Historical Society
of Dayton Valley
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May 2008 Historical Lecture Series
Celebrating America's New Deal Heritage
Next Event: Saturday, May 10, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
History in Old Town: HSDV docents explain the history and unique character of historic Old Town (part of Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Oodles of Noodles)
Next Lecture: Thursday, May 15, 7:00 pm
"Old Timer's Night: Memories of the Great Depression and New Deal" by Dayton locals and others who lived the era...and YOU, (Bring your memories to share!), Dayton Senior Center
May General Meeting, Wed., May 21, noon
Makin' Coffee (corner of E. Pike St. and Hwy. 50E)
Newcomers are always welcome!
Come share our excitement about historic preservation and Old Town Dayton!
- C&C Depot Clean-Up Day
Our first clean-up was great! Take a look; we accomplished a lot. We'll do it again, soon! For more info call 775-246-3256 or 246-0505.
Welcome to Historic Dayton, Nevada! |
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- Nestled in a fertile valley east of Carson City, Dayton is an oasis in western Nevada's high-desert country. Dayton is the earliest settlement in the state, originating with prospectors and settlers attracted by gold and by the Carson River that runs through the valley.
- We hope you enjoy this website, made possible by the Historical Society of Dayton Valley. Hopefully, our pages will illuminate why we love the Dayton area and its rich history.
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- click map for detail view
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Old Town Dayton remains quaint, reminiscent of its origins as a Nevada mining town, but the growth of the surrounding area puts a new spin on Dayton's history in the new millennium. In January 1999, a supermarket opened in Dayton Valley and has now become the nucleus of a shopping complex. Dayton Valley now boasts two medical complexes, two veterinary clinics, numerous eateries, several casinos, gas stations, mechanics. and other services, and many other modern amenities. It also will soon have its own hospital. New subdivisions, four schools, a public library, a senior center, museums, churches, fire departments, an airstrip, industrial, and business areas reflect rapid change. |
In 1999, Dayton celebrated the 150th year since the first discovery of gold in Nevada, which occurred at the mouth of Gold Cañon in today's Old Town Dayton. Then, in 2001, Dayton celebrated the 150th anniversary of its permanent settlement -- the oldest settlement in the state of Nevada.
Old Town Dayton's Main Street was once the Overland Trail, which brought many thousands of immigrants westward in the 1840s and 1850s. Today Old Town retains its board sidewalks and homes, shops, and eateries housed in buildings with origins in Dayton's historic past.
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At the historic Dayton Museum in Old Town Dayton on Shady Lane at Logan, young and old gather to review the town's unique history. The Museum was established by volunteers in the early 1980s in an 1865 school house. It contains memorabilia, quilts, and photographs from Dayton's history, including pioneers, prospectors and miners, woodcutters, Native Americans, Chinese, Italians, ranching, railroading, the Sutro Tunnel and early Lyon County history. It is open Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. It is also open by appointment. In May, to celebrate Nevada Archaelogical Awareness and Historic Preservation month, the museum will also be open Monday through Friday from noon to 4 pm. For information or appointments, or to volunteer, call 775-246-5543, 775-246-0462 or 775-246-0441. Or, email HSDV or Webmaster. |
| The Carson River - named for mountain man Kit Carson - flows from the Sierra Nevada Mountains through Dayton and Dayton Valley, across the Lyon County desert, and sinks into the desert at the Carson Sink. The river provides recreation, including canoeing, rafting, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing along with swimming and boating at Lahontan Reservoir. |
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Changes of season give Dayton and the surrounding area a new look with each season. Nevertheless, the weather is generally pleasant and moderate year around.
This old compressor is an example of the mining reminders that dot the landscape in the Dayton area.
Around
Dayton
12 miles from the State Capitol - Carson City 40 miles from Reno and Reno/Tahoe Int'l Airport 7 miles from historic Virginia City 25 miles from Lake Tahoe Access to many of the mining sites of the Comstock Lode Located with the Virginia City National Landmark, one of the nation's largest Historic Districts On US Hwy 50 and near US Interstate 80 and Nevada Hwy 95A
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