Genoa was first settled by Mormon pioneers in what was then the Mexican Territory of Alta California. Their settlement was known as Mormon Station and served as a roadhouse for westbound emigrants along the California Trail. After American annexation following the Mexican-American War, John Reese arrived and expanded the operation. Others soon settled in the area as well and the town started to grow. In 1856, the town was renamed after the Italian city of Genoa. The Genoa Bar was opened in 1853, making it Nevada’s oldest “thirst parlor”. Genoa was also home to Nevada’s first newspaper and served briefly as the capital city of the newly organized Nevada Territory. A beautiful brick house in town was built by “Lucky Bill” Thorington in 1855, but I guess his luck eventually ran out as he was the first man hanged in Nevada Territory. in 1919, Lillian Finnegan wanted to help the town purchase streetlights so she organized the Genoa Candy Dance to raise money, an event still held today over a century later to raise funds for the town. Genoa is a cool little place just a quick drive from Carson City and well worth a look if you’re ever in the area. I hope you enjoy these photos from Genoa, Nevada’s oldest town.
