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

Minden's First Homesite

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 11, 2009

1. Minden's First Homesite Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This site marks the end of the Virginia and Truckee rail extension from Carson City which was completed in 1906. A depot was built here as well as first home site for the station manager, Herb Coffin. Mr. Coffin’s home was a converted boxcar but a house was built for him in 1906. The railway into Minden initiated the growth of the town and the V & T thrived until the late 1930’s when its operation became questionable. The town was growing but the railroads’ profitability was lagging. The last train to Minden made its run on May 31, 1950. The depot and the house were moved to Gardnerville with the closing of the railway.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1906.

Location. 38° 57.165′ N, 119° 45.715′ W. Marker is in Minden, Nevada, in Douglas County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 395 and Esmeralda Avenue, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 395. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1595 US 395, Minden NV 89423, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Minden (here, next to this marker); Clock Park

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Heidlberg (within shouting distance of this marker); C.O.D. Garage (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Minden Dry Goods (about 500 feet away); Second Farmer's Bank of Carson Valley (about 600 feet away); Reed-Meneley Insurance (about 700 feet away); First National Bank of Nevada (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minden.

More about this marker. The marker is mounted on the southern side of the supporting post of the sign for Jimmy G's Cigar Bar, surrounded by a fenced-in patio.

Regarding Minden's First Homesite. The Town of Minden was a planned community, conceived of by H.F. Dangberg, Jr. The origin, as described by Minden historian Wynne F. Maule in Take a Walk, and DISCOVER MINDEN!, "A key first step in creating the new town was to persuade the V&T Railway to extend its railroad line from Carson City to the Carson Valley. Not coincidentally, the H.F. Dangberg Land and Livestock Company owned the land that the line would would span — as well as much of the surrounding land. The company granted the V&T the right-of-way through its property on the condition that the line would terminate at the site that was to become the Town of Minden. The railway

Minden's First Homesite Marker - Wide View Looking North image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 11, 2009

2. Minden's First Homesite Marker - Wide View Looking North

agreed, and construction of the extension began in September 1905. The first train arrived on June 12, 1906."

Minden's First Homesite Marker - Wide View Looking East image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 11, 2009

3. Minden's First Homesite Marker - Wide View Looking East

The marker is barely visible, mounted on the post supporting the Jimmy G's sign. To the right of the flagpole the Minden Nevada State Historical Marker is visible.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 966 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 18, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.