Austin in Lander County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Reese River Navigation Company
Photographed By Matthew J Ebert, October 14, 2021
1. Reese River Navigation Company Marker
In 1860, a group of "businessmen" formed the Reese River Navigation Company. The company sent ads and posters back East that showed large streamers on the river towing ore barges up to Battle Mountain. Although nobody knows how the stock was sold, gullible Easterners hoped to cash in on the potential millions that Nevada had to offer. The company's stock sold well until a group of investors came to Lander County to look at the budding enterprise. Although the Reese River stretches over a 100 miles from the Toiyabe Range to Battle Mountain, it has been described by the writer Phillip I. Earl as "barely ankle deep at flood tide and even less spectacular during the dry season, it could usually be forded by a wagon going full tilt with nary a jar to the passengers."
When word of the great hoax got back to investors, the "businessmen" closed the company and vanished into the Nevada skyline. The stock was known to still be selling in New York in 1916, and the Reese River Navigation Company has become one of the greatest hoaxes in Western history.
Dedicated September 26, 2020 (6025)
Lucinda Jane Saunders Chapter #1881
Jesse Lee Reno Outpost #1422
Snowshoe Thompson Chapter #1827
Sausel L. Clemens Outpost #1856
of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 39° 29.595′ N, 117° 4.281′ W. Marker is in Austin, Nevada, in Lander County. Marker is on Main Street west of Virginia Hill, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81 Main Street, Austin NV 89310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Austin City Railway (here, next to this marker); The Sazerac Lying Club (a few steps from this marker); Votes for Women (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Augustine (within shouting distance of this marker); Austin Masonic and Oddfellows Hall (1867) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); International Hotel (about 400 feet away); Austin City Hall (about 400 feet away); The Pony Express (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Photographed By Matthew J Ebert, October 14, 2021
2. Reese River Navigation Company Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2021, by Matthew J Ebert of Gerlach, NV. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 18, 2021, by Matthew J Ebert of Gerlach, NV. 2. submitted on October 21, 2021, by Matthew J Ebert of Gerlach, NV. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
