside. These new footbases are a single pole with a flange type structure at the bottom, bolted into a sturdy concrete base. You can see these new footbases on a few markers that have been recently replaced... #61, 96, 97, 111 and #125.
MANY, MANY KUDOS must be given to the Gardnerville/Douglas branch NDOT for coming out to prevent #125's destruction in such a prompt manner! As for the future of #131, don't expect this one to be up any time soon. Since it was completely destroyed, markers with a "new" status are often put on the back burner because of the sheer cost it takes to build a replacement. Until then, you can enjoy what photographs I have of #131 on this website or pass by today and pay your respects to this officially DEAD blue shaped Nevada. At least #125 will be there to greet you!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 139*
Old Spanish Trail (Journey of Death)
[Clark Co.]
Directions:
(According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:)
"Located on Interstate Highway 15 at the Ute Interchange."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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Early Spanish traders named the 55 dry miles separating Las Vegas and the Muddy River the Journada del Muerto (Journey of Death). This longest stretch without water along the Old Spanish Trail was littered with the skeletons of animals and parts of wagons abandoned along the sandy desert. Most experienced travelers made the trip at night.
John C. Frémont crossed the Journada in 1844 and commented: "We ate the barrel cactus and moistened our mouths with the acid of the sour dock. Hourly expecting to find water, we continued to press on to midnight, when after a hard and uninterrupted march of 16 hours, our wild mules began running ahead; and in a mile or two we came to a bold running stream (the Muddy River)."
Status: What great text for a marker! Too bad it's nowhere to be read. To put it bluntly, there is no excuse for this marker to be missing. If you visit the "Ute Interchange" on I-15, it'll put you @ Exit 75, otherwise known as "Crystal" from the Interstate signage. Until only a few years ago, it was rumored this marker was moved to the rear trucker's parking area at the Moapa Gas Station. I checked, and trust me folks, there is nothing there. It'd be pretty hard to miss this marker considering the gas station is the only thing on this interchange.
Up until only a few weeks ago, fellow marker hunter Gary Bodell (and NDOT employee) informed me that #139 might be found in his maintenance yard in Las Vegas. Why it would be moved all the way back here (a good 40 miles) is a mystery, but it's definitely something to go on and something to keep on top of. More information will be updated as I get it. The SHPO chose a good location for this marker and it's still unknown as to why it was removed. There is some speculation that it was removed by request from the Moapa tribe (the entire exit sits on Reservation Land). If the marker was originally placed at the intersection (SE corner of exit), why would the tribe move it to the gas station parking lot, only to request it to have it REmoved? The Clark MIA's are difficult for me to keep track of so I'm relying on YOU, the fellow hunter, to keep me posted. If you happen this way and somehow miraculously run into this marker, or have any information regarding it please,
let me know
so I can update this information or finding of it with full credit given to you!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 140*
Old Spanish Trail (Garces Expedition)
[Clark Co.]
#140 is the last Nevada Historic Marker on southbound US 95
AND geographically, the SOUTHERNMOST historical marker in Nevada (fully within Nevada).
Directions:
(According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:)
"Located at the junction of U.S. Highway 95 and State Route 163."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
Status: Here's one that's been gone for a long time and to put it bluntly, has no excuse to still be missing. Sadly I can assure you that this marker is MIA, lost to ongoing road construction similar to Boston's "Big Dig". For some reason, this stretch of 95 never seems to get finished, with ongoing construction that began 15 years ago! (Yes, you read that right.) Both highways were at one time two lanes, now converted to four lanes and a pair of wyes to ease traffic. Don't get too excited, cause construction still continues to this day. Ready for the kicker? The intersection itself of both highways was completed almost 8 years ago, and in those 8 years, the lingering question remains unanswered...
 You've come all this way to view a blank turnout??
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I did a little researching only to come up with zero in the way of useful information. There's no doubt about it that this marker was either destroyed or sits at rest in some obscure NDOT maintenance yard. The problem is, the nearest yard to this area is Searchlight and there is no #140 here. More than likely, it was moved to Las Vegas, but which exact of the dozen or so maintenance yards in the city we'll never know. Like all the Clark MIA's, these are difficult for me to keep track of so I'm relying on YOU, the fellow hunter, to keep me posted. This one is so far away from most everything that it makes it more difficult to track it down. For all we know it could lying dead over the state line in California. If you happen this lonely way on US 95 and somehow miraculously run into this marker, or have any information regarding it please,
let me know
so I can update this information or finding of it with full credit given to you!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
HM 146
McDermitt Indian Reservation (Northern Paiute)
[Humboldt Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located on U.S. Highway 95 south of McDermitt, Nevada."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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In the mid-1860's many Paiutes returning from Oregon's Indian reservation here joined some from the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation (home of the "Cui-ui Eaters") because of poor treatment and dishonest dealings of U.S. Indian agents. These Indians settled contentedly about Fort McDermitt, preferring the generosity and kindness of the military. They aided the local military against Bannocks and others resisting Caucasian takeover of traditional Indian lands.
Nearby mercury mines have furnished employment for Indians adjusting to the lifestyle of the "white man." Likewise the local precision assembly industry utilizes the dexterity skills of the Indians today. Red and green clays from the canyon are now made into pottery.
Status: When we tackled northern Humboldt at the end of August 2008, we saw no evidence of this marker EVER being here. This case is an enigma and so far away from most everything to keep track of that it's going to be extremely tough to shed any light on #146's disappearance. For starters though, I DO have a few hunches as to where this marker could be and what happened to it. Since #143, Sarah Winnemucca, sits on the actual reservation itself, this leads me to believe that #146 may have been moved onto the reservation as well. However, after driving around on the reservation for at least half an hour, we saw no inclination of this marker at all. My only guess would be that it was purposely removed by NDOT by tribal request. If so, why remove this one and NOT Sarah's marker? After all, Sarah's marker sits ON the reservation... #146 sits on its boundary. Or, it could've suffered in an accident, which makes more sense in this remote chunk of Nevada. To make it worse, the crude directions for this marker, "south of McDermitt" doesn't relay much for us marker hunters to follow. Thanks SHPO. Where exactly "south" this marker is, now we may never know. If you drive "south", the only thing you'll run into is the intersection to the reservation, an unsigned paved road leading to the east. At this same intersection, there is a volunteer BLM Fire Station at the north entrance road to the reservation. This leads me to my other hunch. There's been a small pattern of markers placed at fire stations, but this one is interesting because it's operated by the BLM, a federally owned fire station. Officials at the fire station may have removed the marker to keep people away. Why jump to this assumption? The markers set at other fire stations around Nevada (#39 and #76 for example) don't have this problem, because they are strictly town/local or county owned.
Whatever the case, this one may be a tough one to track down, simply because of the lack of services around this area. The nearest NDOT maintenance station sits in Orovada, 16 miles south of this intersection. If I'm ever in that neck of the woods again, I may inquire here and might even luck out and find it sitting in the yard. If you want to do your own searching, the last known location of this marker was set south of McDermitt on the northbound side of 95 and like the other "140" series markers, it was a large 'Standard' type marker. Like any of the other MIA's on this list, if you find this marker, or have any information regarding it, please
let me know
and I will be glad to give you full credit to the finding of this one!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
HM 179
First Air Flight in Nevada (June 23, 1910)
[Carson City]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located along U.S. 395, three miles north of Carson City. "
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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The first air flight in Nevada took place on the old Raycraft Ranch immediately to the west. The flight was of national interest not only because an air journey had never before been made at such an altitude (4,675 feet), but also because Ivy Baldwin, a nationally known parachutist and balloonist, would make the flight.
This was a trial flight, as stipulated by the Sagebrush Carnival Committee of Carson City. It was followed by exhibition flights on July 3, 4 and 5 at the Carson City racetrack.
Baldwin made the flight in a 48-horsepower Curtis Paulham biplane, reaching a height of 50 feet and covering one-half mile before returning to the starting point.
Status: What wonderful text! Too bad you can only read it here and not in person. #179 is no doubt so far gone that us hunters believe it'll never be shown the light of day again. Of all the MIA's, this is one of the oldest MIA's in the system and strangely, nobody knows what happened to it, even though it's been gone for close to a decade! I drive by this location nearly everyday and know for a fact that there is NO MARKER HERE. This marker's disappearance is likely the cause of the off-and-on construction in the area around Glen Eagles Restaurant and the newly 'renovated' Golf Course in north Carson. It gets even more depressing because there is definite evidence of #179 once being here, as evident by the sign that still stands on the southbound side of N. Carson Street. NDOT AND the SHPO both know about #179, but nothing has been done to take replace it... even after such an extended period of time.
If you want to do your own hunting, I wish you tons of luck! I really do. So far, I've traversed what seems like every street around this area, including Arrowhead Drive, College Parkway, Medical Pkwy, the residences around Ormsby Blvd, Combs Canyon and Lakeview. I've even paid a visit to the folks at the Carson Airport to see if it might've been moved there and talked to the owners of Glen Eagles. Needless to say, both to no avail. If you do miraculously find #179 or have any information regarding it, please
let me know
and I will be glad to give you full credit to the finding of this marker!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
HM 181
The Washo Indians
[Carson City]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located along U.S. Highway 50, east of Spooner Summit and west of Carson City."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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Long before the coming of the emigrant trains, this site overlooked the lands of the Washo Indians. A valley, a city and a county still bear their name. A nearby trail marks their ancient route from the lowlands to Lake Tahoe and California. Their language is distinctive from both Shoshone and Paiute. For many years they preferred to remain isolated, roaming their native High Sierra. They were a peace-loving people who hunted and fished to provide food for their families. Their pinenut ceremony is still held before harvest time, the women accompanying the men on this expedition. The departure is celebrated by singing and dancing. Their puberty ritual has been in existence for generations, and Washo basketry is justly world famous. The beautiful work of their most celebrated artist, Dat-So-La-Lee, is on exhibition today in the Nevada State Museum, Carson City, and the Nevada Historical Society, Reno. Captain Jim is the most revered of their last great chiefs.
Status: Here is another 'here today, gone tomorrow' case with such beautiful text, a marker that suddenly disappeared overnight. The looming question is, 'how did it disappear?' This question lingers because 181's apparent location is literally right on the edge of a cliff, alongside the busy Spooner Grade on US 50. Some people speculate it was hit by a car and fell over the cliffside! Some believe it's still there today and I would've too a few years ago. But, just recently, I confirmed this rumor to be just that, a rumor, when I decided to hike up the old Clear Creek Road to see for myself. The old Clear Creek Road is the original route of US 50 that runs parallel to Spooner Grade in a canyon just below the grade. Most people never know it's there. If the marker had fallen over the cliff of US 50, it would've landed here... along the hillsides of old Clear Creek Road. I hiked up the hillsides too to confirm this, looking around for a good hour with no luck. Still, there are others that believe it was simply stolen, but this is unlikely, due to the fact that this marker was HUGE and couldn't have been removed by one person without being seen. I checked with the officials at the Spooner Summit office and they have no clue either. Vandalism is also unlikely, as vandals would have a tough time getting away with mischief along this heavily traveled stretch of US 50. My best guess is that NDOT themselves removed the marker due to private property issues regarding Washo land. This is an issue that continues to this day around the border line between Carson and Douglas. The marker may have been placed at another location, but so far I've been out of luck on even finding out which DOT branch is even responsible for Spooner Grade, let alone where it could've been moved to. You need some sort of solid path before you can start walking. Right now, there is only air.
 All that's left of #181. Today, the sign leans a good 35 degrees off center that most likely could fall over completely in the next few months, due to the very high winds that occur on this pass. Fortunately, I captured this image before that happens...
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Although there is definite evidence of #181's existence by the sign still posted on eastbound US 50, the marker that is currently here doesn't match. All you'll find is a Clamper marker for the "Kings Canyon Fire". Please note that this is NOT AN OFFICIAL STATE HISTORIC MARKER and definitely NOT #181. The SHPO have no information at all regarding this one, neither does NDOT and good luck getting the Washo people to talk. Needless to say, if you want to do your own hunting, I wish you tons of luck! If you'd like to take the trek on old Clear Creek Road and search for yourself, please feel free. One person can't cover an entire mountainside. To access this old road, read below, but also, READ CAREFULLY...
From the base of Spooner Grade, drive south on US 395 to the first stoplight, aptly signed "Old Clear Creek". Bear right and cruise past Costco and Fuji Park and soon you'll be on your own in the pines. Once you leave town, the road immediately narrows and introduces you to it's twisty little run up the mountains. Follow this little road for about 2 miles before it suddenly dead ends at a retired boys camp. Just before the road ends, it'll make a quick switchback. Instead of heading straight to your dead end on this switchback, bear left to a locked gate. Keep a good eye out, because it's easy to miss. This is the continuation of original Clear Creek Road. Park here and walk for as far as you desire. The land here is PUBLIC along with the entire Clear Creek Road...
...But, don't be surprised if a few of the locals intimidate you by claiming the area as "private property". In fact, they claim the entire road from Fuji Park as theirs. They drive it like they own it too. Ignore them. The road itself belongs to Douglas County and only the land directly lining the road is theirs up to this gate, as you'll see posted 'private property' signs. Even then, the land technically belongs to the Washo Indians, as you'll notice from the many 'Entering Washo Indian Reservation' signs. In any case, once you walk past the locked gate for an eighth of a mile, the entire area is designated as National Forest, meaning it now belongs to you to enjoy. The walk is not only peaceful, but very lonely, quite ironic that Carson City is only a few miles away and heavily traveled US 50 sits directly uphill from where you are. Enjoy the old road pavement! Take a look at how short a time (since 1970), nature is already reclaiming it back. Deep potholes and washouts completely sever the road in places and the faded white dashed lines are nice reminders of days gone past. And... if you can, try to find #181! #181 would be located about 1.4 miles (a 15-30 minute walk) from the parking area if it was there. If you're really ambitious, you can hike the road all the way up to Spooner Summit, about a 3 hours hike and a moderate elevation gain. Good luck and enjoy yourself!
If you do find this marker, or have any information regarding it, please
let me know
and like all of them, I will be glad to give you full credit to the finding of this marker!
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-- Found while 'Missing in Action' --
HM 185
McCone's Foundries
[Lyon Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located along State Route 342 in Silver City, Nevada."
Status: FOUND AND ACCOUNTED FOR! Here's the deal about this one. Like the other MIA's, this one magically disappeared one day without explanation. Fellow marker hunter Dave S, was actively finding information on what happened to #185 and contacted me to find out more information. He sent this picture to me via email that he took in 2002, a rare photo of #185's better days...
 Thanks to Dave S. for this photo. Taken in 2002.
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Driving SR 342 today, it's easily visible where the marker used to be... at a large turnout about 50 yards north of the junction with SR 341 & 342 in Silver City. Today, all that lies there is flat nothing and litter barrels guarding the entrance that read "PVT PROP, KEEP OUT!" Both Dave and I had been actively trying to find out what happened to this marker and it did us little good when the SHPO didn't know either. But on a trip behind Virginia City one day (yes, behind), Heather and I happened to spot three old markers lying in the NDOT maintenance station. Well, the rest of the story picks up here and let's just say, this guy must really be adamant about protecting a stupid turnout. It was HE, NOT the SHPO that requested to have it removed, or have it destroyed. Very sad... (Click on the link below to view this marker)
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 190*
Original Homesite of Pioneer Las Vegan
'Pop' Squires (1865-1958)
[Clark Co.]
Directions:
(According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:)
"Located on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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He founded the Las Vegas Age newspaper and was the voice of the community for more than a quarter century. A visionary, he helped make Hoover Dam a reality.
Status: Old Pop Squires would reel in his grave if he ever found out what happened to his homesite. I knew going in full well this one was going to be a no-brain MIA, but I went for it anyway. This marker is more than likely never coming back, only because of Fremont Street's bustling tourist scene. This case boils down to one thing: nobody cares.
After undergoing tons of research into locating exactly where 'Pop' Squires' original homesite would've been, articles from my finding at the State Archives in Carson City located the property at '407 Fremont Street'. Here's the problem: that address was archived in 1958, the year he died and went into records. Soon after, Las Vegas' Strip began to grow north and even further north, eventually encompassing his tiny homesite, in turn, revising most of the address numbers to make room for a longer street. Circa 1964, the Strip was on, full fledged and catering to tourists and little went into restoring, finding or even archiving his homesite. Sadly, the property's exact location was lost and the '407 Fremont Street' I found was an estimation based on street numbers back then. In any case, here is what you'll find at '407 Fremont Street'...
 ... Yep, a sidewalk along LV Blvd. Believe it or not, based on the estimation, this is where 'Pop' Squires Homesite used to sit. The green wall you see is a parking garage for the Fremont Street Experience. For all I know, I could've easily been standing right over his old homesite when I shot this picture! Pathetic.
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There are various location descriptions for #190 which makes matters even more difficult. '407' was the address I found at the Archives, but NDOT records show the actual MARKER located at '417 Fremont Street'. Either way, it's only a few yards difference and wouldn't really matter because somehow, you'd see it if it was there.
 '407 Fremont Street' is now a bar, more specifically, a party goers hangout. Yep, I'd be reeling in my grave too.
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There are two parts to Fremont Street. The first one, in between LV Blvd and 4th St, was the location of the MARKER, specifically at the present site of Hennessey's Tavern. This is the view you'll see...
 The building on the far left is the former location of #190, now Hennessey's Tavern... and none of 'em give a hoot as who 'Pop' Squires was.
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The 2nd part of Fremont Street is the actual Fremont Street Experience. There is rumor that it may have been relocated here, next to 'Vegas Vic', the old cowboy neon sign. However, I walked the Experience from end to end and found no traces of #190 EVER being here. It seems like an unlikely place, mainly because trying to spot the miniature blue sign would be a demanding challenge. Plus, people wouldn't care anyway. The sheer purpose, cost and labor of moving it here would be pointless. People on the Strip don't know or don't care about Pop Squires, let alone the one-minded tourists. As far as the records show, #190 has been missing for a long time and could very well have been the FIRST EVER MIA in the system. In case you're wondering, I checked inside the parking garage, all four levels, and found nothing. Later, I checked with the folks inside Hennesseys if they knew anything about 'Pop' Squires, an historical marker, or 'any blue signs'. Unless I was buying a drink, they more or less ignored me and unofficially kicked me out. Arrogance. I also spoke with a few of the security personnel, custodians and volunteers at the Experience and as expected... all replied with blank stares and 'I dunnos'. The Jeopardy theme rang through my head. As of today, a few fellow marker hunters and myself are desperately trying to find the contact for the Fremont Street Experience to see if they can shed any more light on this already dark mystery. 'Pop' deserves better than this, that's for damn sure. Ironic for a man that pretty much made the Strip happen, yet he gets no marker of any kind for his remembrance. Typical Las Vegas.
 ...NO, NO, NO. #190 is NOT in the Experience.
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Like all the Clark MIA's, keeping track of #190 will be difficult for me so I'm relying on YOU, the fellow hunter, to keep me posted. If you want to do your own hunting, I wish you tons of luck! This one will probably never be coming back anytime soon. #190 was a miniature "Standard" type marker, similar to #132, #227 or #186. Should you spot it or find any information on it, please
let me know
so I can update this information and/or finding of it with full credit given to you!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 197*
Arrowhead Trail II
[Clark Co.]
Directions:
(According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:)
"Located at the junction of U.S. Highways 93-95, 2.5 miles south of Henderson, Nevada."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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The name "Arrowhead Trail" is of doubtful origin. This portion was regularly used between the 1860's and 1924. Earlier it was an alternate wagon route to the Mormon settlement at San Bernardino, California.
Heading south along this trail toward Bishop Mountain, one would turn through El Dorado Pass and continue on the Nelson, Searchlight, Nipton, Wheaton Springs, and thence to San Bernardino.
The trail was popular as an early automobile road (1914-1924) when communities along the route volunteered the reconstruction of the historic trail and, local Chambers of Commerce vigorously promoted its use between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.
Status: Up one day and gone the next. This is another typical case of marker removal due to new road construction. #197's location was a good one, and it was an easy junction to find, well signed and well visible from any direction. Unfortunately, US 93/95 was expanded to a freeway, to accommodate for the heavy traffic between Henderson and Boulder City. Around this time, building of the Cascata Golf Course began along with an entrance road into the golf course, now labeled as a "Private Drive". This old intersection was the location of this marker and today, is nothing more than an offramp from the freeway. As always, little to no thought was put into re-erecting the marker. In any case, according to the directions, 2.5 miles east of Henderson is located exactly at this offramp with US 95 and this "Private Drive". It doesn't help that this interchange is also a bridge, completely erasing all evidence of #197 ever being here...
 If only these roads could talk.
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While I was in the area, I scouted in all directions, trying all of the old beat-up frontage roads along 95, heading east to Boulder City and into established complexes like the gun range just south of Railroad Pass. All revealed no leads. Speaking of Railroad Pass, there is a major casino/hotel here that would be an excellent public spot to resurrect the marker. It's impossible to miss and there's ample parking for marker viewing! Also, the location would be just right for this marker, a mere 1/4 mile W of the offramp. Like all the Clark MIA's, keeping track of #197 will be difficult for me, so I'm relying on YOU, the fellow hunter, to keep me posted. If you want to do your own hunting, you're up for a challenge. The construction erased all evidence of a marker ever being here and I have yet to follow up by giving NDOT a call on this one. It was last seen around 2001 and would be a medium sized "Standard" type marker around the Railroad Pass area, notably, the junction of US 93/95. Should you spot it or find any new information on it, please
let me know
so I can update this information and/or finding of it with full credit given to you!
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-- Confirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 226*
Cave Rock
[Douglas Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located at the Boat Launching Site at Lake Tahoe."
Status: Finally, an explanation for a missing marker! In the words of the SHPO, this marker was removed because, "the interpretive text is undergoing revisions." Problem is, this was 3 years ago. Personally, I think the text sounded fine to me, but according to the SHPO, the text was flawed and misinterpreted a valuable piece of information in accordance to the Washo Tribe. To settle any historical inaccuracies and/or disputes, the marker was pretty much removed in a haste. Even though I didn't get any word on when it might be re-erected, this case bugs me. I don't expect this one to be erected any time soon, especially now that state budget cuts have taken affect. I've included it on the manifest of Douglas' markers to give it at least some due respect. Who knows. Maybe sooner than we think we might just find it standing proudly at the boat launch one day, with Tahoe's water glistening in the background. If you happen around the area at Cave Rock and magically notice this marker standing freely again and I haven't got to it yet, please
let me know
and I will be glad to give you full credit in the finding of this marker!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
*HM 239*
Stonehouse
[Humboldt Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located on Interstate Highway 80 at the Stonehouse Interchange."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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This historic site takes its name from the stone house whose ruins can be seen to the northwest on Lone Tree Hill. Indians and passing emigrants once camped here and the house was erected in the 1860's by officials of the Overland Stage Company as a dining and overnight rest stop. The Central Pacific Railroad was constructed through this section of Humboldt County in 1868, and the nearby springs provided water for engines. A small community flourished here for a number of years to serve the needs of railroaders and neighboring ranchers and there was a Post Office which operated from November of 1890 to March of 1915.
Status: Here is a marker that probably disappeared and yet nobody knows it. #239 Stonehouse is an elusive marker, set all by its lonesome self somewhere in between Winnemucca and Battle Mountain on I-80. Recent trips out that way for photo hunts and Elko's markers, led me to believe that this marker is indeed another MIA. After 2-3 trips past this way, I found nothing, not even a speck of evidence as to where this marker even was. After thorough web-searching, I've only seen a few photos of the old marker, confirming that I was looking at the right place. According to the photos, the marker was in great shape! As you leave the Interstate, bear a right toward the Newmont Mining Company. Right at the corner of this frontage road is where the marker stood. There is some speculation that the Mining Company removed it to prevent it from hindering their operations, but I find this theory bogus, considering that the marker was set far enough away from the frontage road. Besides, most of Newmont's trucks never feel the Interstate's concrete, rarely straying away from the Frontage Road. Another theory is that it was hit and destroyed by a truck. This could be and the sad thing is, we'll never know. This area around the Stonehouse exit has a few frontage roads, one on both the west and eastbound sides of I-80, including a lot of dirt paths that stray from them. I've ventured both to no avail and even went as far north as the Idaho Power/Sierra Pacific Plant and found nothing.
 It's nice to see that there are exits in Nevada just for Historical Markers! Unfortunately, you won't find Stonehouse anywhere today.
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Despite the photos, #239 most likely suffered the same fate as in other rural markers, either by way of vandalism or someone simply plowing into the marker. However, I find vandalism hard to swallow. It boggles me as to who would drive this far to destroy it. Most likely, it was destroyed when somebody ran into it and was never given a second chance for re-erection. The only thing (and I mean the ONLY THING) around here is the Newmont Mining Company. I have yet to give them a call and find out, even if it's meager information, as to what happened to Stonehouse. Otherwise, I'm as lost as the next man. If you happen this way and want do to your own searching, many sacks of luck! It's very quiet out here and little will distract you from marker searching. According to the photos, this marker is a "Large Standard Type" marker. Believe me, if you find it, there's no way you can miss it. Like the others, if you DO find it,
let me know and
I will happy to give you full credit in the finding of this marker!
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-- Conquered, 'Late Removal' --
HM 243
Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight
[Carson City]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located at Musser and Harbin Streets in Carson City."
Status: Although, I've already recorded #243 on this website, today's visitor will not find it here! (Click on the link below to view this marker) #243 is STILL MIA, due to finished re-construction of the Sheriff's Station on Musser Street. I talked to the builders there upon my visit in late 2007 and they told me it was, "at a maintenance yard" and would be "put back up when construction's done". I nearly chuckled when I heard this, knowing full well what to expect. When it comes to references or instructions on these markers, these builders are as dumb as rocks. As I expected, it was never given that second chance (read below)...
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Update: As of 2009, THERE IS STILL NO MARKER, as I expected. This one may very well never come back as in the pattern of all the Carson MIA's. That builder should've watched what he was saying. Little did he know he was talking to an online journalist recording every shred of mouth. More information as it comes later.
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The good news is, #243 may still be alive, because I have yet to check the maintenance yard in Carson City. More than likely, it's sitting in the yard garage collecting dust. The yard is located right behind the DMV on Oregon Street. If you happen through this quiet neighborhood of Carson or pay yourself a visit to the yard and find out anything about this marker, please
let me know
so I can update this information with full credit given to you!
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
HM 244
Dinner Station
[Elko Co.]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located on State Route 225, twenty-five miles north of Elko, Nevada."
Description:
According to the State Marker System, exact description as reads:
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Dinner Station stands as a reminder of Nevada's stagecoach era. Established in the early 1870's by William C. (Hill) Beachey as a meal stop for the Tuscarora and Mountain City stage lines, it was originally known as Weilands. The name was later changed to Oldham's Station when a change of ownership took place. A frame structure originally accommodated the traffic, but a fine two-story stone station house, out-buildings and a corral were built following a fire in the 1800's. Early in the Twentieth Century, both automobiles and hose-drawn stages stopped at Dinner Station and it became one of the most popular country inns of the time. After 1910, when automobiles become more common, the station ceased to be used.
Status: On our big marker venture at the end of August 2008, we were excited to finally finish off the conquering of Elko County's markers. Alas... our hopes were shot down because of this pesky marker #244, found to be completely MIA! Yes, as hard as it is to believe, this marker was destroyed right alongside a relatively well traveled highway. In terms of #244, there is only one assumption here for me to make: it fell victim to the sadly typical case of, "Don't want anybody stopping at my property to view this marker" syndrome. The original Dinner Station still stands in all its great beauty, a two story beauty about fifteen minutes north of Elko, but because it's privately owned, the marker technically DID sit on private property. The case for #244 is similar to a few others around the state and as long as Dinner Station remains privately owned, this marker will remain gone for good. It may be sitting in some NDOT maintenance station or even worse, right in the owner's storage shed! If they plan on re-erecting it my recommendation is to place it a few miles (at least 5 miles) north of Dinner Station on PUBLIC LAND. I don't think it'll help though and might not stop the owners in removing it for fear that curious people will stop in front of the property for photo viewing. This is a sad case like many in Nevada where people are completely entangled in their own selfish world to share our heritage with the rest of us.
 Well, the original Dinner Station still stands but in terms of the marker well... has it up and disappeared, or destroyed?
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If you ever happen to be plying SR 225 north out of Elko and somehow miraculously run into this marker, or have any information regarding it please
let me know
so I can update this information with full credit given to you! It's rumored this marker was remade into the metal slab type, but it didn't last long and has been unconfirmed. I find this hard to believe. Destroying a stone slab would take a bit of work from a jackhammer, or quite a few hundred whacks with a sledgehammer, especially along a well-traveled highway. Then again who would catch you, or more or less care, out here? If the marker wasn't remade, look for it as a large "Standard" type marker. The odds of it ever being erected again is extremely slim and may have been destroyed altogether. Us marker hunters can only hope though right?
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-- Conquered, 'Late Removal' --
HM 259
Governor's Mansion
[Carson City]
Directions:
According to the State Marker System, the location for this marker is:
"Located at 606 Mountain Street, Carson City, Nevada ."
Status: Although, I've already recorded #259 on this website, today's visitor will not find it here! It seems as recently as this marker went up (only 3 years ago), a recent visit shows that it disappeared. Although, I don't know the answer to this one, one speculation could be for maintenance reasons. This would make sense because the Governor's Fence that housed #259 (only a metal plaque) was recently painted. Problem is, somebody forgot to put it back. I have yet to here from the SHPO about this one, because before I called on this one, they thought it was still there. Typical...
If you happen through this quiet Carson neighborhood and find any information, or see it back in action, please
let me know
so I can update this information with full credit given to you! By the way, the Governor refused an interview.
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