Cold Springs Station Site
a.k.a. Rock Creek Stage Station
51 mi. W of Austin on U.S. 50, Austin, NVFrom the site of Rock Creek Station one can view Edwards Creek Valley, the location of a sequence of history from prehistoric time, through the years of the station's existence, to the present.
Campsites, petroglyphs, and the nearby Eastgate caves indicate a span of habitation of at least 2,500 years of prehistory. Abundant grass and brush found near its spring and intermittent streams were important ecological areas for the Valley's prehistoric inhabitants. Shoshone Indians and their ancestors wandered seasonally to gather wild seeds and small game and settled here in winter camps. In late prehistoric times, Paiute Indians also lived in the valley.
Col. John Reese, a Salt Lake City businessman seeking a shorter route than the more Northern Humboldt Trail, passed through the valley en route from Salt Lake City to Carson Valley in 1854.
Major Howard Egan of the Mormon Battalion, a pioneer journalist, was sent by Mormon leader Brigham Young to scout for an overl and route westward from Salt Lake City. In September, 1855, he crossed from Salt Lake City to Sacramento, using a route through the valley which he had previously developed as a cattle trail. It became known as the Egan Route and was used for the next three years solely by pack trains.
In 1859 Captain James Simpson of the Corps of Topographic Engineers, explored and mapped a wide area, searching for a central route with more grass and water. At the conclusion of his work, he recommended the use of the Egan route for the entire distance.
The Pony Express came into being in 1860 to supply the critical need for communication between the east and the gold and silver mining areas in California and Nevada, The pony route crossed Edwards Creek Valley and a station was established at Cold Springs, 3 miles east of Rock Creek Station.
The Central Overland Express Company, providing space for freight and for passengers, began operating the same year and followed a similar route. The nominated site, Rock Creek Station was a stage station on the Central Overland Express route.
Local significance of the site:
Campsites, petroglyphs, and the nearby Eastgate caves indicate a span of habitation of at least 2,500 years of prehistory. Abundant grass and brush found near its spring and intermittent streams were important ecological areas for the Valley's prehistoric inhabitants. Shoshone Indians and their ancestors wandered seasonally to gather wild seeds and small game and settled here in winter camps. In late prehistoric times, Paiute Indians also lived in the valley.
Col. John Reese, a Salt Lake City businessman seeking a shorter route than the more Northern Humboldt Trail, passed through the valley en route from Salt Lake City to Carson Valley in 1854.
Major Howard Egan of the Mormon Battalion, a pioneer journalist, was sent by Mormon leader Brigham Young to scout for an overl and route westward from Salt Lake City. In September, 1855, he crossed from Salt Lake City to Sacramento, using a route through the valley which he had previously developed as a cattle trail. It became known as the Egan Route and was used for the next three years solely by pack trains.
In 1859 Captain James Simpson of the Corps of Topographic Engineers, explored and mapped a wide area, searching for a central route with more grass and water. At the conclusion of his work, he recommended the use of the Egan route for the entire distance.
The Pony Express came into being in 1860 to supply the critical need for communication between the east and the gold and silver mining areas in California and Nevada, The pony route crossed Edwards Creek Valley and a station was established at Cold Springs, 3 miles east of Rock Creek Station.
The Central Overland Express Company, providing space for freight and for passengers, began operating the same year and followed a similar route. The nominated site, Rock Creek Station was a stage station on the Central Overland Express route.
Industry; Transportation; Communications
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Nevada was once home to a secret U.S. government site: Area 51, a top-secret U.S. government site that has long been the subject of conspiracy theories, is located in Nevada.
About Churchill County
Churchill County Timeline
Churchill County, Nevada, located in the western part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The region was initially home to Indigenous peoples, including the Paiute and Shoshone tribes, who lived off the land and utilized the area's natural resources. The first European explorers arrived in the early 1800s, with John C. Frémont documenting the region during his expeditions. However, it was not until the mid-1800s that permanent settlement began.
The discovery of silver and gold in nearby mines, such as the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, sparked a population boom and led to the establishment of several towns in and around Churchill County. In 1861, Churchill County was established, named after Fort Churchill, a nearby military outpost. During this period, the county served as a supply center for the mining camps and experienced rapid growth.
By the late 1800s, agriculture started to play a significant role in the county's economy. The Newlands Reclamation Act in 1902 brought irrigation water to the region, transforming the arid desert into fertile farmland. The Lahontan Valley became known for its extensive alfalfa fields, dairy farms, and other agricultural products. The town of Fallon, the county seat, became the heart of the agricultural community, with a growing population and thriving businesses.
In the 20th century, Churchill County played a crucial role during World War II when the Fallon Naval Air Station was established. The airbase served as a training ground for Navy and Marine aviators preparing for combat and continues to operate today as the Naval Air Station Fallon. Over the years, the county has also diversified its economy to include mining, manufacturing, and tourism, with attractions such as the Carson River and Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area drawing visitors.
Overall, Churchill County's history is marked by the rapid growth and development spurred by mining, the transformation of the arid desert into productive farmland, and the long-lasting presence of the Naval Air Station Fallon, all contributing to the county's unique character and economic success.
The discovery of silver and gold in nearby mines, such as the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, sparked a population boom and led to the establishment of several towns in and around Churchill County. In 1861, Churchill County was established, named after Fort Churchill, a nearby military outpost. During this period, the county served as a supply center for the mining camps and experienced rapid growth.
By the late 1800s, agriculture started to play a significant role in the county's economy. The Newlands Reclamation Act in 1902 brought irrigation water to the region, transforming the arid desert into fertile farmland. The Lahontan Valley became known for its extensive alfalfa fields, dairy farms, and other agricultural products. The town of Fallon, the county seat, became the heart of the agricultural community, with a growing population and thriving businesses.
In the 20th century, Churchill County played a crucial role during World War II when the Fallon Naval Air Station was established. The airbase served as a training ground for Navy and Marine aviators preparing for combat and continues to operate today as the Naval Air Station Fallon. Over the years, the county has also diversified its economy to include mining, manufacturing, and tourism, with attractions such as the Carson River and Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area drawing visitors.
Overall, Churchill County's history is marked by the rapid growth and development spurred by mining, the transformation of the arid desert into productive farmland, and the long-lasting presence of the Naval Air Station Fallon, all contributing to the county's unique character and economic success.
Churchill County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Churchill County, Nevada.
- 1861: Churchill County is established in Nevada Territory.
- 1864: Churchill County becomes part of the newly formed state of Nevada.
- 1870: The county seat is established in the town of Stillwater.
- 1904: The county seat is moved to Fallon.
- 1908: The Southern Pacific Railroad arrives in Fallon, enhancing transportation and trade.
- 1940s: The Fallon Naval Air Station is established during World War II.
- 1950: Construction of the Lahontan Dam begins.
- 1951: Lahontan Dam is completed and the Lahontan Reservoir is formed.
- 1963: The Churchill County Museum is opened to preserve the area's history.
- 1974: Fallon Naval Air Station becomes a major training center for naval aircrews.