Historical Markers of Washoe County & Reno


Nevada Landmarks Home Page

*HM 238*


-- Huffaker's --

Location: South Reno
Directions: At intersection of South Meadows Pkwy and S. Virginia St.

Location: 1
Visibility: 7
Accessibility: 3
Marker type: St (L)
   

Date Conquered: 8/1/07
Quick Description: A marker remembering Huffakers, the first community ever established in the Truckee Meadows.
Signed: No -- Historically, this marker was never signed.

NOTES: For such an important marker, #238 has one of the most ridiculous locations in the entire marker system! According to the SHPO, the directions for this marker are as reads: "0.5 miles S of Longley Lane". Truth be told, #238 is HIDDEN, even alongside a road as large and well-traveled as South Virginia. Marker hunters are highly unlikely to find #238 using those erroneous directions! Heather and I were actually heading into Reno to do some shopping, when we happened to see it at a stoplight. I'm convinced if that stoplight hadn't turned red, we'd still be looking for it today. So, here's the problem #238...

Heather was lucky enough to snap this shot as we left the intersection.
Notice how well this marker blends in with the b.g. #238 is essentially, "now you see it, now you don't." This is especially true when this parking lot is full of rental cars.

As you can see, #238 suffers from poor visibility syndrome. The marker is set at least a hundred yards from Virginia Street's plain sight. In addition, the marker's location is rather unexpected: a rental car lot across from a shopping center. Opinions aside, read this carefully to avoid further confusion: whether you're traveling north or southbound on S. Virginia St, proceed until you reach the stoplight for "South Meadows Shopping Center" (WinCo Foods). At this stoplight, look directly WEST. The complex you're looking at is a GEICO rental car dealership and insurance office. #238 sits right in front of the building. Why? I'll explain why the marker is located here in a second. Another endangered marker anyone?

Notice the strange location of the state seal.
Feels like this one was built in a hurry.

Full Description:
Exact description as reads...

Before the arrival, 1858, of Granville W. Huffaker driving 500 head of cattle into the Truckee Meadows, the principal settlers were Mormons. The Comstock Lode and its mining needs focused attention on the valley. Huffaker established his ranch in 1859. Langton's Stage Line and the first Post Office were functioning by 1862. For ten years Huffaker's was a most active stage-stop and a center for a community. The school house was constructed in 1868. Bachelors of a jolly nature gathered here for dancing, horse-racing and "Land Squabbles." The Athenian Literary Society flourished for the more cultured. In 1875 the "Bonanza Kings" completed their Pacific Lumber and Flume operation from the Lake Tahoe Basin. For fifteen miles trestled logs were propelled "by waters rushing faster than any train." At the terminus of the flume, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad opened a depot and telegraph office and constructed a spur where workers transferred timbers.

Here's the problem...
Years ago, this location might've been a good spot. However, Reno's ever growing suburbia has caught up, making this marker look like a fish out of water. Now that #238 technically sits on the grounds of a private establishment, this marker is highly suscepitable to being removed...

...However, what may look like only a GEICO rental establishment, is actually the old home of Granville Huffaker, founder of the Huffaker ranch and soon-to-be townsite. Nice to see that the old home is still in use.

#238 joins my TOP TEN ENDANGERED MARKERS list, due to its location on private property.

Here's the solution!
Although #238 makes sense where it is, it might be better located for visibility. A great spot for #238 would be along Foothill Road near Sierra Manor Drive. Kevin informs me of the old Huffaker's cemetery located just a short distance from this intersection. The visibility factor for #238 would surely go up! Any of these spots make perfect candidates for re-erection.

Thanks go to Kevin C. for providing vital information regarding the old Huffaker home.
See you out there!

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