A Last Look

 On our last day in Dayton, NV Duane and I took a walk to the old downtown area.  This is a significant site because just outside the area is the beginning of Gold Canyon where the first gold was found in Nevada.  Near here, Hall's Station (trading post) was established in 1852.

Gold Canyon in 1849

and today

The Dayton, Sutro, and Carson Valley Railroad extended from the mouth of Gold Canyon and extended to Six Mile Canyon.  The station was burned in a fire but a local history group is raising money for its restoration.

Also in this area the pony express trail 

followed part of US50/The Lincoln Highway.

The old town area runs along Pike Street with 3 side streets converging on it.

Several hotels and mercantiles were located here.  Saloons were located on side streets.

Some are in use today as bars and restaurants.

Other interesting buildings around town include the Leslie Hay Barn which was also used as a camel compound.

A high school was built on the site of the Lyon County Courthouse which burned in 1909.  The school was built in 1918 and was used as a high school until 1959 when students were bussed to Carson City.

The Firehouse Jail is the latest structure to occupy this site.  Earlier firehouse were destroyed by fire.  This building was erected in 1875.  Mail-order cells were relocated to the back portion of the firehouse in 1909 after the courthouse burned.  These cells were used until 1966.  

At one time this location served as a Wells Fargo stage stop.  Today this building can be reserved for special occasions.

We have enjoyed our stay in Dayton learning local history and exploring the Virginia Mountains.

Moving day tomorrow.

Louise and Duane