The Legend of Snowshoe Thompson - Exploring Genoa Cemetery, Nevada

Genoa Cemetery is located on the site of the first permanent settlement in the State of Nevada. Many pioneers, including the legendary mailman Snowshoe Thompson are buried there. This will be the first in an ongoing series of videos on the Carson Valley.
Very Special Thanks for the Financial Support of my Patrons:
Mary Doris
Carolyn Golowka
Eddie Gudino
Angie Hougen
Tony Inglima
Julie Maravilla
Ruby McKoy
Roger Quesnell
Mary Simpson
Burney Smith
Emily Speiser
Bonnie Spenst
Acknowledgements:
Book: “Cemeteries of Carson City and Carson Valley,” by Cindy Southerland
Article: “A History of the Genoa Cemetery,” by Billie J. Rightmire
Article: “The Unstoppable Snowshoe Thompson,” by Bob Pedersen
Genoa Cemetery Association
SnowshoeThompson.org
Newspapers.com
Find A Grave
Disclaimer: This video may contain copyright material and is being used under Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 Fair Usage for nonprofit, non-competing, educational, political commentary and criticism.
Grave Explorations is not affiliated with, or compensated by any of the institutions or persons featured in this video. All content is posted for historical/educational purposes only.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

I love how you bring the stories of ordinary people to life and connect all the dots to larger events in history. you're like a guardian angel sharing and preserving their memories on video. another beautiful job, matt!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you Steve! And I thank friends like you and Rhetty for keeping me going with your wonderful work! All the best to you! :)

[@michaelburgess9707]

This is the story of one of innumerable ordinary men doing extraordinary things, RIP Snowshoe.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Well done my friend! As you said it's a rugged cemetery fitting for a rugged community a group of people. That's quite a story on Bill and his headstone. There were a lot of good stories in this one but it's very hard to top the Donner Party and Snowshoe Thompson! I can't imagine going thru all that. Thanks for sharing all your research on this community!

[@graveexplorations]

Those were tough times indeed... I'm always amazed at how rugged and determined those early settlers were. Thanks for watching! :)

[@arkyump]

I really like your studies into the decedents lives. They bring life to the dead.

[@graveexplorations]

Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@cook3462]

You really belong on the history channel. Always a treat to see a notification from you. Thank you!!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for your kind words and especially for your patience between projects :)

[@cook3462]

Always worth the wait!

[@mackdog3270]

Thompson amazed me, hearing about a man's selfless courage so long ago. There are many heroic people both past and present worthy of sympathy but I still shed a tear over that brave man's passing. I've been over Donner's pass many times in the winter, and even with good roads it's no joke. Well done.

[@graveexplorations]

Thompson was simply amazing to do what he did for so long... Thank you for watching and commenting! :)

[@loveitloveit122]

I agree , he truly was a brave warrior of the nevadas😀 sad he never got paid for twenty years of battling through the harsh snowy terrain delivering mail and medicines. I grew up in soda springs ca on donner pass road in a hotel called the soda springs hotel

[@jimtownsend7899]

Beautiful, Matt. You know what a fan I am of your work, and this episode continues your tradition of excellence. Many thanks, and I look forward to future installments, Maestro.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you! I truly appreciate all of your support... best wishes :)

[@paulhunn5856]

Excellent Excellent Excellent... Story telling and history lesson.. Thank you Sir! Its people like Snowshoe Thompson movies should be made about.... Not some lady who developed a mop.... Boy do we put our gratitude thru art in wrong places!!! God help[ us!

[@graveexplorations]

Snowshoe's story would make a great movie! Thank you for watching and your kind words :)

[@gregorystafford1411]

Many many Thanks for your hard work & efforts to 'Craft' these super Reels of Human Passage. Most appreciated.

[@graveexplorations]

You are very welcome! Thank you for watching and the very nice words :)

[@kevinmatt1052]

As a Reno/Tahoe native, this is so well done. Thanks for the respectful way you did the research and handling of great history of the folks that are often taken for granted that made the West possible.

[@anitamitchell3452]

It's men and women like this that built this country. We should know as many as we can. Wonderful video, thank you. New sub.

[@graveexplorations]

Yes, thank you!

[@mariacervantes5077]

What a treat! These videos are so educational, entertaining, interesting, and very well presented. Thank you so much for another history lesson! I always look forward to your next one😉

[@graveexplorations]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting! :)

[@mariacervantes5077]

Grave Explorations Love your videos and as always have a safe trip.

[@2003garyb]

Great research. Great presentation. Great video. Thanks for sharing your work and love of history.

[@graveexplorations]

Thanks so much for your kind words! :)

[@geraldrukasin9176]

I have spent many years around Tahoe area. Snowshoe is still honored, to this day. What I was always told, Snowshoe could ma

[@geraldrukasin9176]

make it from Jackson, CA ( Hwy. 88 & Hwy. 20 ) to Stateline, NV. in two day’s.. That he refused to tell anyone his route or time schedule, least he be held up or Murdered .

[@romansroad2007]

I love this history stuff. Sad but life back then and now I guess. Blessings to all

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you! :)

[@deecooper1567]

I thoroughly enjoyed this as I live in nw Nevada desert … only 18 yrs…. I love to hear & learn the past history. Mr Thompson was one determined tough dude‼️. Thank you. New Sub 👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@pattyk734]

Loved that mail truck left at snowshoe Thompson’s grave

[@edwardaustin740]

Thanks for another great video. I enjoyed the walk.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, I'm always glad to have you come along... :)

[@chrisjeffries2322]

Thank you for bringing history to life.

[@graveexplorations]

It is my pleasure, thanks so much for watching!

[@patriciaherman6499]

Another fascinating cemetery and it's history thanks it's always nice to learn more about the history of a town and it's people. I'm greedy can't wait for more. Happy Father's Day. 😎🇺🇸

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@dorotheawalker7985]

Wonderful and beautiful done loved the history. Happy Fathers day God Bless.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting :)

[@ezragonzalez8936]

Collaboration with the history guy would be incredible! Snow shoe Thompson's selflessness is history that is worth remembering!! Beautiful story

[@joseleswopes1400]

I love the story about Thompson 🌹 so far my favorite 🌹

[@graveexplorations]

I can't imagine what it was like trekking over the Sierras in winter, he was a fascinating individual. Thank you for watching!

[@michele2855]

Excellent, as always!

[@jaybeeshultz]

Wow! Thank you so very much for this historical and informative video.

[@graveexplorations]

You are very welcome, thank you for watching... :)

[@barbx4993]

Thanks!! Next trip out to Carson City to see my family, I'll have to go on a day trip here!!

[@graveexplorations]

It will be well worth it... thank you for watching! :)

[@psw4763]

Enjoyed this very much. I love history. Great narration

[@graveexplorations]

Thanks so much, I'm very glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@lisadavenport476]

Grave explorations, you bring stories from long ago that i have never known. Real people, real lives that do not get a mention and should, keep up the good work

[@lifeline385]

Love your videos so informative, you need to visit different countries as well.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you! I'm hoping someday to branch out :)

[@tigerback62]

Bravo 👏👏 👏!!! Happy Father's Day Everyone! Especially to Mr Matt!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you! :)

[@tikitavi7120]

I have been to this cemetery, but had no clue to the historic depth of it's occupants. Well done!

[@elaztec.aztecca]

Thank you for this tour! Sure wish Snowshoe Thomason’s ancestors would get the USPS to settle for his unpaid services, that’s insane knowing that they refused to compensate his arduous journeys over such a lengthly term of employment. Downright criminal!!

[@nancyrauch2644]

Sir...I thoroughly enjoyed your video on the Genoa Cemetery. Your research and presentation + the modulation of your voice is beyond excellent. You made me feel like I was right there with you. Thanks for sharing ….Absolutely fascinating ! :)

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you Nancy! Your kind words and encouragement mean the world to me! :)

[@BonaOnofre]

So proud of your continued work. Also super happy to see your patron list increase. Well done my friend!!

[@graveexplorations]

I truly appreciate the support of all my subs and viewers... Thank you! :)

[@alevine1951]

At all levels, a remarkable piece of work.

[@rubymckoy2615]

Love the history you gather up for your videos.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you :)

[@sg2823]

Such good viewing quality as always ...Thank you.

[@moondancer4660]

Wow those are some beautiful headstones

[@nancyburns8910]

Such a great video.I could not stop watching.Beautiful naration

[@carleluere4131]

Another masterpiece, you truly set the bar high in this genre.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement, I appreciate it more thank you know. :)

[@carleluere4131]

@@graveexplorations Yeaa, don't be surprised if Ken Burns starts calling for advice and tips.

[@figracula1]

Wow. I loved it. I wonder what Snowshoe would think of the snow boards today, I bet he was something to see back then. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for the next one.

[@graveexplorations]

Imagine what Snowshoe could do with the ski equipment of today... Thank you for watching and commenting! :)

[@figracula1]

@@graveexplorations I know, right?! Give the man a snowmobile and look out! Thanks again.

[@loriwilbert5840]

Great video, but I wish you would linger a bit longer on the grave markers. I find them fascinating and would like to have more than a brief glimpse.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching, I will take your suggestions to heart :)

[@annerobinson8824]

A fitting tribute to these pioneers.

[@kevinsyma4681]

I enjoyed this a lot. Amazing work sharing these very interesting true tales of people from our past.

[@Epiphone100]

Love these programmes !!!

[@kutamsterdam]

My chest swells ... i love this channel!.

[@barrylosangeles6805]

Broadcast quality work !!!

[@ds1752]

Excellently done! Thank you!

[@Whittdocs]

I've really been enjoying your channel. We have a shared love of cemeteries and famous graves. How am I just discovering this?

[@Dgulotta]

Whittdocs Famous Graves your stuff is awesome too!

[@Cobbmtngirl]

It must take a lot of time & effort researching these stories. Impressive for sure. ❤

[@paulwilson7234]

Another very enjoyable and informative video . 🏆

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it :)

[@michaelberry3094]

This is great! And at around 24:10 - the model mail delivery van at the base of at the base of John A. THOMSON's headstone.

[@kennethpigott9593]

Amazing commentary of history

[@manymoonstraveled]

I just love your videos. 😊❤️

[@graveexplorations]

Thanks so much! I truly appreciate you taking the time to watch :)

[@manymoonstraveled]

Grave Explorations I love visiting cemetery’s and live to hear the history and stories too. Thank you

[@tammirients6393]

I really enjoy your videos I love the history thank.you

[@johnkelsey2482]

Very Good....

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you! :)

[@tonyhoward1735]

again, so informative.

[@geraldrukasin9176]

I have spent most of my life in the Tahoe area. And spent a lot of days in / around the Lake, Hwy. 88, 89, 395, 20 just to mention a very few . Snowshoe is a legend in those parts!! That I can find out, Snowshoe kept total secret, which way he traveled the regardless thweather. So he would not be held up or worse. But, I was alwa

[@dougalbin1022]

What a great video, love your work. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave such a nice comment! :)

[@pigoff123]

I can't believe the Post Office never paid Snowshoe Thompson

[@oliviaquijano9018]

Can you upload a Video-Clip of the Judith Barsi Graveyard, & even the Graveyard of the Cartoon Producer named Leon Schlesinger, too? Please? Thank you.

[@thomasmckelvey8961]

Happy Father's Day Matt! You've outdone yourself again! Magnificent true tales of history for we the living, who appreciate and treasure the days gone by with the people who lived them... I would like to introduce you to a Content Creator whom you may, in all likelihood, already be aware of, Oddie Beau, of Oddie's Oddities. You are Kindred Spirits, possessing the same values, virtues, & dedication. Here is the title of his post from 1 day ago: "Los Feliz Time Capsule Murder Mansion - Version ObsoleteOddity" I am going to go there now and write a similar note of you to him, he will see it, as we have conversed a few times already. Enjoy your day, and thank you again for what you do Matt! P.S. I just saw a story on a cemetery facing closure in Long Beach, Sunnyside Cemetery... the 110-year-old cemetery now finds itself on the brink of closing its gates, according to Linda Meador, one of the cemetery’s four directors. FYI

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you Thomas! I have seen Oddie's work and admire it very much. I have heard of Sunnyside's troubles and I'm hoping that the city of Long Beach will step in and keep a big part of its history available to the public.

[@thomasmckelvey8961]

@@graveexplorations : ) I suspected as much! lol You're more than welcome!

[@ravensbrood3544]

Great Video...one nitpick.. PLACERVILLE is pronounced as PlaSSERville, I appreciated your attention to the differing pronunciation between Genoa Italy and Genoa Nevada. Superior documentary as expected, thanks.

[@samueljohnstone3028]

The post office never paid him? And he was skiing past timber wolves..

[@gear_porn]

Watching your videos, listening to your voice and words leaves me with a wonderfully peaceful feeling each and every time. I have not felt it in this way before and I can not pinpoint it, but what I do know is that I am grateful for it and would like to say; thank you