Verdi in Washoe County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Truckee River
In prehistoric and early historic times, the Truckee Valley in the vicinity of Verdi, was occupied by the Washoe Indians. Their camps were on these flats near the river. Many fish blinds were located nearby for their use in this important subsistence activity. Even an earlier population left its mark in the form of petroglyphs on boulders in this area.
The Truckee River runs from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, and was first discovered by Captain John C. Fremont in January, 1844.
The Stephens – Murphy – Townsend Party in 1844 also followed the Truckee River into the Sierra, and crossed the mountains via Donner Pass. The ill-fated Donner Party rested on the Truckee Meadows, at present Reno, but they tarried too long and were caught by the Sierra snows. Despite the Donner tragedy, many emigrant trains to California, particularly from 1849 until 1852, traversed the Truckee route.
In 1868, the Central Pacific Railroad followed the Truckee’s course. From the 1920’s to the 1950’s, the surrounding meadows echoed to the heavy exhausts of the giant Southern Pacific cab-ahead, articulated, steam locomotives. During the same period, the primitive emigrant trail, and the early tollroads, were developed into the Lincoln and Victory Highways, and then into U.S. 40 and I-80, today’s freeway.
Erected by Nevada State Park System and Nevada Highway Department. (Marker Number 62.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Truckee Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1844.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 30.573′ N, 119° 56.207′ W. Marker was in Verdi, Nevada, in Washoe County. Marker was on Interstate 80, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Verdi NV 89439, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Truckee Trail - River Crossings (a few steps from this marker); The Lincoln Highway Bridge Rails (within shouting distance of this marker); Truckee Trail - 23rd Crossing (approx. 2.4 miles away); The Great Train Robbery (approx. 2.8 miles away); Inyo Marble Works (approx. 2.9 miles away); Henness Pass Road O'Neill Station (approx. 2.9 miles away); Verdi (approx. 3.1 miles away); Truckee Trail - Last Crossing (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Verdi.
More about this marker. This marker is located at overlook/pullout on the south side of Interstate 80 after Exit 5/Mogul while heading east toward Reno.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 617 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on December 28, 2023, by E Gardner of Reno, Nevada. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 16, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5. submitted on January 5, 2024, by E Gardner of Reno, Nevada. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.