Genoa in Douglas County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 6, 2009

1. John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson Marker

Inscription. Born April 30, 1827 at Upper Tinns, Telemark District of Norway, John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson’s parents Tosten Olsen and Gro Johnsdotter baptized him as John Tostensen. At an early age he learned to “snow skate” (snow ski). In 1837 he moved to America and settled in Illinois with other Norwegian immigrants. He Americanized his name to John A. Thompson and moved to California in 1851. In January 1856, due to severe Sierra winters, “Snowshoe” Thompson began carrying mail 90 miles on “snow skates” between Placerville, Ca. (Hangtown) and Genoa, Nv. (Mormon Station, Utah Territory). He bravely carried mail and equipment over the snowbound Sierras until a couple years before his death, May 15, 1876, age 49 years.
"The Bravest are the Tenderest”…

Dedicated in Genoa, Nevada September 6, 1986
On the 30th Anniversary of
“Snowshoe” Thompson Chapter No. 1827 – E Clampus Vitus.
5961 – 5991

Erected 1986 by Snowshoe Thompson Chapter No.1827, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Settlements & Settlers. In

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addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Norwegian-Americans series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1856.

Location. 39° 0.293′ N, 119° 50.749′ W. Marker is in Genoa, Nevada, in Douglas County. It is on Jacks Valley Road/Main Street (Nevada Route 206), on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the grounds of the Genoa Courthouse Museum, on the reverse of the Pony Express Centennial Marker base. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2304 Main Street, Genoa NV 89411, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Sierra Nevada,

in the Lake Tahoe Basin,

and in Greater Reno Area.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Pony Express (here, next to this marker); Judge Daniel Webster Virgin (a few steps from this marker); Hans Meyer–Kassel (a few steps from this marker); Genoa (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Mormon Station State Historic Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Carson Trail - Original Mormon Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Mormon Station State Historic Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Campbell Property (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Genoa.

Also see . . . "Snowshoe" Thompson. A lively little folksong

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 6, 2009

2. John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson Marker

sung by Johnnie Horton. (Submitted on July 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Genoa Courthouse Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 6, 2009

3. Genoa Courthouse Museum

Location of Marker

"Snowshoe" Thompson image. Click for full size.

4. "Snowshoe" Thompson

John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson Gravesite and Headstone at the Genoa Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 6, 2009

5. John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson Gravesite and Headstone at the Genoa Cemetery

Photographed by Michael Fuess, October 10, 2020

6. John A. “Snowshoe” Thompson Marker

Marker is on the other side of the Pony Express monument seen in front of the Courthouse Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,739 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 11, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on October 14, 2020, by Michael Fuess of Reno, Nevada.