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Location: Washoe County, South Truckee Meadows
Directions: At the pavement's end on Toll Road
(Access via SR 341, then 2 miles east on Toll Road)
Location: 1
Visibility: 1
Accessibility: 2
Marker type: St (L)
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Date Conquered: 12/16/07
Nearest Intersection: Ravazza Rd.
Quick Description: A marker noting the largest toll station on the Geiger Grade toll road.
Signed: Yes -- Original cut-out shield! Although semi-faded, this sign is a true delight, considering that almost none of these vintage signs are left in or around urban Nevada. (Signed on the eastbound lane of Toll Road only.)
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Full Description:
Exact description as reads ...
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Seven-tenths of a mile east of this marker was Geiger's Station, the largest station on the Geiger grade toll Road, the main thoroughfare between the Comstock Lode and the ranches of the Truckee Meadows. Located at the site were a toll house, three blacksmith shops, three barns, several corrals and an inn, Magnolia House.
During the boom years of the Comstock Lode, the sixties and the seventies, the station was crowded with freight outfits, stagecoaches and weary teamsters. Passing travelers could stop off at the inn for a drink or a quick meal.
Following the extension of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad to Reno in August 1872, the toll road fell into disuse and a few years later became a public highway. Magnolia House continued operating until 1915. Social activity at the inn included dances which attracted residents from Virginia City, nearby valleys, and the Truckee Meadows.
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DID YOU KNOW?...
...You can still follow the old Geiger Grade Toll Road today? However, expect to be bothered along the way (more on this in a minute). In about 1/2 mile, the pavement strip will end, giving way to an unmaintained dirt road that forks at a ranch. Take the left fork to continue up the mountain where the road eventually comes out on "Five Mile Flat" on SR 341.
Please note, that locals keep a close eye on this road daily! While most do take kindly to visitors, the few who don't will run people away. Although Toll Road is technically a public road, it straddles the Washoe/Storey County lines for almost its entire length. The problem with this? Toll Road within Washoe County is PUBLIC, but the Toll Road within Storey County is PRIVATE. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing whether you're traveling a private or public road except for the heavily signed "Private", "No Trespassing" signs along the entire roadway. Most backroad buffs have disowned Toll Road entirely, and the details whether it IS a traversable roadway are sketchy. If you'd like to clear up this mystery for me, please contact me. Otherwise, use caution and remember... I told you so.
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 For those of you up for a little adventure, you can still travel the original Geiger Grade Toll Road today. |
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