Exploring Historic Genoa - Nevada's Oldest Town

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Hey everyone. A few people have asked about a Patreon, so I've finally went ahead and opened one. I'm hoping to use it to give a little more background info on select videos, as well as to share some footage that might not have made the cut. I'm always open to suggestions as well. Nothing is changing here, and there is no obligation to join. I'm forever grateful for all the support we've received and blown away that so many people are interested in the same places I am. If you are interested in the Patreon, here's the link: www.patreon.com/SidetrackAdventures

[@Route66Travels]

It's time!!! Lol

[@orangetreevintagewaresotvw9590]

That's a picture of my great great grandma Elizabeth Jame's tomb stone! How fun to see that. Thank you!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Oh wow. That's so amazing. I saw the "Remember Me" on it, so I figured I'd include it so that she would be remembered!

[@orangetreevintagewaresotvw9590]

@@SidetrackAdventures Touched my heart. Thank you!

[@senthilnathanviswanathan4924]

oh my god...unbelievable

[@russell-di8js]

I'm sat in Wales & to see an Early Nevada pioneer buried there at that date & the travelling it must have taken 135 years ago coupled with the uncertainty of what lay ahead & knowing that Wales had been left for good definitely makes 1 think. Bye + Diolch.

[@scottpearce8772]

... Another Wednesday with Steve, something new every week, thank you good sir...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@patriciawarner1274]

When we lived in South Lake Tahoe we drove to Genoa often over Kingsbury Grade. A beautiful mountainous drive. We bought an 1880’s freight wagon from an antique dealer in Genoa

[@conniewojahn6445]

What are you going to do with the freight wagon?

[@patriciawarner1274]

@@conniewojahn6445 this was years ago. We used it as a yard ornament and the number of people who took pics was amazing. Then we moved a few times and hauled it with us finally ending up in .Tombstone, AZ and sold it with the house when we headed east. By the way my wagon had a very brief scene in the movie “Misery”.

[@tapewerm6716]

@@patriciawarner1274 Great movie!

[@jamesrichardson1326]

Steve I like your videos. Not too long, very informative. Keep up the good work

[@tackysum]

Another trip to a place I've never heard of and loving it. Can't believe Mrs. Steve would not agree to a peek inside the safe? Might have been something in her size? Thanks to you both.

[@conniewojahn6445]

I'd bet most of the garments in there were pretty old and disgusting. Rachael Welch was born in 1940, and if she left her undergarment there, that was probably in the 60's or 70's, so whatever was there before her has to be older than that. Not something worth viewing, in my opinion. Maybe that was what Mrs. Steve was thinking?

[@ROGER2095]

If you want to see a collection of bras, a trip to Walmart is probably minutes away - and it won't cost you anything! (True, they're newer but otherwise, how different could they be?)

[@williamwilliam728]

My brain gets a little larger with all the info from your videos Steve. Thank you for taking the time to research this historic information and presenting it to us in a very warm manner with your soft-spoken demaenour.

[@j.wilkerson1905]

I used to live for 27 years in South Reno, Snowshoe Thompson is a legend. Great video, very informative...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Some of the weather he made it through is crazy.

[@mobiltec]

You're in my back yard. If you noticed that Museum in Gardnerville, that was my old high school. I also worked as a dish washer at Sharkey's Nugget before Sharkey bought it. It was then called The Golden Bubble. I now live in Yerington, Nv.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I didn't see the museum but I did see Sharkeys as we passed by. What a name for a casino.

[@mobiltec]

@@SidetrackAdventures It was named for the owner Sharkey Begavich. He was a friend of the family. I lived up in Markleeville on the other side of the border and went to school in Gardnerville. The museum is WELL worth the stop. Sharkey's has some history in there also. A giant painting of the old town from the 60s hangs in there taking up a whole wall. It shows Sharkey's as The Golden Bubble. The name before Sharkey bought it in the early 70s. Sharkey's is worth a stop too for great food and historical photos and old slot machines on display. The museum was created sometime after I graduated from the newer school behind it. I graduated in 1969.

[@grumpyoldretiredcop8382]

@@mobiltec You are right about the good food at Sharkey's... the wife and I had breakfast there just this morning. One of our favorite places in the Valley!

[@mobiltec]

@@grumpyoldretiredcop8382 It's always been that way. Even way back when I worked there. Sharkey was a good man too. He believed that no one should ever go hungry. He was known to feed people who didn't have any money.

[@garyzweigle5860]

Hi Steve! After watching this episode, I decided to look at the distance between Placerville and Genoa and factored in the incline and elevation variation between the two towns and realized that this was a phenomenal feat for anyone any time of the year, let alone the dead of winter, especially carrying mail along with what ever essential items that ‘Snowshoe’ Thompson needed for his time away from home. I’m sure he had some stories to tell in his day too. No one could dare say they went to school, uphill in the snow, both ways in his presence, without him asking how many times a day they went to school.

[@thebudmeister8840]

"Snowshoe Thompson was known for skiing down mountains at breakneck speeds, covering the distance from Placerville to Genoa, Nevada in 2-3 days."

[@andrew.hamsterdad]

Thanks Steve appreciate the back stories you bring us from really cool places we never knew about in our country way off the beaten path most of us will nevèr visit and the love you put in to do this for us, a great American historian you are. I salute you brother.

[@af-np4pg]

Steve's videos are always captivating. The bleak, barren and forgotten times, come alive.

[@JohnCouch-m4f]

Beautiful little town with so much history. Wonderful bit of old lore to go along with it. Thanks Steve for finding another neat out of the way place to visit!

[@johncarter1150]

Excellent episode, just like being there with a friend!

[@daveneumann8106]

Another Wednesday history lesson. These are very enjoyable, informative, and interesting.

[@conniewojahn6445]

Lessons not taught in school are so much more interesting. Don't expect a test on any of these. However, your friends and relatives might ask questions and you can refer them to Steve's channel.

[@Cobbmtngirl]

Imagine transporting that huge mirror that distance & it didn’t break?! What an awesome town. I’d like to have a beer in that bar. Thanks for sharing!

[@SpanishEclectic]

What a great town! Lots of history, nicely rebuilt/restored, and well maintained. I love that Courthouse/Jail museum. Really nicely done. I could putter around in there for an hour, imagining what it was like back in the day. We history nerds need to stick together, lol. Your narrative on this one was especially interesting, picking up all the pieces of the tale. At first I thought Uber was 'busted out of jail' by people who wanted him free, but no, that was some vigilante justice. I've done some research on the Pony Express and remember the name of the Genoa station. I can only wonder where you will take us next week. Safe travels!

[@TheShornak]

Seeing that tent with the camp fire next to and stumps to sit on reminds me of that scene we all know from Blazzing Saddles. "How about some more beans Mr Tagert"

[@randyj4452]

"I'd say you had enough"!

[@cdd4248]

Great Movie!

[@roywhitman7109]

A true classic!!😂😂

[@bostonrailfan2427]

and the funniest thing is that’s pretty accurate for cowboys according to old west historians 🤣

[@theathjr]

I appreciate all of your hard work making these videos. I have learned alot from them and I share them regularly. Thank you.

[@eaglerare1273]

Beautiful town. Thanks Steve

[@pennyinaz]

Another interesting and educational adventure. Thank you Steve and family.💞

[@TEPO--]

I grew up a few bends in the road away, over half a century of lovingly calling the surrounding area home. Well done Steve, delightful.

[@richardmoramarco6754]

A friend of mine lives in Genoa, saw some of the sites when visiting some years ago, had a drink in the bar. Great town. Court house inside looks similar to the one in Tombstone, Az.

[@jennysjourney02]

It does, for a moment I thought it was the Tombstone court house.

[@Metolius9]

Steve, just discovered your channel. I live in South Carson City. Been binge watching your videos the last couple days. So nice to find some, informative, fun and wholesome content to enjoy. Keep it up!

[@michelrochette3066]

Thank you Steve for the sun and mountains in all your videos.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Towards the end the sun was turning into clouds and we got a little rain.

[@almi3767]

My best friend and I always loved to visit Genoa! Thank you for bringing back such good memories!😎😎

[@Jorma-e4t]

Thanks Steve, I find your videos so relaxing. You made my day many times over.

[@jeromejanisch2500]

I Always love your videos and when they end i wish there was more..... thats when you know you're on it.. good work Steve!!!!!!!

[@roywhitman7109]

Your information & story telling is impeccable!! Love the part where the fellow thought it was a good idea to set a fire under his straw mattress, resulting in burning the town! And they walk among us!!🤔 Safe travels!!👍🙏🙏

[@jamesnackley5558]

What a wonderful episode! I feel like heading out right away. I’m pulling into the Genoa saloon. Don’t think the word ski had made it into the English lexicon at the time and so snowshoes may have been the most appropriate thing to call them. I could be wrong.

[@mandatoe]

You got it exactly right, and I came here to say the same thing. Snowshoe Thompson's 'skis' were known as snowshoes in their day. The Norwegian word 'ski' didn't become common usage in England until after the beginning of the 20th century. "Snowshoe Thompson" is a historically accurate name. And, as noted by Steve, a much better name than "Ski Thompson"!

[@ricksonora6656]

Thanks for that postlogue.

[@NorKal530]

My sister who lives in Dayton, NV brought me here a few years back. Pretty cool.

[@JustinPLopez]

My hometown 😊 We pronounce it Ge-NO-a by the way.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

My bad!

[@lindabattles9094]

Yep. I had to ask a local (museum lady as I recall), and she said it was pronounced ge-NOAH…like in Noah’s ark👍

[@bradbell3744]

I was going to bring up the correct pronunciation too but decided to to see if anyone already commented on it. I learned about the pronunciation in the 2003 November/December copy of Nevada magazine. Many places in Nevada and their correct pronunciations are revealed. And it’s Ne vad (rhymes with dad) a, not Ne va (rhymes with ma) da.

[@jeff9104]

me to

[@michaelberger8137]

Misery! One of my favorite movies was filmed there!

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

That Movie was filmed there that’s a Classic MOVIE . Seen it many times I’m your biggest fan. 😂

[@nicksower6064]

Great segment of history you've covered. Very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@mach179]

Excellent video. I have lived in the nearby town of Minden for 15-years and I have never heard anyone pronounce Genoa like you did.

[@JT_Adventures]

I’m always amazed at the forgotten history & historical gems you find. Plus I love history and going to places like these that are “ off the beaten path “. Thanks for your work & sharing all of these adventures.

[@lothre]

I have driven past this town a dozen times passing through Carson. Wow, what History I have missed. Thanks Steve

[@senthilnathanviswanathan4924]

Your videos have a great adventure. But more that that your narration of historical things and events is far more greater. Mankind has forgotten the history behind various places. Your videos revive history too. Another great video from you.

[@davidmckibbin4440]

great job, we were at lake tahoe in august and went up 395 thru carson valley, i had heard of genoa but didnt know how close we were to the town, i will check it out the next time im in the area, what a beautiful town, thank you.

[@jeannemarcinek4575]

What you do is giving some history of this country. This is what was taught back in the day, and you bring it to the forefront for the new generations. Truly enjoy your videos. Blessings

[@tzadik36]

Thank you for this video! Yet another great geography and history lesson. Particularly good was the history in this lesson. One improvement could be a real Time Machine. Thanks for the ejumacation!

[@lindabattles9094]

It’s a nice day trip. The Peruvian shop has beautiful alpaca wool sweaters, etc. which are great for someone like me. I can’t wear regular wool…too itchy. Right next door is a great coffee shop. There’s also a really nice gift shop kitty corner across the street. They have beautiful jewelry and other types of gifts.👍👍

[@Jbennyho]

This video has the greatest comments from your viewers. One had a look at a relative’s headstone and was touched that you acknowledged her relative. Another lived and worked there and was able to fill in blanks about her boss and the restaurant. Great video. Lots of personal connections. One of your best. Thank you.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Wow I didn't know how close I was to Genoa when I was on US 50. Would've been a great sidetrip!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, it's not very far at all. It's worth checking out next time you are out that way for sure.

[@k.b.8412]

Another 'home run' video. So much fun and informative. Thanks!

[@timjones3094]

Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I truly appreciate it.

[@kathietee291]

I always look forward to your videos, and this one was another awesome one! I enjoyed the tours and historical details, have added it to my list of places to visit. Thanks for bringing such interesting and informative videos for our enjoyment!

[@keithstewart2639]

Thanks for the video.... I live in North Carolina. But have been west a few times. Your videos are full of great information.

[@fredjordway5211]

We love your videos. GENOA is pronounced GEN OH AH, the emphasis is on the second syllable. Thank you for coming this far north on US 395 and showing off a little of Douglas County Nevada for everyone to see.

[@keysonthego3663]

Love the education i get watching your videos. Thank you, More power to you.

[@jasoncopple1311]

We go to Genoa every year for the Candy Dance. It's such a beautiful area and a cool little town.

[@urbanmusicgal9075]

Thank you for your fun, informative, and relaxing episodes. Over many years they have soothed rough days and created many enjoyable “getaways”. Thank you again and again!

[@bigjj974]

Thompson used snowshoes going uphill and skis going downhill. Had a beer in the bar with family on a Saturday. The history made it worth the visit.

[@carrieann1640]

Well, that all makes sense.

[@davebudrus46]

You cracked me up talking about the bras that was great. That old safe has surely caused a problem or two over the course. Awesome vid thanks!

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I love the way you do your videos. Nice and calm with no loud background music!

[@paulsmodels]

I used to live at South Lake Tahoe, and so I was familiar with the east side towns. Genoa, Minden, Carson City etc. We used do all our food shopping in Carson City. Genoa is a beautiful spot!

[@sophialopez3552]

Thanks Steve for bringing us yet another great adventure

[@dandowning-m3k]

Very interesting thank you 👍... Good show you have here 👍👍👍👍👍

[@revvyhevvy]

My family moved from Salinas, CA to Boise in 1961. We passed North of Tahoe many times, but never explored the area maybe because we were Roman Catholic! Thanks, M & M Steve, for the info on Genoa! Very cool! Bob in Boise (but from Steinbeck country!)

[@conniewojahn6445]

So Catholics shun Mormons? Never knew that. Or, is this just some families who don't want anything to do with Mormons? My Baptist sister refused to vote for Mitt Romney because he is Mormon. Didn't make any sense to me. Hope you enjoyed this video regardless of the religious history of the area.

[@andrewgregorich3918]

Love that you’ve come through my area!!

[@jerroldkazynski5480]

Another great video, Steve. Thanks for including Clamper plaques, too.

[@janl1256]

Another great video! Thanks Steve!

[@TownsquaresofTexas]

You have such a unique channel. It's really awesome

[@BellasBone]

Steve; one of your best yet at a place Ive wanted to c for years; amazing history throughout and seeing the inside of the old court room made me greatful I never had to be before a judge in the 1800s! Thank you for the adventure:-)

[@haroldphair4055]

You have a great voice! I enjoy listening to you speak.

[@nathangreer8219]

OK, listen to me on this one... 17:30 As you mention the "Hanging Tree" absorbing the barbed wire. As the camera pans in, the angle of the strand of wire changes, and it appears that a hideous insect is emerging from a crack in the wood. I literally just jumped out of my chair! Perhaps my subconscious mind is just broken or something...

[@craftergin]

I saw the same thing!

[@IEchuckie]

Me too 😮

[@SidetrackAdventures]

When I was editing I saw that and I was thinking how did I miss that live, until I realized it was just the fence and the angle. Scared me for a second too.

[@ricksonora6656]

Me too, but it was just a stick or a section of wire sticking out.

[@bostonrailfan2427]

⁠@@SidetrackAdventuresthat’s definitely an insect shell above the wire as you moved in, maybe a cicada or some other big insect

[@SpaceCowboy-u7j]

Cool, man! Loved this episode! Been wanting to drive to Genoa for 7 years now.

Great video. I gave you a thumbs up. As a resident of AZ, I've only been to Nevada once. We went to see Lake Tahoe, but due to California wildfires the lake was completely hidden by smoke. We ended up spending most of our time in Carson City.

[@MCW1955]

Man, what a great channel.

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

Always interesting and always in a mellow friendly style. Thanks!

[@TrzCharlie]

Another great video and history lesson. Thanks for what you do Steve. I really enjoy all of your videos.

[@akgobears]

When we take our annual trip to Tahoe, Carson City, Genoa, and Virginia City are always on that ta do list...I have seen that little saloon sold out full of folks more than once visiting there...Am a big fan of the salt water taffy available in one of the shops there in town....

[@valeriegoode9762]

Fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

[@Rickster5176]

That was outstanding. Thank you for taking us along.

[@wamps3370]

First Class presentation Steve!!!

[@joelhorlen20-zk3xr]

Thank you, Steve. I live up the hill 20 miles in South Lake Tahoe. I've passed through Genoa several times over the years and never appreciated the rich history of the town. I'll have to take a second look. By the way, the 1973 Walter Matthau film "Charley Varrick" has several scenes shot in and around Genoa. Fantastic movie.

[@rogertemple7193]

Genoa was an interesting old west town and really liked hearing the history about it and the things that went on their many years ago thanks for the tour and telling the history of Genoa thank you.🏚🤠🇺🇲

[@markhayes8503]

Great video as always. You have a real knack for bringing the history of a place to life.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you very much!

[@spaceghost_1]

Thanks for providing all these videos. I really enjoy them I love all the history of these places

[@LeeFred78]

A few years ago, my father-in-law, his wife, my wife, and I stopped for some cold ones there in Genoa at the bar. It was fun seeing it again in your video! My daughter and I were coming back from Lake Tahoe earlier this summer (August 2024) and I wanted to stop in Genoa again, but we were having car issues, and I didn't want to risk it. We'll be back up there next summer, and we'll definitely stop in Genoa for a cold one and to take in some of the history in person (we're both history buffs).

[@EricT3769]

Wow, I’ve never even heard of Genoa, NV. So interesting! Thanks for letting us explore along with you.

[@stevenelson6624]

Hey Steve, another great video. I wonder if you’ll stop by Bridgeport on your way south. Like Genoa, Bridgeport has a cool historic courthouse and jail and also a gruesome lynching event. And on a lighter note, handheld traffic flags to help you cross main street (395) safely. Thanks…Steve

[@thefred8481]

Another great visit back in time, Professor…thanks

[@johndaye523]

Thanks. It was a fun trip. I’ve been to Genoa many times, but I’ve only stopped at the bar in the cemetery. Wallys Hot Springs would be a good place for you to investigate for us.

[@mikebell5378]

Your adventures and precise historical info are spot on. Absolutely the best

[@perseusguy]

Another delightful, interesting exploration of towns and places... thank you!

[@jameswalker9002]

Thanks Steve. You always give such an informative video. Always enjoy them.

[@gpr8695]

Excellent video ! Thank you !

[@martharunstheworld]

I love Genoa! Great video as always!

[@sandyzalecki1145]

Another great video from my favourite adventurer.

[@TRONABORON]

Appreciate your channel, Thank you...

[@richardmcgrew2167]

Boy, your popularity is growing. You are getting a lot more comments ,then when i started following you.

[@markhubbard8141]

Excellent video Steve

[@kennethharpenau4178]

I use to live in San Diego until I retired and moved to Gardnerville. I been to Genoa a number of times stopping by for a few beers at the oldest saloon. I did check out the Candy Dance once. I own a few special interest cars and there's a car show once a year at the Mormon Station where I display. In fact, this saturday is that car show. You see lots of deer around the town and on weekends lots of motorcyclist meet in Genoa. Thanks Steve.

[@davidabbott7270]

Thanks again Steve

[@theathjr]

I have been to Lake Tahoe twice in my life and visited Carson City & Virginia City. Next time I head that way I will be visiting Genoa because of your video. 👍

[@hairy-one]

Episode suggestion: E Clampus Vitus. Many of the monuments and plaques you pictured - and indeed all over the west - were placed by them. I've seen 'em from Cajon Pass to Northern California and east into Nevada, all placed by the local chapters. Their history is fascinating, and I think you'd do it justice.

[@biscuitboy3617]

Excellent! That little town has a lot of history!

[@leonajameson8902]

That excellent! Thanks Steve. I look forward to your videos every week!

[@CrankyBeach]

About 40 years ago a friend of a relative worked at the museum. The only thing I remember from a long-ago visit was the Ferris wheel exhibit.