Douglas County, Nevada
Carson Valley Hospital
Carson Valley Improvement Club Hall
Douglas County Courthouse
Douglas County High School
Farmers Bank of Carson Valley
Farmers' Bank of Carson Valley
Friday's Station
Gale, Lena N., Cabin
Gardnerville Branch Jail
Gardnerville Elementary School
Genoa Historic District
Home Ranch
Jensen, Arendt, House
Jensen, Arendt, Jr., House
Jobs Peak Ranch
Lake Shore House
Lampe, Wilhelm and William, Ranch
Minden Butter Manufacturing Company
Minden Elementary School
Minden Flour Milling Company
Minden Inn
Minden Wool Warehouse
Reese-Johnson-Virgin House
TAHOE (Shipwreck)
A. F. Neidt House
About Your Journey...
Adaven Building
Airtanker 130 Is Headed West
Arendt Jensen Home
Arendt Jensen Merchandise
Boyd Toll Road
Brockliss Road
C.O.D. Garage
Carson Trail - Entering Carson Valley
Carson Trail - Hot Springs
Carson Trail - Original Mormon Station
Carson Trail - Upland Travel
Carson Valley
Clock Park
Coventry Cross Episcopal Church
Cradlebaugh Bridge
Double Springs
Douglas County Courthouse
Douglas County World War II Memorial
Douglas Lodge #12, F& AM
Douglas Seminary
Dresslerville
East Fork Hotel Building
Farmers Telephone Company
First National Bank of Nevada
Fridays Added Station
Garden Cemetery
Gardnerville Branch Jail
Genoa
Genoa Church
Genoa or Mormon Station of the Pony Express
Glenbrook
Grace Melissa Dangberg
Hanging Tree
Henry Beck House
Hiram Mott
J & T Basque Restaurant Building
Jensen Mansion
Jensen/Schacht House
John A. Snow-Shoe Thompson
John A. Snowshoe Thompson
John A. Snowshoe Thompson
John Dangberg House
Judge Daniel Webster Virgin
Kingsbury Grade
Kinsey House
Luther Canyon
M. E. Fay House
Minden
Minden Dry Goods
Minden Flour Milling Company
Minden Park
Minden's First Homesite
Mormon Station
Mormon Station - Genoa
Mottsville
Nevada's Birthplace
Nevadas First Newspaper
Old Genoa Bar
Old Mormon Station
Originally The Raycraft Dance Hall
Perry's Dry Goods
Record Courier Building
Reed-Meneley Insurance
Ritchford Hotel
Second Farmer's Bank of Carson Valley
Sharkey's Nugget
Sheridan
Sky Harbor Airport and Casino
Spooner Area
Spooner Summit
St. Galls Catholic Church
The Cary Mill
The Demise of Sam Brown
The French Hotel and Bar
The General Store
The Heidlberg
The History of Sunset Park
The Pink House
The Pony Express
The Pony Express
The Territorial Enterprise & the Telegraph
Twelve Mile House
Walley's Hot Springs
We Made It! The End of the Great Basin
We Salute John Snowshoe Thompson / A Tribute From Three Lutheran Churches
During the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold and silver in the neighboring Comstock Lode in Virginia City brought an influx of miners to the region. As a result, small settlements began to emerge in what is now Douglas County. The influx of settlers led to the establishment of the county in 1861 as an area separate from nearby Carson County. Named after Stephen A. Douglas, a U.S. Senator from Illinois, the county became a hub for mining activity and attracted further growth.
The 20th century marked a significant shift in Douglas County's economy. With the decline of mining, the region transitioned to agriculture, primarily focusing on cattle ranching and farming. The Carson Valley, located in the southern portion of the county, became known for its fertile soil and ideal climate, making it a prime location for agricultural activities. The county's natural beauty and proximity to Lake Tahoe also led to the development of a tourism industry, further diversifying the local economy.
Over the years, Douglas County has experienced population growth and urbanization. The county seat, Minden, and the nearby town of Gardnerville have become increasingly developed, while retaining their small-town charm. The growth has brought improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to the county, making it an attractive place to live and visit. Today, Douglas County continues to thrive as a vibrant community offering a mix of outdoor recreational opportunities, a rich cultural heritage, and a high quality of life for its residents.
Brief timeline of the history of Douglas County, Nevada:
- 1861: Douglas County is established on November 25, as an original county of the Nevada Territory.
- 1862: The county seat is established in Genoa, making it the first permanent settlement in Nevada.
- 1864: Nevada becomes a state on October 31, and Douglas County becomes one of the original nine counties of the state.
- 1886: The town of Minden is founded as a trading post and railroad stop.
- 1906: The formation of the Bureau of Reclamation's Newlands Project leads to the construction of Lahontan Dam and Reservoir.
- 1910: The town of Gardnerville becomes the new county seat, replacing Genoa.
- 1958: The Heavenly Ski Resort opens in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near South Lake Tahoe.
- 1980: The Nevada Legislature designates part of Douglas County as the Lake Tahoe Township.
- 1997: The Douglas County Public Library opens in Minden, providing educational resources to the community.
- 2003: Douglas County celebrates its 150th anniversary with various events and activities.
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Douglas County, Nevada.