The Winters Ranch (Rancho Del Sierra)
Location: Southern Washoe County, Washoe Valley
Directions: Junction of US 395 and Old US 395 (SR 429)
Location: 2
Visibility: 1
Accessibility: 1
Marker type: St (L)
Date Conquered: 5/14/07
Quick Description: A marker commemorating a stately home built during the Comstock Era.
Signed: Yes -- Severely faded! Sign on southbound side of US 395 only.
Photo taken in 2006. [94] Winters Ranch and its former view into Washoe Valley.
Full Description:
Exact description as reads ...
This large carpenter-Gothic style structure, completed about 1864, was the ranch home of Theodore and Maggie Winters and their seven children. Originally this area was settled by Mormons, and the ranch was purchased from Mormons by Winters and his brother, from the proceeds of the Comstock. Theodore Winters immediately set out to enlarge his property and built the mansion you see. The ranch, at one time, consisted of around 6,000 acres.
Winters raised outstanding race horses and raced them here. He also had a large dairy operation, raised beef cattle, work horses and sheep.
Theodore Winters was active in politics, being elected territorial representative in 1862.
Photo taken in 2006.
- Conquered, 'Late Removal' -
Date of Disappearance: Spring 2009
Status: I have cruised through Washoe Valley more times than I can remember and I have yet to find a marker disappear as quick as this one! Although I've recorded this marker already for your viewing pleasure, today's visitor will find [94] The Winters Ranch long gone. Wait, don't fret! There's more, my friends.
Years ago, the intersection of SR 429 (Old US 395) and the Washoe Valley Freeway (US 395) operated as a quiet rural intersection with not a lot happening in the ways of cosmic urbanization. Today, however, this intersection has disappeared due to the building of the new I-580 freeway estimated to be complete in late 2012. Construction began at this intersection around mid 2010 and yes ... you guessed it, [94] sat right in the middle of the construction zone. This intersection has been converted into a major on-ramp from Old US 395 (SR 429); this location is an important connection point to and from the present Washoe Valley Freeway (US 395) from Washoe City and Pleasant Valley. Obviously, workers deemed removal of this marker necessary to make room for this connection and while I have contacted NDOT on this marker, they have yet to tell me when it's re-erection date will be.
I have quarrels with this case for two reasons, both having to do with why it wasn't relocated instead of being completely removed. If you disagree with me, please email me so you can state your own opinions ...
1) One possible relocation site could've been the actual Winters Ranch, located only a 1/4 mile north of this location along US 395. While the actual Winters Ranch is private property, the marker could've been placed on the large pullout just south of the property. I would hope builders consider this idea in the event that [94] is ever re-erected! After the construction of I-580, US 395 will likely become a relatively-quiet four-lane highway with plenty of opportune time for hunters to stop.
2) It's important to note that the entire stretch of SR 429 from about a half-mile south of the freeway connection will be unharmed making this stretch of road a perfect relocation spot for [94]. In addition, other spots along 429, like Davis Creek Park, or the Ophir Mill turnout, could be potential relocation sites. Any of these locations are only a few seconds drive in either direction pf the marker's former site.
In any case, more information will be updated once I locate its whereabouts or could-be future. Until then, if you happen to find out any information in regards to this unfortunate MIA case, please
email me
