Near Yerington in Lyon County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Wilson Canyon

Photographed By Paulette Nelson, December 11, 2019

1. Wilson Canyon Marker

Inscription. Wilson Canyon and the Wilson Mining District were named for brothers David and “Uncle Billy” Wilson. David Wilson (born 1829) came west in 1850 during the California Gold Rush. He returned to the Midwest in 1853, married, and joined the Union Army at the outbreak of the Civil War. Wilson participated in at least one battle and was discharged with sunstroke. He then returned to the West.

The Wilson family settled in the Wilson Canyon area in 1863, mining gold discovered in Pine Grove by "Uncle Billy" and ranching in Mason Valley. The Wilsons’ mining efforts eventually yielded several million dollars.

David Wilson died in 1915; a prominent local rancher and community leader. He is buried nearby in the Wilson Ranch Cemetery.

A Northern Paiute named Wovoka was raised with the Wilson boys and took the name Jack Wilson. Wovoka started the Ghost Dance movement in 1890, which swept into the Great Plains with potent political force.

Erected by State Historic Preservation Office and Katie Buchanan and Family. (Marker Number 255.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 38° 48.579′

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N, 119° 13.205′ W. Marker is near Yerington, Nevada, in Lyon County. Marker is on Nevada Route 208 just north of Copperbelt Drive. Near northern side of Walker River, approximately 14 miles south of Yerington. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yerington NV 89447, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pierce Station (approx. 9 miles away); Wellington (approx. 9 miles away); Hoye's Store (approx. 9.2 miles away); Wellington Grammar School (approx. 9.3 miles away); Leavitt Building & Masonic Hall (approx. 12.7 miles away); Mason Valley Telephone and Telegraph Co. (approx. 12.7 miles away); Yerington Grammar School #9 (approx. 12.8 miles away).

Photographed By Paulette Nelson, December 12, 2019

2. Wilson Canyon Marker

Marker is very close to the northern banks of the Walker River.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2019, by Paulette Nelson of N Las Vegas, Nevada. This page has been viewed 383 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2019, by Paulette Nelson of N Las Vegas, Nevada. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the Wilson mansion (now known as the Nordyke House) located at the old Nordyke town site in Mason Valley. • Can you help?