Verdi in Washoe County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Truckee River

By Barry Swackhamer, June 4, 2013

1. Truckee River Marker

Inscription. 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

By Barry Swackhamer, June 4, 2013

2. Truckee River Marker

Nevada State Park System and Nevada Highway Department. (Marker Number 62.)

Location. 39° 30.573′ N, 119° 56.207′ W. Marker is in Verdi, Nevada, in Washoe County. Marker is on Interstate 80, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Verdi NV 89439, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Lincoln Highway Bridge Rails (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Train Robbery (approx. 2.8 miles away); Verdi (approx. 3.1 miles away); Crystal Peak Toll Bridge (approx. 3.2 miles away); Verdi Veterans Memorial (approx. 3½ miles away); Von Schmidt (approx. 3.6 miles away); Henness Pass Road (approx. 3.6 miles away); Truckee/Donner Trail (approx. 3.6 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.

Categories. • Exploration • Native Americans • Railroads & Streetcars •

By Barry Swackhamer, June 4, 2013

3. Truckee River Marker

Franklin J. Minnie, Sr. Memorial Plaque image. Click for full size.

By Barry Swackhamer, June 4, 2013

4. Franklin J. Minnie, Sr. Memorial Plaque

Dedicated to the memory of
Deputy Sheriff #0526
Franklin J. Minnie, Sr.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
Born 7-6-52
Died 6-1-97

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on June 16, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 16, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.