An unincorporated small town in Douglas County, quaint Genoa was first settled by Mormon pioneers in 1861 and became the Mormon Station trading post which served travelers along the California Trail. Genoa was also the first capital of the Nevada Territory until it was moved to Carson City. Today, this small town is a popular spot for tourists looking to take in its beauty, splendor, history, and quaint feel.
Genoa measures a mere 9.2 square miles and is home to around 250 residents.
Tona Rocha/Flickr
Genoa is located along the western edge of the Carson Valley, seven miles northwest of Douglas County’s seat, Minden.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
Genoa was home to the state’s first newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise, as well as Nevada’s first hotel, court, and bar.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
The films Charley Varrick (1973) and Misery (1990) were shot in Genoa.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
Additionally, M.F.K. Fisher wrote a series of cookbooks in the 1960s from her sister’s home in Genoa.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
Genoa is home to the Pink House, a gorgeous restored house that is now a delightful restaurant, cheese shop, and charcuterie.
The Pink House/Facebook
Mormon Station was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Within this historic district are gorgeous late Victorian-era buildings.
Renoe Tahoe/Flickr
Within this historic district is the Genoa Court Museum, built in 1865 (and rebuilt in 1910 after a fire destroyed the entire town.) It was first a courthouse with a jail in the basement and then a school. Today the same building is a museum that reflects the area’s history and heritage.
Ken Lund/Flickr
The Genoa Bar and Saloon is the oldest “thirst parlor” in the entire state. The Saloon has had such famous customers as Johnny Cash, Theodore Roosevelt, and Mark Twain.
rocor/Flickr
Genoa’s volunteer fire station is also located in the historic district.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
The town still retains its historical charm as seen by the quaintness of the Genoa Trading Company…
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
…the town’s General Store…
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
…an antique store…
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
…and the Genoa cemetery.
Amy S./Yelp
The “Hanging Tree” represents a dark chapter in Genoa’s history.
Genoa’s natural beauty welcomes tourists and wildlife. Mule deer are a frequent sight here, both in the nearby forested area and even in town.
Danny Miller/Flickr
Genoa is a quaint Nevada small town rife with history and definitely one of the coolest in the state. Have you had the pleasure of visiting this little gem? Please share your comments below.
Tona Rocha/Flickr
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
The Pink House/Facebook
Renoe Tahoe/Flickr
Ken Lund/Flickr
rocor/Flickr
Amy S./Yelp
Danny Miller/Flickr
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