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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 have come as "MIA's", markers that are "Missing in Action" so to speak. These 'MIA's' end up missing usually due to 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. This is the most unfortunate event, because when this is the case, it is unlikely the marker will ever be replaced.
3. Intentional vandalism -- a sad case of 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 the markers' present state. Therefore, finding any information on the missing markers in terms of 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. Speaking of which, this foreboding paragraph posted in 2008 is listed on the SHPO ("Historical Markers") Homepage...
"In the past, the State Historic Preservation Office welcomed applications for new markers, but due to budget cuts in 2009 the program has become dormant: new markers will not be installed and markers threatened by vandals and the environment are not likely to be repaired."
Apparently the SHPO sees every glass half-empty. Not only is this statement disconcerting to marker hunters, and all lovers and hopefuls of Nevada's historic markers, but puts a real bad damper on everybody's skin. It is pathetic how the very same organization responsible for creating Nevada's markers blantantly stated for themselves, "the program has become dormant." This is why, my friends and fellow viewers, Nevada-Landmarks is up and running-- to insure the markers are never forgotten. Of course maybe with enough badgering, something will be done to re-erect missing markers, or maintain the present markers; we can only hope something is done in part by NDOT, private contractors, or even the SHPO, even if it is only one marker at a time. In other words, what we have must remain! 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 added to this already growing list.
Concluding, these are the following markers that I dub as "MIA's", markers that are still in the system, but are missing from their listed locations. Please know that I have personally visited all of these markers (or marker locations) and confirm they are missing. At the risk of sounding pessimistic, don't expect any of these MIA's to be replaced anytime soon, thanks to statewide budget cuts and/or continuous conflicting public and private land ownerships. On the other hand (maybe with a little badgering on our part), we can hope to see them re-erected in the next few months or so. Each MIA is listed with a status line, ("Unconfirmed, Missing in Action"... "Conquered, Late Removal"), along with their listed location according to the SHPO, their original text and my own personal findings. Please note that a few of these markers, such as #243, have been listed as "Conquered, Late Removal", and have their own page on this website along with an "UPDATE" bar. This is because I was fortunate enough to conquer these certain markers BEFORE their disappearance. Until a new update bar is posted, today's viewer will still find them completely gone.
Like everything on this website, I made sure to be as accurate as possible. Keep checking back on this page, as further updates will be posted as soon I have them!
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~ As of: June/July 2010 ~
Missing Markers: 20/267
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-- Conquered, 'Late Removal' --
Date of Disappearance: 10/2009
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: If you'll notice, the directions for #10 remain in black instead of red!. Sadly, 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 also stolen by what could be a few heartless idiots. According to the information I've gathered, this marker was hit by a trailer sometime in October of 2009. (Since the marker was already in bad shape, the legs finally giving way would make sense.) Here's where it gets interesting: instead of leaving the marker where it lie, the marker was taken and for all we know, could very well be sitting in somebody's backyard! Therefore, this separates this case from being an accidental marker death, to a perpetrated vandalism! This incident also coincides with the disappearance of the "Loneliest Phone". It is unclear whether these vandals stole the phone too, but it's not hard to link both of these disappearances together. One plus one always equals two. In any case, this is likely a case of bad-mannered transplants who can't leave well enough alone. If the marker was left alone, it is likely NDOT would've taken it back to the station, refaced its front and re-inforced the legs for its re-erection. As such, #10 will most likely remain 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 stays on our list of MIAs. In the meantime, enjoy what photos I have of #10, and pay your respects should you happen yourself wandering past the road to Sand Mountain. 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' --
Missing Since: Spring 1995
*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: I underwent some ardious research to uncover the whereabouts of #12, Nevada's Birthplace. Aside from a few exceptions, unfortunately all I've hit are snags, loops and dead-ends. After a thorough re-read of an NDOT log, I learned that the marker was actually moved after NDOT rebuilt this intersection in 1993; nobody really knows where the marker was moved for sure. Later, I gave NDOT a call to find this out, and they quote, "don't have any records of an historic marker at that intersection". Back to square one, eh? Instead, I began asking around and a few locals do remember "a big stone marker". A few folks even told me it was moved near Lampe Park in Gardnerville for awhile. After checking at Lampe, covering the 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. After a few months of searching, I received an ecstatic email from Teri at Phantom-Lair; apparently, she had been searching for #12 as well, and was glad to give some information and her remembrance of #12. Apparently, Teri last saw the marker circa 1995 alongside Waterloo Lane. At that time, #12 was placed so its text was opposite the road. In other words, nobody would ever tell this was an historica marker, told apart only by the stone's chipped off edges and badly cracked base, evidence of it taking damage after being moved by NDOT. Teri's information was helpful and more or less closed the lid on this case of this long-deceased MIA. However, don't fret. I'm not calling the search "quits" yet! If you want to do your own hunting, please know this: #12 is an old "Stone"-type marker, last seen "around Lampe Park" and Waterloo Lane. According to Teri and the few photos from Phantom-Lair, the old marker would be in really bad shape, with barely legible text and would probably blend in very well against Gardnerville's suburbia. Who knows. Some old timer might've taken it upon himself to reface the nostalgic marker. If so, the question still lies: where is it now? If you happen to find #12, 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' --
Missing Since: Fall 2000
*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: The last sentence of plaque text should be a foretelling of what happened to this ridiculous marker. After only a year's time, I learned there is much more to this annoying marker; truly, there is much more than meets the eye at Olinghose. Let's be blunt: #24 is pretty much "forever gone." I've undergone TONS of research into uncovering the mystery of the Olinghouse Marker, and although my research continues today, I've concluded that it's an extremely slim chance #24 will ever be back. I'll get to why in a minute. First things first-- the fellow marker hunter will the road into Olinghouse "CLOSED!", five miles from SR 447. That's right. What was then is now a large cattle gate spanning the road along with liberally posted "Private Property", "KEEP OUT!" 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. Have I hooked you yet?
Until about 10 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 most old ghost towns in Nevada, visitors could drive right up the road to Olinghouse, park and walk around the old gal. Well, those days at Olinghouse are gone. A new mining corporation, "Target Minerals", bought the entire townsite of Olinghouse along with 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 met Bob from Forgottennevada.org and a few others from an active GhostTownWebRing. Thanks to this collective, I learned much about the goings on at Olinghouse. The owner of the Olinghouse site (who's contact name and number I shall keep to myself for privacy reasons) is a decent guy, stating that he "only closed the town for safety issues," a liability while the mine is being worked. He also stated that he does allow people into Olinghouse, which is still a tiny collective of people, and even the folks at Olinghouse do not mind visitors! 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." Some people, who have tried to visit Olinghouse for themselves, have been severely threatened by this "caretaker". Apparentely, this trigger-happy maniac has little if any regard for anybody. Threats of violence, taking "pot-shots", nasty emails and reporting to Washoe County Sheriff are among some of offenses this looney has committed. Here's where the slope gets even slippier: all of the people accused by this caretaker have NEVER ONCE crossed the gate into Olinghouse, yet they were confronted for simply driving the PUBLIC ROAD to the gate. Furthermore, accusations quoted by this nut have made it all the way to Reno. Today, don't be surprised if you see a Washoe County Sheriff doing a daily patrol of the five-mile dirt path. One of the most severe cases occurred around 2006, when the "caretaker" threatened a single father ALONG with the man's 7 year old son at gunpoint! Biases aside, this "caretaker" obviously needs a severe reality check. Fortunately on my ventures, I've never run into this lunatic. Then again... that's why I always carry a revolver behind my seat.
So, what of the unfortunate Olinghouse marker? My advice would be to stay away. Accessing Olinghouse is OUT OF THE QUESTION, unless you can get permission from the owner himself. Email me if you'd like more information on contacting him. A fellow marker hunter, "Air Force" 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 shed even more-needed light on this case...
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! However, on a good note, Olinghouse itself is in "good condition", according to the owner. Other locals I have talked to have informed me of four buildings that are standing in excellent condition, along with the town's small cemetery and headstones intact. "We're keeping the town as it is and working around it." So, although the townsite IS still on private property, the barrier preserves it for future generations. Hopefully some resolve will be corrected to this mess in the future. As for conquering #24, the idea is 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 north 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 west of SR 447, but the locked gate is at Mile 5. #24 is a "medium sized Standard" type marker.
BONUS! (October 2007)
Here's an added plot twist! I researched even more as of late, only to uncover a rumor that #24 is STILL ALIVE, albeit barely; rumors reveal that #24 may be located seventy miles north at Bruno's Country Club in Gerlach. I stopped by Bruno's on my last visit to Gerlach in 2008, and caught glimpse of what looked like a blue Standard-medium sized marker standing in front of Bruno's front door; this "marker" was without a plaque, but instead was 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, this is GREAT news. Although #24 might have reduced to this, the marker would still be present to conquer, regardless of its state! Again, this is only a rumor, but in terms of hunting for Olinghouse... I'll take any information I can get. If you happen to get to Gerlach before I do, it might be a good idea to talk to Bruno and see what info he can throw at you. Just compensate him by buying a drink... or even better, a bowl full of his handmade ravioli.
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-- Unconfirmed, 'Missing in Action' --
Missing Since: Spring 1995
*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: *Whew* What a thorn in my side this one is! Poor #32 seems to have suffered the same fate as many of the MIA's down in Clark County: a victim of extreme urbanization. Once upon a time, some fifteen years ago, there was a shaded place called "Fantasy Park". Fantasy Park DID exist at this exact intersection but it wasn't much, barely a little more than a nice place to sit and 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 kids or pets. For a short time it even had a small statue commemorating the OST. The antagonist of this story was time, modern time and modern mindsets caught up and renovated this intersection, completely decimating the little park and more than likely, the marker along with it. Today at Washington and LV Blvd, hunters will be greeted only by the Grant Sawyer Building, a huge state building with allowed entrance by password and/or permission 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 also knew a few people from NDOT stated their names, and told them that I only wanted to walk the grounds for a few minutes to locate "an old and important historic marker"; I even offered to hand them my driver's license as collateral. However, in response I was greeted with only a bold and rude demeanor... "only state officials are allowed through the gates. You have to leave." With that, I contacted fellow marker hunter, Gary B. from NDOT (a state official), who walked the grounds of the Grant Sawyer Building a few weeks later. Turns out at least my experience wasn't in vain. He emailed me a few days later stating "No marker on the complex. We got our hopes up..." Later, I uncovered a rumor that #32 may be at a local Clark maintenance station, but I find this to be highly unlikely considering that the marker is a rare "Classic" plaque, which would need to be removed from the mortar of a stone tower. Too much effort for renovators in my opinion.
My search wasn't over yet. A week later, I researched the archives back home in Carson City to shed a tiny bit of light on this case. However, the information I found was extremely vague. Apparently, the builders of the complex tried to "work around #32," knowing full well that if the marker was destroyed, it would never again be replaced. This is my deduction according to the tiny bits of gathered info. This was done by more or less connecting the dots without confusing apples for bananas. This notion is promising, considering the builders' reluctance to rid of the marker! This leads me to believe that #32 IS ALIVE, located somewhere among the busy downtown mess of 'Lost Vegas.' The problem is, I've 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 Old Spanish Trail roughly followed the path of current North LV Blvd and segments of Washington; after this intersection, the Trail ran south, following the path of Main Street, then the Strip down to about Flamingo, and turned northwest toward Charleston. Logic dictates the marker could be along this path, keyword: COULD. My other hunches could be about a mile east of the present intersection, 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; the marker was last seen mortared into a stone tower about knee high at the intersection of North LV Blvd and Washington (today's Grant Sawyer Building.) 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' --
Missing Since: Spring 1995
*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: This one is a damn shame considering the marker that commemorates NEVADA'S OLDEST BUILDING is GONE?! Show some respect, Vegas! Before I start sounding too harsh, this one MAY have a logical reason behind its disappearance, "MAY" meaning it might be there right under our noses. First off, when you visit the fort, you will find two markers out back. One marker is a Clamper near the rear exhibits erected by DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers); the other is out front, erected by the Clark County Boy Scouts; this Boy Scouts marker sits near the museum, possibly erected when the museum was first remodeled. (The information gets sketchy here.) This marker is interesting because it comes complete with the exact wording and description as the text listed by the SHPO (above); it's rumored this newer marker was built to "replace" the original blue Standard when the renovations took place. So in a nutshell, this new marker IS #35. The catch is, because the marker itself isn't the original, I have to claim it as MIA. A few marker hunters before me concluded this same information before my conquering of Clark, so I know the information is accurate. During my visit of the museum, I inquired about #35 to the few museum attendants, 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 blue marker" here. (Noticed I used Layman's terms.) I also checked with Nevada State Parks to shine a little light on what happened in this case. 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, here's some backstory: the marker was released by the SHPO circa 1995 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' --
Missing Since: Fall 1996
*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: Yet another pathetic case deriving from Las Vegas. #40 has suffered a truly depressing disappearance, not because it's the case of another MIA, but because it's a marker with MANY historical connections to all of southern Nevada. #40 goes hand in hand with just about EVERY MARKER in Clark County. It makes mention of several references in Clark's markers, such as Armijo, the Old Spanish Trail, John C. Fremont, the Mormon Fort 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 its original marker!
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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. In the beginning, the marker placed here and #40 was in full view from every corner of the intersection; this intersection was a great spot, considering that the actual Las Vegas Meadows/Springs are only a 1/4 mile north of here (now gone and replaced by a shopping mall.) However, renovations began on the intersection, including a complete makeover of the Headquarters' Grounds and surrounding landscape; apparently, the Headquarters weren't paying attention when landscapers came in and started full renovation on the NE corner. Here's an ironic twist: in 2007, the city of Las Vegas opened the new "Springs Preserve", a sightseeing attraction/water park built around the Las Vegas Spring "theme." Clearly, Clark County historians remember the roots of Las Vegas... but what about the marker?! What's even more funny is Nevada recently released a new license plate commemorating the Las Vegas Springs Preserve! *Insert crickets chirping*
This new Preserve would be the best place to re-erect a replacement marker. I say 'replacement' because more chances than not, the original #40 is gone for good; finding information on #40 is a difficult process alone. 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 three square mile radius and found more frustation than anything. Even the Archives in Carson City have little info regarding this marker, let alone the SHPO. Before I close the book on #40 for good, I should invite you to do your own physical searching for it. However, I advise MUCH CAUTION if you happen onto the grounds of the LVVWD Headquarters! The grounds of the building are heavily guarded and security patrols this place day and night. Even yours truly nearly found himself in trouble when the security officer approached him 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 the grounds, taking notes of my findings in the parking lot. I informed him as to who I was and how far I'd 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...
 A dinky replacement plaque commemorating the Spring!
Talk about a dog with its tail between its legs.
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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 one percent will ever care to know what the Las Vegas Springs represent (told by #40.) People down here waste water every second without ever knowing just how important the Springs are to Las Vegas. 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 the marker, and trust me folks, they won't be talking any time soon. #40 was first erected around 1985 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 as it may have been already destroyed. Us marker hunters can only think positive right?
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-- Conquered, 'Late Removal' --
Date of Disappearance: Spring 2009
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 in the summer of 2009, due to the closing of the East Ely 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, #84 will remain MIA for now, with a good chance that it will be re-erected sometime next year (2010.) 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' --
Missing Since: Summer 2002
*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. At least this one has a reason behind it. Up until only five years years ago, Dayton was a quiet, sleepy town on US 50 East, the last stop before heading out into the open plains of Lyon and Churchill Counties. Thanks to Dayton's housing boom in the last three years, everything, including the location of this marker, has changed. If you trip three miles from the stoplight in Dayton, "three miles east of Dayton" (according to the SHPO) would put you intersecting "Segale Road." All that lies at Segale Rd and US 50 are open, sageless plains of dirt where housing developers have plowed everything away to make way for what I call, "cookie-cutter homes." This makes sense why that marker isn't 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. Already I found that location to be far-fetched. No way would a local, let alone a transplant, allow an imposing blue historic marker to sit in front of his cookie-cutter home. I recently drove into this area and after spending a good half hour looking for the darned thing, 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 #85 as MIA.
Two years ago, I sprouted a pretty good hunch as to where #85 could've been: the privately-owned Sutro Tunnel. The Storey County Historical Society arranges a tour only once a year to the Tunnel and if the marker was somehow moved, instead of destroyed, officials might've been moved up here in a haste. However, a recent email from fellow marker hunter, "Air Force Dave S.", shot down my hunch altogether. Dave got in touch with the owner of the Sutro Tunnel Co. and the owner solidly stated that the marker is NOT at the Sutro Property. The owner continued... "several years ago, the Boy Scout Troop in Dayton restored the marker and the sign" at that same turnout. After a few years, the marker fell victim to what we call, 'Blue Sign Season.' In other words, the same fate occurred with Sutro as with Olinghouse-- somebody plowed the marker with a generous gift 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 concluded, the owner didn't mind the marker being removed: "We don't want anyone to know where Sutro is." Some people fail to understand that history belongs to everybody. An historic tunnel, ghost town, mine shaft or whatever it may be, may lie on somebody's private property-- but an historic marker alone often tells all that we need to know.
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, here's some backstory: #85 was a "Large Standard" type marker that disappeared around 2002; the marker was last seen at today's Segale Road and US 50, possibly set-back from the highway. 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' --
Missing Since: Fall 2006
*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: Even remote Lincoln County can't escape from the MIA dilemma in Nevada. The quest to find #90 has been a battle of my own, as few Nevadans have yet to traverse into this remote corner of Nevada. Setting out to conquer #90, marker hunters will be greeted by only a litter barrel and a beautiful forest of Joshua trees. The road to Delamar is clearly marked, but the marker itself is NOT SIGNED (which didn't help matters either), completely throwing off clues as to where the marker COULD be. The history of #90 is very elusive and to top it off, not many people come this way in search of Historic Markers. However, some of my questions were answered when I stopped in Alamo, and got to chatting with a Lincoln County Sheriff. Fortunately, I found the right guy because he patrols the entire area from the Clark Line north to Pioche. We'll call him "John" (he asked for his name to be disclosed.) John's covered this stretch of US 93 in and out and told me he remembered seeing a "marker there for Delamar." He knows this 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 considering the turnout's 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 I saw some 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. Fellow hunter Gary Bodell, NDOT employee of Lincoln County branch, continues to search for #90 and promises to keep me posted. With some luck, Gary might might find the marker collecting dust in a county maintenance yard. I'd rather it be this than the marker be completely destroyed...
Anyway, if you want to do your own hunting, John described the marker as "big and blue", pretty much confirming it as a "Large Standard" type marker. It was last seen only about four 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' --
Date of Disappearance: Spring 2009
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: Please note the directions are in black, not red! 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 find it long gone. (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 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 late 2010-early 2011. This intersection will be the connecting point for the present Washoe Valley Freeway to the new I-580 freeway to Reno, 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 relocated instead of being completely removed... 1) One possible relocation site would be the actual Winters Ranch, located only a 1/4 mile north of this location along US 395. There's even a large pullout at the Ranch, a perfect location for marker re-erection! 2) The entire stretch of SR 429 from the about a 1/2 mile south of the freeway connection will be unharmed. What does this mean? #94 could've been moved just south of this new freeway connection, such as Davis Creek Park, even alongside the present 395 freeway, just south of the Winters Ranch! All of these locations are only a few seconds drive in either direction. 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' --
Missing Since: Summer 2000
*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' --
Date of original removal: Spring 2007
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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-- 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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-- 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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