Genoa in Nance County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Genoa: 1857-1859

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 10, 2021

1. Genoa: 1857-1859 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Genoa, named by the Mormon Pioneers, was among several temporary settlements established by the Church of the Latter Day Saints in 1857, along the 1000-mile trail from Florence, Nebraska to Salt Lake City. These settlements were to serve as way-stations for the Brigham Young Express and Carrying Company, which had the government mail contract to Salt Lake City, and as rest and supply stops for Saints traveling across the plains.

Mormons from St. Louis, Florence, and Alton, Illinois were called to establish the Genoa settlement in the spring of 1857, and the Colony arrived here on May 16. During the first year, 100 families settled at Genoa and began to fence the land and plant crops under the direction of Brother Allen, Mission president. A steam powered mill was constructed and log, frame, and sod structures were erected to house the settlers and their livestock.

In the fall of 1859, the Mormon Colony was forced to abandon Genoa when the settlement became part of the newly created Pawnee Indian Reservation. Genoa served as the Pawnee Indian Agency until 1876, when the Pawnee were removed to the Indian Territory and the

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Erected by City of Genoa; and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 104.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Pioneer Trail, and the Nebraska State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 1857.

Location. 41° 26.552′ N, 97° 44.125′ W. Marker is in Genoa, Nebraska, in Nance County. Marker can be reached from South Park Street (State Highway 39) just south of Ewing Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located along on the south side of the park road, just inside the Genoa City Park south entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Genoa NE 68640, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pawnee (here, next to this marker); U. S. Indian Industrial School Building (approx. ¾ mile away); West Hill Community (approx. 7.8 miles away); Gardiner School (approx. 10.2 miles away); The Lincoln Highway - Gardiner Station Section (approx. 10.3 miles away); St. Edward (approx. 11.1 miles away).

Also see . . . Genoa, Nebraska History. City website entry:
The Mormons eventually

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 10, 2021

2. Genoa: 1857-1859 Marker

(leftmost of two markers at this location)

arrived at Beaver Creek south of Genoa. The stream was 20 feet wide and two feet deep. The crossing site had sandbars, quicksand and a rapid current that reached waist-high in places. They had to unload the wagons and carry their goods across. The empty wagons were then pulled over by a rope. It was decided by some to locate in this area. Under the leadership of Henry and Sarah Hudson, founders of Genoa, a colony was set. The city of Genoa was settled by the Mormons in 1857 and was incorporated in 1884. (Submitted on August 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.