The Genoa Courthouse Museum, located in the charming town of Genoa, Nevada, is a historical treasure that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Housed in a beautifully preserved building that once served as the seat of justice for Douglas County, this museum showcases the rich history of the area and its inhabitants. Built in 1865, the Genoa Courthouse is the oldest standing courthouse in the state of Nevada and has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Stepping inside, visitors are transported back in time to the days of the Wild West, when mining booms and frontier justice were the norm. The museum features a variety of exhibits that highlight different aspects of Genoa's history, from its early settlement by Mormon pioneers to its role in the Comstock Lode silver rush. Visitors can explore displays on Native American artifacts, pioneer life, local industries, and more. The museum also features a courtroom exhibit that showcases the legal proceedings that took place in the building during its time as a courthouse. In addition to its exhibits, the Genoa Courthouse Museum hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including guided tours, historical reenactments, and educational workshops. Visitors can also shop for souvenirs and locally made crafts in the museum's gift shop. Overall, the Genoa Courthouse Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Nevada's rich history and the unique stories of the American West. Whether you're a history buff, a local resident, or just passing through, a visit to this charming museum is sure to be a memorable experience.

Mormon Station State Historic Park was established by the John Reese Party on July 4, 1851, as a trading post along the California Trail. The party was comprised of former members of the Mormon Brigade and travelers passing through often referred to Reese’s nameless post as “the Mormon Station.” The Station became the hub of commerce in the early days of Carson Valley and a town sprang up around it. The town was renamed Genoa by Orson Hyde, sent by Brigham Young to survey and officially establish the townsite.

The original trading post of Mormon Station was destroyed by the historic fire of 1910 and the the structure you see today was built. The well-maintained historic park is under the care of the Nevada State Park system.

A legendary figure in Nevada and California history, "Snowshoe" Thompson braved 20 to 50 foot snow depths, snowdrifts and blizzards wlth a 50 to 100 lb. mail bag strapped to his back. His physical stamina and courage were most extraordinary as he rode his homemade "long" skis over the high sierra mountain ridges using a single pole for balance. He carried crackers and dried beef for food, drank melted snow from his hand, rested only when necessary during the three day trip from Placerville to Genoa. The mail was Genoa's only contact wlth the outside world during the long winter months.

"Snowshoe" did more than deliver the mail, he carried medicines, newspaper type, and other items for his neighbors and friends. He was given credit for many daring rescues. It is noted in history that this brave man received little official recognition or material reward for his courage and loyalty.

"Snowshoe" Thompson is a true hero of the Old West.

Lillian Virgin Finnegan, known affectionately as “Lillie”, was born and raised in Genoa. An early graduate of Nevada State University, she was a teacher, suffragist, businesswoman, and respected community leader. Lillie’s family home was the Pink House, located on Genoa Lane. In 1919, when the citizens of Genoa wanted streetlights, Lillie and the ladies continued to organize what later became known as “The Candy Dance” each year. Over the years, the Candy Dance was Lillie’s passion. Her obituary describes how she directed the 1937 Candy Dance event from the couch in her home at the Pink House. Even though she was dressed and ready, her terminal illness kept her from attending the final event of her life. Lillian’s spirit lives on in the volunteers who support the Town of Genoa’s many social and fundraising events.

(Private Home) Built in 1872, this was the residence of Alice and A.C. Pratt. For a few years after 1875, Pratt published The Carson Valley News. In the 1880's, it was the Henry van Sickle town house. Several owners later, the late Rick Whalen renovated and replaced the second story in the 1980s before selling to Linda and Bob Sanfilippo, who operated it as the Genoa House Inn, a bed and breakfast establishment..

Douglas Lodge #12 of the Free and Accepted Masons was chartered on September 17, 1868, by the newly created Grand Lodge of Nevada.

In early 1873, the lodge purchased this building which had been constructed by John Childs in 1872. The masons added a second floor for their meeting hall which has been in continuous use by the lodge ever since.

In 1877, John H Davis had this building constructed as a new location for his existing store nearby. The general store was an integral part of 1800s era towns like Genoa and supplied dried goods, food and other necessities to the growing Nevada Territory. Davis died 1878 before he was able to move into his new location. This building operated as a general store, apothecary and community landmark for many years, and had been an antique store owned by the Bommarito family since 1970.

Welcome to the Genoa Bar and Saloon, Nevada's Oldest Thirst Parlor!

I was built in 1853 and first opened for business as Livingston's Exchange, then renamed "Fettic's Exchange" in 1884 and operated by Frank Fettic. I was well known as a "gentleman's saloon" back then and I "kept in first-class style in every particular way." Mr. Fettic served fine wines, liquors, and cigars. According to one of his advertisements, "I would be pleased to have all my old friends call, and they would be treated in the most cordial manner."

I have changed hands many times over the years and in 1963, I was bought by the Bob and Betty Carver family who ran my great establishment until 2000, when they retired and sold the bar to Willy and Cindy Webb.

The top of my bar is original from the front to mid-way where you'll see a line across it. The medallions on the ceiling above the lights are original as is the one red oil lamp which is lit every New Year's Eve. The electric lamps are also original to the bar and were oil but converted to electricity at the turn of the century. I'm kept warm in winter by the woodstove, and since it's the only source of heat, the locals often bring in firewood when I'm getting low. And, no, those are not blood stains you see on the ceiling (it's tomato juice) while there have been many rough and tumbles here, no one was ever killed. And yes, we grow our own cobwebs here too.

The Diamond Dust Mirror on the back of the bar came from Glasgow, Scotland, in the late 1840's. It was shipped around the "horn" to San Francisco, then brought here by covered wagon. Originally, there were two mirrors, but one was sold to a movie company in the 1930's during the great depression. If you shine a flashlight in the mirror, you can see the diamond dust! The mirror has only been out of the saloon three times in it's history, the last time in 1910 when it was saved from the great Genoa Fire which destroyed most of the town.

If you look on the floor on the left side of the pool table, you'll see a trap door which leads down to the cold storage cellar. Ice was packed in burlap and straw and transported by mule down from two small lakes in the mountains behind me. There are many stories about the cellar -drunks are thrown down there to "sleep it off" -dancing girls come out at night -the local kids have all been taught that alligators and monsters live down there!

Many famous people have visited over the years. Among them, Mark Twain when he first reported for the Territorial Enterprise which opened in Genoa before moving to Virginia City. Carol Lombard and Clark Gable came here to play high stakes poker games with the local cattle barons. Among the other famous and infamous, Lauren Bacall, Richard Boone, Ronnie Howard, Red Skelton, Cliff Robertson and all of our Nevada Governors have come through my doors.

When Raquel Welch visited us, she was asked to leave her bra. She agreed but insisted that all the other bras be taken down -and they were! Hers is the black leopard print hanging on the antlers though it's so dusty now, you can't really tell. It wouldn't be right to exclude anyone, so I take lingeree "donations" kept in the old safe. Go ahead and peek, but remember, the custom is: if you open the door to the safe, a donation is required!

A number of movies have been filmed here including "The Shootist" with John Wayne, "Charley Varrick" with Walter Mathau and Joe Don Baker, "Honky Tonk Man" with Clint Eastwood, "Misery" with James Cann, Kathy Bates, Rob Reiner and Richard Farnsworth, and most recently, (last summer) "Till the River Runs Dry" starring Ann-Margaret.

Around the mid-1980's the Coors Beer Company came here to film a commercial. Unfortunately, the local gentlemen who were extras, didn't like Coors. They emptied their cans, filled them with Budweiser, and proceeded with the filming!

Musicians seem to gravitate here. I've welcomed Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Slim Pickens, John Denver, and the Captain and Tennille to name just a few.

There have been a lot of "high old times" within these walls over the years and that tradition continues to this day. When the weather is warm, impromptu "porch parties" happen and there can be dancing in the streets. On cold winter evenings when the snow is falling, nothing beats the wood stove and good friends for a couple of hours.

I continue to be a "drinking establishment" notwithstanding the pool table and jukebox -I'm proud that our lady friends feel comfortable and safe here -I watch out for everyone in this little corner of history. I'm delighted that you stopped by to share your time with me!

(Private Home) Built about 1875 by merchant Noah Blossom on land bought from J.S. Child. From 1884 until 1916, it was the home of Dr. C.P. Young. In 1917, the north wing was added by E. McFaul, and it was remodeled as the C.C. Meneley home during the 1920's. Noreen and Marshal Humphreys rehabilitated the house in the 1980's.

The "Giardelli House" in Genoa, NV, is now the Orchard House located at 188 Carson St, which was the lifelong home of Giardelli Falcke. The historic property is notable for its age, original structures, and having been the first licensed Bed & Breakfast in Douglas County. While the family name is Giardelli, the property is widely known as the Orchard House, and it is a registered historic landmark. 

(Private Home) After a long odyssey from Germany Hans Meyer-Kassel and his wife Maria fell in love with Genoa and settled here in 1945. They became an integral part of this community residing here until their deaths. From the haven of his studio just up the road Hans painted many of his finest works including, Carson Valley and Nevada landscapes. Portraits of Nevada and California governors as well as friends and neighbors. And exquisite still life floral paintings. The painting etched on this monument was created by Hans to commemorate the centennial of Nevada’s first settlement at Genoa celebrated in 1951.

Built in the 1870's by C.W. Dake, Genoa's first undertaker, the house replaced an earlier log cabin and shared the property with farm buildings, undertaking parlor, and justice of the peace office. It was also the Theodore P. Hawkins residence and is now home to Antiques Plus.

The Dake House is one of the first 'haunted' houses in Nevada and has been the destination for paranormal investigators.

Built in 1886 as the Raycraft Dance Hall, this structure was purchased from Annie Raycraft in 1941 by the Town of Genoa. The Genoa Candy Dance was held in the Town Hall starting in1919 and has since outgrown the Town Hall's 240 person capacity. Many other community events and meetings are still held in the hall.

Repairs and renovations have been made over the years with the help of community-donated labor. The porch was added in 1977 and the bar, originally from the old Globe Saloon in Carson City, was installed in 1984. A commercial style kitchen is located adjacent to the Town Hall and is available for rent.

Built in 1855 by Colonel John Reese, explorer and found of Mormon Station, this house was moved from Mill Street to its present site in 1870 by pioneer merchant J.R. Johnson. It was sold to Judge D.W. Virgin in 1884 and remained his home and then that of his daughter, Lillian Finnegan, until 1938. Walt and Nora Merrell purchased the Pink House and opened it as a dinner house.

Thought to date from about 1858, the house was owned by A. Seamon from at least 1874 until 1909. It was then bought by August Syll for his family and later occupied by his daughter, Charlotte, and her husband, Arnold Juchtzer. Charlotte's death in 1983 led to its sale to Phyllis Stoll who spent several years remodeling the house. It is now The White House Inn and offers a boutique experience in a historic setting.

Thought to be one of the oldest in the state, this brick mansion was built by Stephen Kinsey, locator of Mormon Station and nephew of Colonel John Reese. Kinsey remained in Genoa when most of the local Mormons returned to Salt Lake City and became the deputy recorder for the area. When the Nevada Territory was established, Kinsey was appointed as one of the first commissioners of Douglas County and was elected county clerk in 1866.

The Kinsey's resided in their house until Stephen's passing in 1903. The house changed hands several times and became the headquarters of the Sierra Shadows Guest Ranch in 1970. Betty Bourne purchased the home in 1983 and preserved it until her passing in 2023. The Kinsey House has now been accepted into Mormon Station State Historic Park, safeguarding it for generations to come.