Introduction to Historical Markers in Nevada
How Historic Markers Frame Nevada's History
Aug 22, 2009
Nevada's historical marker system launched for the 1967 state centennial and has 267 markers. The markers are administered by the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office in cooperation with the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Nevada Historical Society, and the Nevada Department of Transportation, plus the many interested individuals and groups who initiate marker applications. The most recent Nevada historical marker, set up in 2008, is for now its last due to budgetary constraints.
Interested readers may wish to pick up a guide to the historical markers. There are two. A free booklet, is available from many Chambers of Commerce/tourist information centers as well as directly from the State Historic Preservation Office. There is also an out-of-print guide, Nevada Historical Marker Guidebook by Dave Basso, easily found used.
Nevada is Remote but Not Devoid of History
The casual traveler might be forgiven for thinking that the Silver State is empty, but nothing could be further from the truth. Long, straight roads spread out to the horizon, bisecting broad valleys. Markers spell out tales of history and break the monotony of a long drive. From early man's "beach-front" property on vast, ancient Lake Lahontan to the role of African-Americans in Virginia City, Nevada historical markers tell the stories of pioneers, miners and lost, remote settlements.
The Nevada history fan quickly gains an appreciation of early settlers' courage. To stand beside a marker on a hot summer's day is to understand first-hand how brave those early travelers were. When reading the story of a silver-mining community or seeing an old Pony Express station, the silence of Nevada's wilderness presses around the traveler to evoke a courageous past.
Where to Find Historical Markers in Nevada
Historical marker hunters won't have to wait long before finding a Nevada state marker. Not only are there are 267 official State of Nevada markers, the majority are large, state-shaped and painted bright blue. It's next to impossible to miss them against the brown desert landscape.
The easiest way to find Nevada's historical markers is to drive along its roads. Markers are present on most of the state's highways and many are signposted with "Historical Marker Ahead" posts.
Reno and Carson City are marker-rich, but Virginia City, itself a National Historic Site, has dozens of plaques and monuments in its compact high street. For a shorter trip, tiny Dayton boasts nine state markers including one about camels, and a handful of monuments. (Drive up the hill to find the cemetery.)
The so-called Loneliest Highway, the stretch of US-50 between Fernley and Ely, has a full 41 state markers, some stretched out along the highway and others clustered in the five small cities along its route.
Styles of Nevada State Historical Markers
According to Paul Sebesta, who visited and recorded every Nevada historical marker, the first twenty state markers were mounted on large granite slabs, labeled "Centennial Marker" and numbered. Several have subsequently been replaced, either because the originals were vandalized or because they were removed for construction. The shape of this marker is "traditional" with a rounded top style that began with East Coast historical markers.
Nevada abandoned this format in favor of a more cost-effective solution, the large blue state-shaped frames with a screwed-on plaque. They come in several different sizes, some wall-mounted, most free-standing. A few of the early markers are also simple plaques with traditional rounded tops. Finally, the newest state historical markers now use a standard, rather dull rectangular plaque.
Other Kinds of Historical Markers in Nevada
Along with Nevada's state historical markers, the traveler will also find a wealth of plaques raised privately by organizations such as E Clampus Vitus. The state also has several National Historic Landmarks, the highest level of landmark designated by the United States government.
There are also over 300 landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places, and over one hundred on the Nevada State Register of Historic Places.
 |
 |
 |
