Genoa in Douglas County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
We Made It! The End of the Great Basin
Genoa - Mormon Station
— California Trail —
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 15, 2016
1. We Made It! The End of the Great Basin Marker
Inscription.
We Made It! The End of the Great Basin. Genoa - Mormon Station. You’re now standing at the western edge of the Great Basin. If you were an emigrant headed to California, you would have entered the Great Basin 450 miles back along the trail in southern Idaho, or 500 miles back in Salt Lake City if you had taken the Hastings Cutoff. , The mountains in front of this sign, separating you from California and its promise of gold or land, are only 200 yards away. After making it this far, you would have experienced a tremendous feeling of accomplishment – you had reached the last great physical barrier standing between you and your long dreamed-of goal. Yet, looking up at the foothills of the mighty Sierra Nevada, you might also have wondered if you, your animals, and your wagon had enough remaining strength to cross these mountains. , Many emigrant parties rested in at this place, letting their animals eat the lush grass and regain their strength before pushing over the Sierra Nevada. At the little store that has been preserved here, emigrants could purchase or trade for supplies. From here the trail goes south to the headwaters of the Carson River, and then west over the mountains into California., (caption for lower left picture:)Oxen Cattle used as draft animals. Especially suited for pulling heavy loads, they cost less than mules, were able to live off trailside grasses, and were less likely to be stolen by native bands. , (caption for lower right picture:)Pack Train A few emigrants used pack mules to carry their belongings along the trail. They had the advantage of speed over the slower-moving wagons, but provided no shelter from the elements.
You’re now standing at the western edge of the Great Basin. If you were an emigrant headed to California, you would have entered the Great Basin 450 miles back along the trail in southern Idaho, or 500 miles back in Salt Lake City if you had taken the Hastings Cutoff.
The mountains in front of this sign, separating you from California and its promise of gold or land, are only 200 yards away. After making it this far, you would have experienced a tremendous feeling of accomplishment – you had reached the last great physical barrier standing between you and your long dreamed-of goal. Yet, looking up at the foothills of the mighty Sierra Nevada, you might also have wondered if you, your animals, and your wagon had enough remaining strength to cross these mountains.
Many emigrant parties rested in at this place, letting their animals eat the lush grass and regain their strength before pushing over the Sierra Nevada. At the little store that has been preserved here, emigrants could purchase or trade for supplies. From here the trail goes south to the headwaters of the Carson River, and then west over the mountains into California.
(caption for lower left picture:)Oxen Cattle used as draft animals. Especially suited for pulling heavy loads, they cost less than mules, were able to live
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off trailside grasses, and were less likely to be stolen by native bands.
(caption for lower right picture:)Pack Train A few emigrants used pack mules to carry their belongings along the trail. They had the advantage of speed over the slower-moving wagons, but provided no shelter from the elements.
Erected by US Bureau of Land Management, State of Nevada.
Location. 39° 0.231′ N, 119° 50.748′ W. Marker is in Genoa, Nevada, in Douglas County. Marker is at the intersection of Genoa Lane and Main Street, on the right when traveling west on Genoa Lane. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Genoa NV 89411, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. We Made It! The End of the Great Basin Marker - Marker Inset (caption below)
“At twelve oclock we arrive at a mormon station…The best of Pine timber is to be seen here….After Seven miles travel this morning, we Enter a Canyon pass through which the Head waters of this river (which we have been Assending) Descends….When I look at the Large Rocks, the Large Pine & Fir Trees, the Steep precipices and lastly the Machy and Swampy places near the Head of the Canyon, I only Consider bare Passable. “
William H. Kilgore, July 30 & 31, 1850.
3. We Made It! The End of the Great Basin Marker - Wide View
The We Made It! marker is on the left, and the About Your Journey marker is on the right. They are located at the intersection of Genoa Lane and Main Street, just outside the fence on the grounds of Mormon Station State Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 393 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on September 25, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.