Washoe County, Nevada - The whole text, 1888 (part 1 of 3)

The whole text

Btdp Dyer At Rend

Ask the conductor for a lay-over check and stop over night at Reno. In the morning you can take the Virginia and Truckee train and go to the Comstock mines, Virginia City, or via Carson City go to Tahoe, Donner and Webber Lakes, and catch the western-bound train at Truckee and proceed to San Francisco.

Heunto, Nevada

The only known surviving original of this early Nevada Imprint was recently uncovered by the staff of the Nevada Historical Society and made a part of their f Nevada library. Its accurate portrayal of the early history of the Reno area, and the knowledge that few Nevada historians would be able to use the original, prompted the decision to reprint it. Grateful appreciation is given to Marion Welliver, Director of the Nevada Historical Society, for her complete cooperation in this endeavor.

Capital Stock Fully Subscribed

Daniel Meyer, M. Brown, L. Brown and Win. Fries, of San Francisco; Russell & Bradley, of Elko: M. D. Foley, B. Gilman, H. Donnelly, R. K. Morrison, W. E. Griffin, John Torrey, H. Johnson and W. J. Tonkin, of Eureka ; Frank Golden, of Virginia City ; Mat Healey, of Susanville ; Theo. H. Winters, of Washoe Valley ; R. M. Clarke, of Carson ; J. H. Whited, of Wadsworth ; C. C. Powning, J. N. Evans, A. Benson, B. F. Bobo, L. Abrahams, A Abrahams, W. H. Gould, Sol. Levy, M. E. Ward, R» S. Osburn, R. H. Lindsay, W. D. Phillips, E. Cohn, T. V. Julien, L. J. Flint, of Reno.

Agents For Several First-Class Insurance Companies

Twenty-five years ago one bright morning in the early spring Lem Savage and Dave Scott started down the Truckee in a flat-bottomed scow for the purpose of having a glorious jollification on the blue waters of Pyramid Lake. They were not exceptional pioneers, and, as a matter of course, they fortified themselves against the dangers of the journey by taking with them a ten-gallon jug of whiskey. They made the lake all right but their "lightning" was all gone. They concluded they could not have any pleasure without some of that "stufl," so they sent an Indian back to Glendale for another supply. When that had also disappeared they went down to the shore for a bath and when through went to put on their boots. But they didn't - they were mil of squirming snakes - the boots we mean - the boys put for the hills and traveled as fast as they could go until they reached home. The 20 gallons started a colony of "rattlers" which has gained a world-wide celebrity. They are there in the millions and the rocks in the center of Pyramid Lake, where Lem and Dave pulled off their boots, will stand as a warning to drinkers of poor whiskey. Don't credit Tom Hymers with this yarn, because he tells nothing but the truth.

Largest Stock. The Finest Goods

Ladies from the surrounding country who are visiting Reno are respectfully invited to pay a visit to our establishment, where an extensive assortment of the latest fabrics and novelties in Fancy Goods, such as

Ribbons, Parasols, Etc

We aim to supply our Dress Goods Department, which is one of the leading ones in the house, with all the latest novelties as soon as they appear in the best markets, and are prepared to offer them at most popular prices.

Nevada Educational Association

N collecting data we were assisted by many of the old pioneers, and nee was made of the files of the Rsmo Gazette, Reno Journal, Reno Cresoent and the I>emocrat. Among the authorities we consulted were J. Boss Browne, Wm. Wright (Dan De Quille), Thompson and West, Jno. C. Fremont, Clarence King, Washington Irving, De Witt (X Peters, J. W. Bonneville and State Controller's Reports.

\ A / HEN Lieutenant Fremont journeyed V V overland to the Pacific and crossed the vast interior country lying between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, he named the region the Great Basin. The name is well applied, as. scientists have since ascertained that this region was, during the Quartenary Age, filled with broad and deep inland seas. That portion of this immense country now occupied by Washoe County, and with which we have to do, was filled by ancient Lake Lahontan. It extended from parts of Northern California and Southern Oregon south to present Walker Lake, a distance of 250 miles. In its widest part it was 200 miles broad. In its center it inclosed a mountainous island 140 miles long and 70 miles broad, or an area of 10,000 square miles. Its depth ranged from 250 feet to 1,000 feet. There are many existing proofs of the former presence of such a body of water as scientists picture Lake Lahontan; and that Washoe County was once one immense lake, and after a series of smaller lakes, which dwindled to the present chain, is not to be doubted by the most obtuse observer. The foot of the mountains to the west of Washoe City consists to a depth of several feet of a strata of sand piled upon each other with a regularity that no agency but standing water could accomplish. The mountain side to an altitude of .150 feet shows every indication of having been the lake shore. The hills that approach each other near the old Temelec Mill mark plainly the northern boundary of the lake that once covered Pleasant Valley. The chain of hills that runs easterly across the valley from Huffaker's as plainly marks the northern limit of the lake that covered Steamboat Valley. The hills along the Truckee from its source to its mouth furnish like evidence. In many places along this water line millions of minute shells can be found. As Lake Lahontan never overflowed, its waters became saline and alkaline and deposited large quantities of calcium, carbonate, common salt, sodium sulphate, potassium, magnesium, and many other less soluble salts. It is not certainly known what became of all this mineral matter, but from the following evidence we conclude that much of it was buried by the sand, clay and marl, brought into the basin by other agencies at different periods. At several places in Churchill County, a few miles to the east of Wadsworth, immense beds of salt are found good even* on the surface. For an unknown depth pure rock salt is found as clear as ice and as white as the driven snow.

The whole of this does not contain a single streak of any deleterious matter or rubbish, and is ready lor quarrying and sending to market. Great blocks of the pure stuff can be raised the same as if it were stone. On exposure, however, it admits of being closely packed in sacks. One man can quarry and wheel out five tons a day, ready for mill use, or to offer for sale in the store. In the same district is Soda Lake, a body of water of about seven acres, which is a veritable lake of soda. This substance in its crude state forms on the shore of the lake as fast as it is removed, and the supply is inexhaustible, Many tons of the crude article are shipped to San Francisco to be manufactured into bi-carbonate of soda and salsoda. Borax is held in solution in the waters of Hot Springs and other places in the vicinity. The borate of lime is condensed, the dirt washed away and the water evaporated. Borax is manufactured from the acids and borates thus obtained. Borax is frequently found in crystals the size of a pea. There are some extensive borax fields within a few, miles of Wadsworth, which is the principal shipping point The Central Pacific Railroad Company spent nearly $100,000 in boring a six-inch artesian well at White Plains, Nev. The matter from this well proves beyond a doubt that Washoe County and the adjacent territory is the bed of an ancient inland sea, and upholds other statements and theories. Following is the result: Five] hundred feet of drift, 600 feet of lava, 160 feet of volcanic ash, or block slate; next comes 600 feet of fine sand rock, which looks as much like a sea sand deposit as possible. There is no salt below the 1 100-foot level, although the whole top of the ground is a bed of salt Within 180 feet of the bottom of the sandrock was a layer of soft blackwood of rapid growth 90 feet thick. Below the sandrock the drill struck the original country rock, into which it went 300 feet It is a hard, dark gray rock looking like basalt, but differing in many respects.

Sulphur is found on the shore of Winnemucca Lake, but as this bed is some 70 miles from the rai{road it will probably remain .undisturbed for some years, although experts pronounce it of superior quality. Some months ago a San Francisco corporation discussed the feasibility of marketing it, and went so far as to contract for 20,000 tons annually. The company was refused the privilege of hauling over the Indian Reservation road and bridge, and we opine that is the reason nothing further has been done. The vast quantities of calcium carbonate, tufa, or 7 coral - call it what you will - deposited from the waters of Lake Lahontan still remain to add to the picturesqueness of the regions in which they are found, and to afford us our last great and conclusive proof of the former presence of a large body of salt water. On a trip to the region here mentioned we were accompanied by Miss Taddie Doane, CoL W. D. C. Gibson and Hon. W. C Dovey, State Superintendent ot Public Instruction. Thej field was given to the latter, and he writes as follows:

''The lover of nature who delights to view her handiwork in sculptured rock and curiously chiseled stone, will do well and be a hundredfold repaid for trouble and expense, by taking a drive of three hours from Wadsworth to Pyramid Lake and vicinity of the Indian Agency. The Agency is distant about twenty miles from Wadsworth, and when you have driveoabout ten miles on the journey, by the desert route, you will come upon reef after reef of old coral, extending along the sides of the canyon, marking the shoreline of an ancient sea. Fragments are strewn along the wayside, and by their strange forms and beautiful resemblance to vegetable growths will attract attention and excite curiosity. This coral is in a wonderful state of preservation considering the immense lapse of time since it was placed in its present position by the coral polyp. The'cabbage. turnip, cauliflower, and many indescribable shapes are here represented in coral. Many have suffered but little loss of beauty by the wear and tear of the elements except the loss of their pristine snowy luster, which has faded into dull gray or brown. Extending across the point of the peninsula that divides the waters of the Truckee, turning a portion into Lake Pyramid, is a lofty hill (Mt Echo) that rises abrupdy like a wall to a hight of nearly a thousand feet above the surface of the lake. The mountain is isolated and a team can be easily driven around it, and at every point of view the beholder is filled with astonishment. From its base, which is buried in the sands of the lake, to its summit its sides are lined with huge masses of coral, that seem to be twisted or carved into many strange and fantastic forms. Sometimes it rises in dome-shaped masses that would weigh thousands, of tons; at other points it resembles great fountains of water, rising up near the summit of the mountain in columns twenty or thirty feet high, the overflow of which seems to be falling into huge urns or basins, that group themselves in curious clusters near the crest and at lower altitudes. There are in other. places grottoes and caves, into which the roaring breakers dashed thousands of years before the . foundations of Babylon were laid. It must be seen to be appreciated, and, like nearly all of nature's great wonders, it cannot be accurately described.

The pyramid-shaped islands that suggested the name of the lake, and which rise to an altitude of several hundred feet, are chiefly huge masses of coral. The formation is found all along the shores of both lakes, on the mountain sides and along on the sides of the canyon lor fifteen miles above the mouth of the Tmckee. It skirts with a level watermark the sides of the mountains that hem in the Sinks of Carson and Humboldt rivers, and marks the shoreline of an arm of the sea that might have been and probably was a prolongation of the Gulf of California. The depth of the water at the time here spoken of, as indicated by the hight oi the coral on the mountain at the head of the lake, must have been at least eight or nine hundred feet above its present surface. The Truckee River, from Wadsworth to Pyramid, has cut its way through the old sea-bed, leaving nearly perpendicular walls of mud and sand along its banks, in many places rising to a hight of more than two hundred feet. The salt marshes of Black Rock Desert, Humboldt Desert, Carson Desert, and also the deserts in Esmeralda and Nye Counties, are simply the residue of this inland gulf or sea. Its shores were lined with active volcanoes, and nearly every island that dotted its surface was a volcano that poured forth its fiery flood for centuries. The black and forbidding mountains that everywhere wall in the shores of this inland sea attest the truth of this theory, and confirm the rule established elsewhere all over the globe, that volcanic action is confined to the sea coasts or islands of the ocean.

At this time Nevada and the great basin enjoyed a tropical climate, for it must be remembered that the coral builders only work in tropical waters, and in sea-water and never in bodies of water entirely cut off from the ocean. That Nevada then enjoyed a tropical climate is further proven by the tracks and fossil bones found in the State Prison yard at Carson. The fauna and flora of Africa were here then in rich and varied profusion. The * elephant, rhinoceros, lion and saber-toothed tiger mingled their harsh voices

It is not improbable that the' prehistoric man whose giant footprints still remain in the rock in the State Prison yard, maintained a precarious existence in his ceaseless warfare upon the huge and terrible wild beasts which then infested this region. This age of coral in Nevada, though remote from us, was a comparatively recent geo- ' logical period which is clearly manifest in the excellent state of preservation in which this coral is found. Perhaps no other lakes in America possess the attractions and charms for the tourist and student of nature and of science as those two wonderful sheets of water known as Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes.

Space will not allow us to pursue this subject any further, ,but enough has been presented to show that it was once a lake and that it has been subject to changes of climate. As tms great sea did not have ah oudet. where did the water go ? Scientists generally concede that the Great Basin was elevated by the agents of nature and most of the water expelled over the southern barriers, to cut the rocky canyons of the Colorado and find # repose in the Pacific. Partly preceding and partly contemporaneous with the elevation of the Great Basin and the expulsion of the waters of Lake Lahontan came the.vulcanism which left so many traces of its work, and gave us our thermal springs. On the mountain summits and hill tops are found huge masses of trachyte or lava, weighing many tons. On the plains and in the ravines are found scoria or ashes scattered lavishly for miles. The great frowning ridges of gray and black which tower above us on every side are part of the largest volcano trap known. On the side of Mt. Rose is an immense fissure, which was given birth during this period, which performed an important part in the convulsions of nature, and which even now hangs threatening over our heads. Buried in Lake Tahoe is the crater ot a once powerful volcano, which, should it come into action again, would Karl the water, the fish and the gallant boats thousands of feet skyward. It would bury our towns under sixty feet of molten lava, and the people would suffer the fate of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The work of vulcanism is so well and plainly recorded that one cannot avoid seeing it On Mt Rose, at Steamboat, Hot Springs,. Laughton's and elsewhere, water penetrated the fissured range, met melted rock and gave rise to the solfataras and hot springs. Following the eruptive and volcanic activity came the glacial epoch which played such an important part in making the topography of the country what it is to-day. The entire. northern part of North America was covered with a coating of ice some thousands of feet in depth. From the Atlantic to the Pacific can be found the track of glaciers, plain, distinct and unmistakable. \ From the north, with a mighty force, came bodies of billions of tons of densely packed ice, with, huge masses of rock frozen to their bosoms, grasped in their embrace or forced beneath and carried with them, which ground to powder everything that barred the passage to the lowest depressions, cut the way through hill, and' moved over plain to find at last a partial restingplace on the Sierra. From the proud crests of the snowy range die old sire sent lorth his- children to erode our valleys, while he died with a deluge of torrents and floods, and left as a heritage our placid lakes and thundering river. Finally, through a long period of dessication, during which our present soil was deposited,' our noble river dug its channel fifty miles to Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes, reclaimed the land, and gave to the agriculturist the beautiful plain called Truckee Meadows.

Various authorities give very meagre and unsatisfactory accounts of the wanderings of several parties of trappers who visited this region in 1831-32 in search of fur-bearing animals. It is stated, but not authentically, that Kit Carson led a band along the northern boundary in 1833; but, as the outlook was not encouraging, they retraced* their steps, and for Lieutenant John C. Fremont the honor of the first recorded exploration. On his second expedition he came down from Oregon, through the rocky defiles and successive valleys of Roop County, and discovered and named Pyramid Lake, on the ipth day of January, 1844. After resting a few days on the shore f the lake, he continued his march and discovered the Truckee River at its mouth. He named the stream the Salmon Trout River, in accordance with the characteristics of the fish taken from ' its water. A lew miles from the mouth of the river he came upon a band of Piutes encamped where the Nevada Indian Agency is now located. He tarried here a day, and then continued his journey, following the course of the river for twenty miles to the Big Bend, where he left the river, Journeyed south, and passed out of the county. In the same year (1844) a party of emigrants seeking the fertile soil and mild climate of California entered Washoe County at the Lower Crossing, now Wadsworth* ' They were guided by an Indian named Truckee, and when they came to the beautiful stream of pure water, well stocked with splendid fish, they felt so grateful to the Indian that they gave his name to the river. The party again took up the line of march and followed the course of the river to Donner Lake. The glowing accounts of the country sent back by the explorers and early settlers of California' caused many more to undertake the journey. In 1846 came the "Donner Party," commanded by George Donner. They toiled along the river, worn -out and late in the season, finally being snowed in at Lake Donner. The emigration increased In 1847, and in 1848 the news of the discovery of gold in California electrified the world, and induced a steady stream of treasure seekers to come from the States and over the plains in " '49." Thousands on their pilgrimage to the land of fabulous richness found their first £1 Dorado in the sparkling waters of the Truckee ., and. the rich grasses of its valley. Those who came early were content to rest a few days in this fair land, while those who were belated, warned by the tragic fete of the Donner party, dared not attempt the passage over the snow-blocked Sierras. They remained on Truckee Meadows, and were compelled to take needed rest and give it also to, the faithful animals .which with them had suffered the horrors of the desert The* wonderful climate, the gentle breezes, bearing the odoriferous balsam-laden air. the sparkling spring water, die picturesque surroundings of Truckee Meadows, soon restored the emaciated countenances to their wonted fullness, the light to the eye and the bloom to the cheek. The hali-fam- ished, footsore stock revelled in an abundance of nutritious grass and clear mountain water until Old, Sol changed crystal snow into limpid stream and sent it coursing down the mountain. The impatient gold-seekers, with heart and soul bent on the goal they sought to reach, passed along ior a, decade and dreamed not of the earthly paradise they left for wiser men.

The first actual settlement in Washoe County was made at a beautiful spot near the present site of Franktown by a man named Clark in 1852. Clark was charmed with the surroundings of his home, and, thinking he had found what Adam had lost, he named his place "The Garden of Eden. ' ' The next year old man Rose came from Eagle Valley and settled on the Simmons place. G. W. Dodge and John Campbell took up the Bowers ranch in 1853, and they were followed by Christopher West, who took up land joining them on the north. Those Mormons who do not believe in polygamy, who are known as Latter- Day Saints, and the direct followers of Joseph Smith, were of the class that comprise - many of the earliest settlers of Washoe County. In the Summer of 1854 a company of Mormons, with Elder Orson Hyde as leader, settled at Franktown and built a sawmilL The mill contained two saws - one circular and one upright - and in the Spring of 1855 it was completed.' Old man Rose bought it in 1857. Plenty of material was at hand in the thick growth of timber which covered the mountain sides. In the Summer of 1855 Alexander Cowan and wile (now Mrs. Sandy Bowers) bought the Bowers ranch from Dodge and Campbell. Wm. Jennings, Howard Clayton, John Hawkins, Edward Walker and others came into the valley and took up ranches. In 1856 some twenty families of Mormons came from Eastern Utah, and nearly all settled in the valley and vicinity. The settlement was prosperous, wellestablished, and gave every indication of a rapid growth, when it was nearly depleted of its population by Brigham Young* s recall of the Mormons in 1857. In haste to obey the mandate of the Mormon prophet, the faithful disposed of ranch and other property for . what they could get Some took pistols, guns and stock for their ranches, while others had to leave without receiving anything, and departed to join their brethren on the shores of Great Salt Lake. But discontent and dissatisfaction plays a part in Mormondom as elsewhere, and Franktown regained its former population by an influx of other Mormons, who were disgusted with the ways of the Church and its officers, At the end of the year 1857 we leave it ior a time as a growing community, while we turn our attention to other parts of Washoe County, or Carson County as it was then called, being a part of Utah. A Mormon named Jamison was first to think ot utilizing Truckee Meadows as a stopping place for overland travelers. He moved from Carson Valley in "1 852, and established Jamison's Station, on the Truckee River, near the present site oi Qendale. Two years later John Owens and 4 Ed. Ing followed in the footsteps of Jamison, and kept a trading post The same year (1854) Bill Gregory started a post at Drytown, near the present ske of Wadsworth. James O'Neil had a station at Crystal Peak, two miles' to the "right of the present site of Verdi, In 1857 John F. Stone and Charles C. Gates settled on the Truckee, and their post was known as Stone* & Gates 1 . Crossing. Those emigrants who were fortunate enough to have any stock feft after crossing the plains were enabled to trade their exhausted animals at these trading posts, and to lay in a sufficient supply of provisions to last them to their journey's end. In 1857 Theodore Winters, John Winters, George Hepley, J. O. Gregory and Wm. Sides came into Washoe Valley. Watt Sturtevant, Lem Savage, B. G. Clow, Peleg Brown settled in Steamboat Valley in 1858. The first settler in Pleasant Valley was George Quick.

After the first ten years of gold hunting in California, much of the easily found surface treasure had passed from the placers into the buckskin bags of the pioneers, and from them into the channels of trade. There followed a lull after the various excitements and the miners, Micawber-fike, waited for something to turn up. They had not long to wait, ior news was already on the wing, and, according to J. Ross Browne, it struck them something in this wise: * 'Whence come these silvery strains that are wafted to our ears from the passes of the Sierra Nevada ? What dulcet Aeolian harmonies - what divine enchanting ravishment is it that with these raptures moves the vocal air?' As I live it is a cry of silver! Silver in Washoe, not gold, no you silly men of Gold Bluff; you Kern Riverites; you daring explorers of British 'Columbia! But silver - solid, pure silver! Beds of it 10,000 feet deep! Acres of it! Miles ot it! Hundreds of millions of dollars poking their heads up out of the earth ready to be pocketed! Do you speak of the mines of Potosi or Golconda? Do you dare quote the learned Baron Von Tschudi on South America and Mexico ? Do you refer me to the ransom of Atahualpa, the unfortunate Inca in the days of Pizarro ? Nothing at all I assure you to the silver mines of Washoe! There never was the like on the face of the earth! The ledges are masses of silver. Hurrah for Washoe !' '

Hurrahing they came in swarms by the way ot Hennis Pass, down the banks of the Truckee, over the numerous crossings and thence to Virginia City. In thousands they passed through Washoe Valley, and as their eyes drank in the beauties of the rich rural scene, meadows of waving grass, watered by a clear mountain stream, forest of majestic pine and regal fir, rugged mountain and silvery lake, it is no wonder that some lingered to avail themselves oi these provisions of nature, which in the near future would give them much of the silver which others took in its virginity from the bowels of the earth. The Comstock mines needed lumber, timber and cordwood. The miners had to have agricultural products ; horses and other stock needed. barley and hay. Quartz mills were called for and they were constructed. The saw-mill at Franktown had more than it could attend to, and others were built. Everything required that nature could produce was found on the mountains and in the valley. Franktown grew, Washoe City prospered, Ophir blazed, and Galena stood neck and neck with her sister towns. Bridges were built across the Truckee at Verdi, Hunter's, Fuller's and Stone & Gates'. The valleys were opened by the hand of enterprise and made to contribute to the wants of the hour. Lines of pack-trains (carrying principally Comstock lightning), mule and ox teams, stages, travelers, all toiled along, and form part and parcel ol an active throng. Such was the general condition of things on November 25, 1 86 1, when the Legislature, in consideration of the sixteen hundred inhabitants and the futHFe.

prospect, created it a separate county, and allowed it to enter upon its career as a separate organization. Washoe is one of the nine original counties into- which the Territory of Nevada was divided by the first Territorial Legislature. Previously this had been a portion of Carson County, Utah Territory. The boundaries as defined by the Act of November 25th, 1861, are as follows in Chapter XXIV, Section 4 : There shall be a county, to be known as Washoe County, to include all that part of the Territory within the boundaries described as follows: Beginning at the northwest corner of Ormsby County, and running easterly along the northern boundary of said county to the summit of the mountains east of Washoe Lake; thence in a northerly course along the summit of said mountains to the lower end of the Big Meadows on Truckee River; thence down said river to its lower crossing; thence east along the Immigrant Road to the summit of the mountains lying east of said river; thence north on the main summit of said mountains to a point from which, running direct west, would intersect the Truckee River in its mouth at Pyramid Lake: thence due west to the California line; thence south to the place of beginning.

By an Act of the Territorial Legislature, passed in December. 1862. the name of Lake County was changed to Roop County; and by Act of the State Legislature, February 18, 1864, Roop County was made a part of Washoe County. The western boundary has been shifted from the centre of the summit of the Sierras eastward to the line of the 120th meridian, west from Greenwich, England. So tar as can be discovered, there has been no Legislative enactment definitely fixing the eastern boundary of Washoe County from its point at the northeast on the summit of the range east of Pyramid Lake; but, by agreement of the County Commissioners ot Washoe and Humboldt Counties in 1885, a survey was made locating the eastern boundary from a point just south of the south end ot Mud (or Winnemucca) Lake, northward through the lake and along the range hill between ranges 23 and 24 east of the Mt. Diablo meridian, northward from the northern extremity of the lake to the Oregon boundary. The remainder of the eastern boundary, from a point two miles eastward from the east end of the Central Pacific railway bridge across the Truckee River at Wadsworth, northerly to where it intersects the range hill before spoken of is indefinitely located. It is probably pretty nearly the same as the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation boundary, as run arid marked by Mr. Perry Powers in July, 1887, for the United States.

From all that is known of the boundaries of Washoe County, it lies between the meridians of 119 20' and 120 west from the meridian of Greenwich, so that its central meridian time is 7 hours and 59 minutes slower than Greenwich time, and 2 hours and 50 1-2 minutes west from meridian of Washington. The pyramid on the eastern side of Pyramid Lake marks the meridian of H9 P 30' west from Greenwich. The county lies between the parallels ol 39° 20* and 42 ° north latitude. Its central parallel is 40 40' north, and passes about centrally eastward through the Smoke Creek Desert.

Iri the earliest days the entire western part of Utah Territory was known as Washoe to the pioneer and miner, the name being that of a tribe of Indians, occupying the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada from the Truckee to the Carson River. An effort was made to give the new State the name when the constitution was framed, but it was unsuccessful and Nevada was chosen. With the organization of Washoe County the county seat was located at Washoe City, the largest town within its limits, and the second in the Territory. From the report of the Assessor, S. C. Jolley, written at Washoe City in 1865, we clip the following as a general index of the time:

"There have been for the last two years from twelve to eighteen saw-mills in this county constantly engaged in cutting timber, which, making due allowance for stoppages and the snows of winter, would cut about 30,000,000 feet per annum. Of this amount about one^tenth is used in this county, the balance going to Storey County. Cordwood is at present the staple product of the mountains. It is estimated the gross receipts from the sale of this article is $75,000 per month, and that 200 men and over 500 draft animals are constantly employed in cutting and transporting it to market. Quartz crushing in Washoe County is one of the most important branches of industry. For this purpose ten mills, carrying 281 stamps and costing $1,420,000, have been erected, situated and named as follows : The Dall Mill, at Franktown; the Ophir Mill, at Ophir; the New York. Atchison, Minnesota and the Buckeye, at Washoe City; the Manhattan Mill, in Allen Canyon; the Napa Mill, at Steamboat Creek; the Temelec Mill, in Pleasant Valley; and the Washoe Con Co.'s Mill, near Truckee River. There are ten schools in operation, but many children are beyond the reach of all of them. There is a postoffice and an express office at each of the following places : Washoe City, Huflaker's, Ophir and Franktown."

In 1866 came a revolution brought about by several causes, all tending to the same end. Shortly after these mills were built various mining companies began the construction of mills at Virginia City. Gold Hill, Silver -City and along the Carson River. There were enough working in 1867 to crush nearly all of the Comstock ore. They were nearer to the mines, saved freighting and other expenses, and were used in preference to those on the other side of the mountain. The mills of Washoe County had no work to do, they were dismantled, and disappeared one by one. Ophir and Galena passed away, and Washoe City arid Franktown are but small villages, dependent upon the surrounding farming districts. The death-blow was given. by the Central Pacific Railroad in 1868.

Called into being by the law of supply and demand, Washoe City in less than a year's time took second place in the Territory in point of population and business interest. In 1861 the Atchison Mill was built by J. S. and S. S, Atchison. John W. Grier and Peter Rice laid out the town and named it Washoe City. Upon the formation of Washoe County by the Territorial Legislature in the Fall of 1861, the county seat was located at Washoe City, which, though only a city in name, gave every promise of being a city in reality. The county offices were located, and the first meetings of the Board were held in the Davis building, Washoe City, in February, 1862. Professional men flocked to the seat of justice, and it became necessary to have the requisite buildings. In 1862 Mason's building was secured and at once occupied for county offices.

In 1863 a brick Court-house was erected, at a cost of $15,000, and a jail at a cost of $4,000. In the same year came the printing press, and an office was erected, in which G. W Derricksen published the first newspaper in Washoe County - the ' * Washoe Times. ' ' To offset the newspaper came a neat, comfortable church. Brick and wooden structures, commodious and costly, began to appear. Three hotels«nd boarding-houses, saloons to the number of seven, blacksmith shops, three stores, a meat market and numerous dwellings, attested lively times. In 1864 a $1,000 building was purchased of E. B. Wilson and used as a County Hospital. As new mines were opened on the Comstock and the others developed, the demand for cordwood, timber and lumber became greater, and the mills were taxed to their lull capacity. The wood and lumber was brought down from the mountains in* small teams, and here transhipped to large teams capable of carrying immense loads across the mountains. Much of the loading was done by night so that teams could reach Virginia City in one day's travel - thus the town was active both day and night.

Soon after the completion of the Atchison Mill other mills were built The Loomis Mill, the Buckeye Mill, the New York Mill, and the Minnesota Mill, all crushed the Comstock rock, which was brought to Washoe City in the returning wood teams. But the wealth and prosperity of Washoe City was not entirely confined to the above pursuits. The agriculturist rejoiced, and the products of the soil were sold for much money. In 1864 the potato crop of this county sold for $100,000, and everything else in the same scale. Fire came June 1, 1865, and destroyed a large number of buildings. During the early years of Statehood Washoe City shone as a bright star in the new firmament Everybody was happy, generous, and whole-souled, and could an account of the boys' highjinks be written it would fill a small but "mighty" interesting volume. The following is illustrative of the kind of capers of the day : Pat Murphy and Doc Barnum owned cows so much alike that when they were together you cou!d not tell one from the other. Murphy's animal strayed one day and Barnum' s was turned loose for exercise. Pat wanted some milk for supper that night, and, finding his cow, as he thought, drove her into the yard and proceeded with his work. Doc Barnum saw him and swore out a complaint charging Murphy with the crime of petit larceny, in having feloniously taken milk from a cow which did not belong to him.

Judge Bennett presided at the trial, and twelve men, good and true, were sworn in as jury. The evidence, which caused a great deal of fun, was taken, and the jury retired. In five minutes they returned with- the following verdict: " We, the undersigned jurors in the case of Washoe County vs. Murphy, find that the cow was milked in the second degree."

In these days Tom Hymers was noted for his veracity, Dick Shackelford for his retiring disposition, George Hepperly for his even temper, H. H. Beck tor steadfastness, Dr. Hogan for political views, and Watt Sturtevant for general cussedness. Old Blumas, dispenser of drugs* gyrated between camps, and swore the country was " ungodly " healthy, as he had to pitch hay, starve or lecture. His best oratorical efforts were made in John Richardson's "Toejam " saloon, where the boys passed many glorious hours. They were always in for a lark, and up with the lark, and memory has a spot still green where are stored many old reminiscences of their fellows and the times. The star was on the wane, and good times proved as short-lived as they had been brilliant The building of mills near the Comstock mines and along the Carson River was the first, cause. Empire City absorbed a large part of Washoe City's business interests. The coming of the Central Pacific Railroad in 1868, and the completion of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad to Carson in 1869, struck the fatal blow, and the decline was rapid. In 1868 Reno wanted the county-seat, but she was fought off for a short time. A bill passed by the Legislature February 17, 1871, declared Reno to be the county -seat, on and after April 3, 1871. To complete the sum of her disasters, the principal buildings of the town were destroyed by fire on the night of April 28, 1873. After the removal of the county-seat a few of the old residents stayed for a while; but Washoe City declined from this time at a rapid rate, and now it has a postoffice, a store, a schoolhouse and a small cluster ot dwelling houses. Wood is flumed to a point near the old site, and some produce is shipped from the surrounding ranches, but further nothing is left but ruins to mark the once thriving town.

The next largest town to Washoe City was Ophir, situated about three miles below Washoe City, and one mile above Franktown, and at the mouth of Ophir Canyon and Ophir Creek. Here the Ophir Mining Company erected a quartz mill and reduction works in i860. The mill was a model of mechanism, as was also the splendid reduction works. They were built for the purpose of crushing and reducing the rich rock from the Ophir mine, which was located at Virginia City. The Ophir mill had 72 stamps, cost $500,000, was run by steam power, supplied with wood from the hills at the back, and with water from Ophir Creek, which ran through the 10,000 acres of wood and valley land owned by the company. The Ophir Reduction Works were begun in i860, with Captain L. D. Hall as Superintendent. Thirty carpenters and millwrights, a dozen masons, and from 60 to 80 laborers were put to work at once. As the mill was built upon level ground, the cost of elevating the ore to the batteries, and the processes employed in reducing, were so expensive that it ceased to work about 1867. In 1864 the population numbered 800. In 1865 about 1,000 people were engaged about the mill, the reduction works, in teaming and cutting timber and wood, and in agricultural pursuits. One two-story hotel, eight saloons, two meat markets, three stores, one general market, two blacksmith shops, two barber shops, and other business houses were located in the heart of the village. Times were so good and business so prosperous that some fostered the idea that Ophir would some day be the Capital of the State. The Ophir boarding-house was the general meeting place. The mail was brought from Carson City every Saturday night by some depended for news in regard to the secession movement. While one read the paper aloud, the others sat in their bunks and listened. After the reading they commented on the news, "Old Black" leading the discussion. After spending some hours in this way they doused the glim and took to their bunks, to think over things in general, and finally to fall asleep. Ye Gods! how they could snore in those days - and some have not forgotten yet.

They had a school at Ophir, and three married men acted as trustees. They failed to perform their duties in the way of making reports and consequently lost their appointment. Next, three bachelors were selected, and the chairman of the board was Dave Ehler. Shortly after being installed, a widow w[oman, who had seven children, and was known as being able to handle a small man or two, called on the trustees to complain of the teacher whipping one of the children. They said they would attend to it that noon. After dinner Dave went to the schoolhouse - he liked to go - and asked the schoolma'am if she had used up the bundle of willows he had left a few days before, and if she had he would bring her some more to use as occasion required, and as there was plenty not to spare them. As Dave was concluding the widow walked in with fire in her eye just in time to hear him. She grabbed him by the coat collar and the seat ot the pants, and threw him out of the door bodily. She followed, to give him some more, but he was half way down the mountain and still going.

After several years of unprecedented growth, Ophir' s decline began. The connection of Empire with Virginia City by the V. & T. R. R. proved such a shorter haul and more economical method of quartz crushing, that the Ophir company dismantled the mill and moved the machinery. At one time a bridge costing $75,000 was constructed across the low tide lands and waters of Washoe Lake from this place to the eastern shore. Immense piles were driven and the bridge set up in many places from eight to ten feet above the water. Over this were driven heavily laden teams drawn by sixteen animals. After several years use the structure was abandoned and to-day not a remnant is visible. So vanished Ophir City.

Original Franktown, the pioneer town- of Washoe county, was first settled in 1852 and became a town three years later. In the busy years that followed Washoe City was the hub, Franktpwn the left bower, and Ophir City the right bower. Later came Galena to make four of a kind. Franktown, as a village, was situated at the mouth of Franktown Canyon on Franktown Creek. It was here that Elder Orson Hyde built the saw mill in 1852, which he sold to old man Rose in 1857, who in turn sold the property to Bill Sides in 1859. The opening of the Cornstock mines paved the way for the rapid advance of Franktown. In 1861 J. H. Dall & Co. built the largest quartz mill in the country, at a cost of $250,000. The Dall mill was one of the best in the State. It carried sixty stamps - forty for dry crushing, and twenty for wet crushing. Its bullion output exceeded that of any other mill by fully 25 per cent This splendid property was laid low by the fire fiend in 1865, and it was rebuilt only to be again burned to the ground.

Franktown had several sawmills and they furnished a share of the wood and timber which now lies rotting in the Comstock mines. Some years ago the large dam of a reservoir built in a ravine near Franktown burst, and the water carried enough rock, sand and gravel with it to utterly ruin some of the best fields. With the disappearance ol the timber and the loss of Dall's mill, the town took a relapse and dwindled away. What was left now depends upon the surrounding ranches. The lay of the hilLs above Franktown is such that the V. & T. R. R. Co. built a flume, in 1872, for the purpose of bringing down cordwood from the mountains. A gang of men is employed to load the wood on the cars. Frank- < town as a railway station is a shipping point for farm produce. The telegraph operator, who is stationed here, acts as postmaster and Wells, Fargo & Co.' s agent. There are a store, hotel, blacksmith shop, and several neat dwellings. A good school is located at the foot of the mountains in a prominent part of the town.. Mill Station, in the hills two and one-half miles south of Franktown, was a pleasant litde place in the sixties, and the site of a busy litde sawmill A good sized stream of water poured down from the mountains and timber was right at hand. Like all the rest natural causes have reduced it to a small schoolhouse and several small cabins. The ruins of the old mill are there yet and serve as a reminder of brighter days to those who go over this route to Hot Springs. Lake Tahoe, Washoe City, Franktown, Ophir and Mill Station, are within the confines of Washoe Valley, and as we have related the history oi these places as far as our limited space and experience permits, we will proceed to take up the valley.

Washoe Valley

As we choose to believe that the doings of the pioneer t6wns, and the settlements from 1853, are the early history of Washoe Valley, we will deal with it in generalties. Washoe Valley lies in the southern part of Washoe County, and is twelve miles long, running north and south, and six miles wide. The southern portion of the valley contains Washoe Lake proper, a clear sheet of water about four miles long and two miles wide, which, in season, affords good hunting and fishing. From this lake, lowlands afid tules extend in a strip to litde Washoe Lake at the north end of the valley. Besides being well formed, Washoe Valley is very fertile, comprising many different varieties of excellent soil, and exceedingly picturesque, lying at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevadas, the slopes of which are covered by a hardy growth of young pine and fir. In the sixties the water supply came principally from the west, consisting of Franktown Creek, Ophir Creek and Brown's Creek. In the early days the valley contained the major portion of the population and the -cultivated section. The following pen picture of the valley as it appeared in 1864, is in the main as true as it appears to-day:

Washoe Valley is perhaps the most productive and beautiful of the valleys of Washoe County. From a central standpoint its whole area can be seen. Fifty thousand enclosed acres, dotted here and there by dwellings, from the most superb and beautiful that would be a credit to any city on the Pacifie Coast, to the litde white cottages peeping out cozily from a grove of majestic pines, beautified and adorned by surrounding fields of golden grain, gardens and shrubbery, lying close beside the towering Sierra, whose dark forests, mingling their leaves with the clouds of heaven, convert almost one-half of the day into the softness of twilight; nestling in the southern center, a lake whose beautiful and placid surface, reflecting as by a mirror, the surrounding scenery, altogether go to make up a scene, which for beauty, loveliness and sublimity is seldom excelled. In 1864 the first ranch, going south from Washoe City, was that of Andrew Saur. who came to the valley in 1859 and bought his ranch of Jim Gregory. Then came the ranch of Theodore Winters. The brick and frame dwelling was large andcosdy, and, except " Bower's Mansion," was much the best in the valley. The land slopes gently to the east and combines every variety of soil adapted to garden, grain, fruit and meadow. As other ranchers have become tired he has purchased their property, until to-day his ranch comprises nine square miles of territory. He has a lovely home and the surroundings are simply beautiful. Going south from Ophirone comes upon the famous Bower's ranch and mansion. As early as 1861 the Bowers family employed the warm springs, which broke out from the hillside, for washing purposes. In 1862 work was commenced cutting stone for the "mansion." The mine at Gold Hill seemed to afford an inexhaustible supply of silver, and while '* Sandy " and his " gude wife " traveled to " Yurrup" for carpets, upholstering and bric-a-brac, the mansion of cut stone went up two stories in hight, and the vast expense ($400,000) of it and beautiful surroundings are matters of history. Such an array of house furnishing, decorating, china and silver service, beautiful paintings, silver mountings and silk apparel was never seen in the Silver State. But to-day the glory has departed, the lone building is stripped, cold and weather-beaten, the grounds are in ruins, poor Sandy lies just up the hillside in a few feet of Mother Earth, and Mrs. Bowers wanders the wide world over in the effort to gain a scant livelihood. Further up the valley were the ranches of Jim Sturtevant, Bill Sides, J. H. Dall and Dick Sides. Leaving Franktown we come to Folsom's ranch, Bill Champion's, Reuben and Harvey Perkins', Ross Lewers', and Wm. Musgrove's. The first plow in Washoe Valley was made by George Hepperley, who was helped by Jim Gregory. Hepperley used old wagon tires, which he cut in strips and fastened to a beam. In the flush days of the Comstock the large population required all the products of these ranches. Garden stuff, hay grain, etc. , brought big prices, and the mountain roads were lined with ranch teams. Many a rancher sold hay for $100 a ton, and it was not all prime hay, either, judging from the following: F. C. Dickinson had a ranch in Washoe Valley, and the principal crop was tules; hence" the nickname "Tule Frank," which has stuck to him like a Carson girl sticks to her mother. Frank had two Dutchmen working for him who mowed tules in their shirt-tails when the ranch was flooded with three feet of water - its general condition, and necessary to insure a full crop. The soaking wet tules were raked out and thrown into the hay press. When the beater came down a deluge of water was poured out, and Frank growled at the loss in weight. With a load of this stuff he put out for Virginia City. Lew Drexler said he left his team on the grade and went into town to see whether hay or cordwood commanded the better price. If cordwood, he had a load of it; if hay, he had a load of it. But times have changed, and we have better ranches and better ranchers. The ranchers of Washoe Valley to-day are: J. J. McEwen, James Arthurs, C. Gratz, W. R. Musgrove, Ross Lewers, G A. Lamb, James Howard, William Thompson, R. D. Alvey, Henry Heidenrich, S. Predoli, C. Predoli, A. & E. Twaddle, Theodore Winters, A. Saur and John Cronin. They have fine properties, nice homes, growing orchards, and are sturdy, independent, and abreast of the times. A railroad passes their doors, they have good schoolhouses presided over by efficient teachers. Lake Tahoe can be reached in a few hours' drive, and, to sum it all up, they enjoy many blessings not granted to other mortals. They have made their homes what they are, and they are entided to all they have.

Pleasant Valley. '

Two miles north of Washoe Vadley lies the fertile and appropriately-named Pleasant Valley. The first settler in Pleasant Valley was a man named Quick, who took up a ranch which he sold to George S. Smith, Sr., in i860. In 1862 the Temelec was built and crushed Comstock quartz for four years. The surrounding country was woody and a bountiful supply of Spring water was at hand. Crookshank settled oh a piece of ground near the mill. One by one the early settlers dropped in until to-day we find Pleasant Valley contains the ranches and homes of George andH. D. Smith, George. S. Smith, Jr., 1. H. Ball, W. D. Harden, R. S. Gammon, A. C. Neilson, M, Ferretto, Michael Logan and J. Porter.

Their good forms, extensive gardens and growing orchards are cultivated with excellent results, and the ranchers are frequently first to market with early vegetables of superior quality. Pleasant Valley contains some 1,500 acres of good land, hemmed in by towering mountains, and well-watered by many crystal streams, which meet at the base of the hill and form a large creek. Pleasant in climate, pleasant in feature, pleasant in name, and occupied by pleasant people, it is a gem without a flaw.

Steamboat Springs

Following down the stream, passing the ranches of Gammon and Hardin, the clouds of vapor rising from the crevices in the rock announce the famous Steamboat Springs, so named because, when discovered, the steam when it escaped produced a noise resembling the puffing of a steamboat. They are situated at an altitude of 4.506 feet above the sea, eleven miles from Reno, eleven miles from Virginia City via the Geiger Grade, forty miles from the same place by railroad, and twenty-eight miles from Carson City by railroad. Steamboat Springs were located by Felix Monet, who was shot and killed by Jim Miller. In the same year a man named Cameron located the southern portion, but his claim was jumped by Dr. Ellis in 1861. Dr. Ellis put up a building in 1862, and made other improvements. Soon after the completion of the buildings Ellis was ousted by Charles Cullins, to whom Cameron had sold his tide. The improvements made by Dr. Ellis were burned in 1867, and in 187 1 Cullins built a depot and other buildings. In the Fall of '71 the V. & T. R. R. was completed to this point, and quite a town sprang up. In 1873 Cullins fell into one of the springs, and was scalded so he d : ed soon after. In 1874 Rapp Bros, purchased the property and erected the otel and other buildings. In March, 1880, a postofflce was established. After Rapp Bros, came Charley Moeller, the genial, who disposed of the property to Farnum & Murphy, the former since retired in favor of Murphy, whose entertainment of guests isflnow celebrated and known to the traveling public. Steamboat Springs cover a belt of territory about a mile in length and a quarter of a mile in width, at the foot of a range of low basaltic hills, the basalt being an extensive flow overlying granite. They are very numerous, some of them' occupying narrow fissures, which emit a sound like the battery of a quartz mill. Others are pools from which there is an emission ot gas and steam; but the most noticeable is an intermittent spring occupying a small basin two or three feet in diameter, which has been built up by the deposition of the solid matter held in solution by the water, to the hight of about a foot above the bench. The rise and fall in this basin occupies about six and onequarter minutes. For about five minutes the small quantity of water in the basin is quiescent It then gradually begins to rise, the ebullition increasing till the water runs over the rim, when it slowly subsides, the agitation lasting nearly a minute. This action is continued with great regularity, but it may be varied by artificial means. After throwing in the basin a few ounces of soap, the waters rise and fall as usual three or four times, when they commence to boil with unusual energy, throwing up the spray from two to eight feet, and emitting an immense volume of steam. In this way the spring will boil for hours, with varying activity, sometimes partially subsiding, only to gather renewed strength, when it finally comes to rest, the water at such times disappearing from the basin and not rising again for considerable time, as if completely exhausted. The lapse of years has gradually covered the bench with a thick coating of silicious matter, nearly white, which renders the spring visible at a considerable distance; and the surrounding country affords every evidence that at some time the springs covered an area many times greater than their present extent The ground in the vicinity of the springs is in some places strongly impregnated with sulphur. The temperature of the chief spring is about 204 F., which is near the boiling point of water at that altitude. These springs have been a sanitarium from the earliest days. They are a specific for rheumatism and many kindred complaints. With nice buildings, surrounded by a beautiful grove of large trees and a rich grassy meadow, through which flows a cool stream of spring water, a commodious dance hall, bowling alley, swings, bars and interesting scenery, it furnishes comfort, amusement and health. A few minutes* ride over the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, or a half-hour's drive down a shady avenue, flanked on either side by fields extending here to the foothills and there for mile upon mile, one reaches this popular resort, where he is made to feel at home, and supplied with the best the market affords.

About the earliest settlers in Steamboat Valley or vicinity were Watt Sturtevant, Lem Savage, Barney Clow and Peleg Brown, about 1858. Others followed, and the natural grass lands were soon taken up. The boys of these days were a jolly crew, and if there was any amusement going on they wanted a share; and, perhaps, some of them will remember how they got some at Steamboat one memorable night. Hearing there would be a dance at the springs, about twenty got together and determined to have one dance at least. When they arrived at the festive scene they found that George Lamroux was the the only man in the crowd who had a ' * biled ' ' shirt. After considering the question they came to the conclusion that they were not presentable in their colored garments, and, in order to let each one have a swing, George must pass the shirt around. George went in and had a dance, and while he was gone the rest drew lots for turns. By the time every one of them had worn the garment and had a dance, the shirt was as black as a crow. So many of the boys out for a lark made a good deal of noise, and Clay Patrick, who was trying to get a wink of sleep overhead, got mad, rose from his bed, and entered the ballroom in his night garment, singing: "Handle me gently, I was raised a pet!" The ladies fled, and, as the

Springs. The following year they sold the property to P. August Humbert, a £art owner and agent for the Nevada Quicksilver Mining Company. The mine was worked for some years and sulphur was taken out. After spending some $30,000 in improving and developing the mine, it was shut down and an agent placed in charge. He did not attend to it, and some parties jumped the claim, and operations may be resumed any day.

Galena

About four miles southwesterly from this point was the town ot Galena, on Galena Creek, at Galena Flat. The district received its name from the large quantities of galena found in the ore, and the following is an account of its discovery: Indian Jim, a Piute character of the times, was coming down the hill and stumbled on a piece of curious-looking rock, which he showed to a man named Smith. Smith gave the Indian a rifle to show him where he found the rock. Smith staked out a claim, the news of the "find" spread, and the town of Galena was laid out in the Spring" of i860. A smelting furnace, the first this side of the Sierra, was built on Willows Creek, the present site ot Governor C. C. Stevenson's Morgan Mill, and a quartz mill was placed by its side. On account of the high assay -of the ore the mine owners indulged in " great expectations. - ' Men flocked in from other places, and work was plenty. A road was constructed from the town to Galena Hill. Two boarding houses, six saloons, a meat market, barber shop, and other business houses were erected. Many efforts were made to reduce the ore, but it was too base. The amount of silver obtained would not pay expenses, and the mines were abandoned for the forest. The people found a source of revenue in the timber, the largest and finest body in the county. A rapid change took place, and Galena soon became a flourishing lumber camp of two hundred and fifty inhabitants. In 1864 205 votes were cast at the election - 203 Republican and 2 r Democratic. While things were booming, the town was destroyed by fire May 27, 1865. As business was good, a new town soon took the place of the old/and thrived until the supply of timber was exhausted. With no other

With the advent of the depletion of Galena a writer of the times published the following, which is applicable to all the lumber camps, and which will carry some of my readers back a quarter of a century:

" It almost afflicts one with melancholy to see how fast our beautiful forests are melting away before the woodman's ax. Many square miles of what was, only a few years ago, covered with forests so very heavy, nothing is left but stumps and a few old logs to mark the change, Perhaps no business has had greater success than lumbering, including the production of hewn timber, logs and cordwood. The mountains are literally repeopled each year, those of last year having realized a small fortune, and taken their departure for some dear spot in the distant East.*'

Following down the stream below Steamboat Springs, we arrive at Crane's ranch, on the east side of the creek, and on the road leading to Virginia City. This ranch is famous in having been the first in the State whereon was sown alfalfa seed. As an experiment Mr. Crane procured seed in 1863. The product was so large that the grass came into general use, and has resulted in adding to Washoe County alone half a million dollars in value, and thousands of dollars annually in revenue. The next ranch northerly is the Brown ranch, which was formerly a stage station for the stages running from Dutch Flat to Virginia City, via Crystal Peak, Hunter's and Anderson's stations. In 1864 this ranch was one of the most valuable, and to Mr. Brown also belongs some credit for the introduction of alfalfa. The natural grass meadows commenced there and extended northerly to the Truckee River at Glendale. Barney Clow's ranch was formerly natural grass, but it was extended over the sagebrush land until now it is one of the most valuable in and contains about 6,000 acres of good soil and some natural meadow. The rising vapor of Steamboat Springs is a beacon which can be seen for miles. The valley is lined with rough, rugged and interesting hills. The waters of a thousand springs come dancing down the hillside to unite and form that young river, Steamboat Creek. Here and there is a beautiful farmhouse, in the front of which is a garden ol fragrant flowers, the care and pet of the household. Taking all in all, Steamboat takes the lead in point of geological interest, and she is abreast of her neighbors in health, wealth and comfort huffaker's. Following the county road northerlv we come to Huffaker's. Huffaker's is on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, seven miles south of Reno. The region about Huffaker's was first settled by Mormons, and one of them had a stone house on what is now Barney Clow's ranch. He was one of the faithful, and when Brigham called he went and left his stone building. In 1858 George Huffaker and Lew Drexler brought 500 head of cattle into Truckee Meadows, and took up the place now occupied by Huffaker's ranch. In i860 the Pioneer Express established an office here, and two years later the station was given a postoffice, with Granville W. Huffaker as postmaster, and Wells, Fargo & Co. succeeded the Pioneer Express. For the next ten years Huffaker's was the most prominent stage station in the county, and the ranch was one of the principal "gathering points" for the bachelor ranchers to come and give rein to their jolly natures. Of those who participated the following are best remembered, because they generally succeeded in making Rome howl: Lew Drexler, Hank Miller, John Stewart, Peleg Brown, Big Sandy, Jim Slingerland, Sol Gehler, Bill Libby/Jim Harl, Jack Wright, Jim Evans, John Richards, Jim Holbrook, Jim Mc- Means, George Smith, Watt Sturtevant, Barney Clow, William Sewell, Jim Gregory, Aleck Case, Jim Ferguson, Dan Wheeler and George Alt Hank Miller, Aleck Case and John Richards made music for the numerous dances, and when they played "Lannigan's Ball," Dan Wheeler used to get in and " whoop her up." When they got tired of dancing they raced horses, or talked about the "Confederate Cross-roads.' '

Finally these amusements grew tame, and they had lots of fun over land squabbles, and George Alt pegged away at Ferg with both loads of a . double-barreled shotgun, and, although " Ferg " was only fifteen feet away, it was a clean miss. But Ferg stayed with them until he received a charge in the leg, and the boys found more charm in dancing.

In 1 87 1 Huffaker' s was the terminus of the V. & T. R. R., and quite a shipping point for tarm produce and wood, which were taken to Virginia. A large store was built, and carried on a lucrative business. An enterprising blacksmith located at the mouth of the canyon and set up his shop with the mountains for walls and the sky tor a roof. A stranger passing one day asked Huffaker if there was a blacksmith shop near. George said : "Well, yes; you're in the shop now - but it's four miles to the anvil." Mr. Huffaker still lives at the old place, and his handsome stone residence looms up in a way that shows he is very comfortably fixed, and prepared to take things easy. His farm is a model one, and everything about the place is in keeping with the house, and we never pass there without admiring his good taste and management. The well near the road furnishes water so delicious and cool that its virtues are extolled by the travelers who seldom lose an opportunity to stop and partake of the sparkling fluid.

In 1864 the ranches between this point and Reno were few and far between. From Anderson's, a distance of three miles "to the town, the land was unoccupied and considered worthless, having neither natural grass nor water for irrigation. The Lake ranch was owned by Jim Evans, now of Long Valley. Now this land is taken up by ranchers, and is as valuable as any in the State ; and on these ranches are residences and improvements that will more than favorably compare with any similar institutions on the coast So much for Washoe enterprise.

Crystal Peak

One of the principal points near the Truckee kiver in .1864 (but " Old Bull " had a station in 1863) was Crystal Peak, at the eastern foot of the Sierra. James O'Neil had a trading post here in 1854. Built in a grassy nook among the pines, it was a healthful rustic retreat, where 300 people engaged in mining and lumbering. Its name was derived from the crystallized gold quartz found in the vicinity, and the town owed its being to the Crystal Peak Company, who had interests in the mines and lumber of the region. Shortly after the town site had been selected the discovery of coal in -Dog Valley gave the town a boom. More people flocked in, buildings for business houses were constructed, and J. K. Lovejoy came with "The Old Piute." The character of "The Old Piute" was such that many of the old timers have not forgotten it

Companies were formed to work the coal fields of Dog Valley, and the quartz mines of Crystal Peak. Shafts were sunk, tunnels were driven, and a large amount of money was expended in various ways. The coal found proved to be of a worthless character, composed or formed from such small trees and growth that it was only a stringer, and was not worth mining. The other mines were abandoned, owing to disconnected ledges and small pockets, and the people turned their attention to lumbering. Saw mills were erected near where timber covered the mountain sides, and prosperity reigned in spite of the set-back given the camp by the "petering out' ' of the mines.

In 1868 the Central Pacific was just entering the State, and the saw-mills had all the work they could do to turn out the material necessary for the construction of the road. The population swelled to 1,500, all happy in the idea that the new road would pass through the town and give it a permanent place in the growth of the county. By a provision in the charter of the Central Pacific Railroad Company they were required to reach the State line at a certain time. The construction of the road over the Sierra proved so difficult and slow that the company had to take advantage ol a technicality to meet this proviso A locomotive was hauled over the mountains to where Truckee now lies, and a track was laid down the river for some miles. This locomotive hauled material for distribution along the line before the track was laid on what is now known f as the Sacramento Division of the C. P. R. R. ,Instead of coming to Crystal Peak, the railroad passed two miles to the left, and Crystal Peak; gradually merged into Verdi.

Verdi is a station on the Central Pacific Railroad, about two miles from the old town of Crystal Peak, and now eleven miles from Reno by railroad or wagon road.

In i860 Verdi proper was known as O' Neil's Crossing, O'Neil having built a rough log bridge here and established a station, to catch the trade of the travel to the Comstock. In 1862 this bridge was carried away by the disastrous floods of that year, but it was soon ] rebuilt. In" 1870 occurred the robbery which created so much excitement, and which is still fresh in the minds of many. On November 4th of that year a band of robbers, composed of J. E. Chapman, A. J. Davis, E. B. Parsons, James Gilchrist, T. P. Cockerill, J. C. Roberts and John Squires, went to Verdi, and when the overland train of the 5th came in the morning they boarded it, cut off the engine, mail and express cars from the rest of the tiain, and compelled the engineer to run down the track to a culvert where some of the gang were waiting with tools. The express messenger was ordered out of Wells, Fargo & Co.'s car, and placed under guard, with the engineer and fireman, in the mail car. The treasure boxes were broken open, and $41,600 secured. This was hastily divided, and the members scatttered in different directions. The officers of justice were soon on the trail, and in a few days all of the gang were behind the bars. Roberts weakened and told all he knew about the matter, and $40,000 was recovered. At the trial in December Roberts and Gilchrist turned State's evidence and were liberated. Davis and Jones pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to ten and five years respectively in the penitentiary. The others stood trial, were found guilty and sentenced to various terms, ranging from eighteen to twenty-four years.

In 1873 the wagon bridge at Verdi fell into the Stream when an ox team, drawing a load of wood, was crossing. The wagon struck the water "right side up with care," and was drawn out of the gulch, with the help of the uninjured oxen.

In 1882 the Central Pacific Railroad Company took down the wooden bridge over which the railroad passed, and constructed a small iron bridge. While in process of construction something supporting the bridge gave way, and five carpenters were hurled into the gulch with the crashing timbers. Several were badly bruised, and taken to Reno for treatment, where they quickly recovered.

Verdi V principal business is in its extensive lumber interests. Several fine saw- mills, costing in the aggregate some $60,000, were erected here. Some of the material for these mills is flumed from the adjacent hills, while other is transported by railroad. They do superior work, and manufacture all kinds of lumber and some furniture. The principal business houses are May's saloon, a popular resort; Foxwell's saloon and Judge Borman's hotel. About eighty men find employment in Lonkey's Sash Factory. Katz & Henry sold their mill, lumber and land to the Truckee Lumber Company in 1883 for $45,000. They used to flume wood from Dog Valley. Verdi is a pleasant little place, and the mountain breezes make the summer weather endurable. In season the Truckee affords good fishing, and deer are found just over the hill. The people are pleasant and sociable, and they have a nice schoolhouse. There is property in Verdi and vicinity to the amount of $120,000.

Prehistoric Printing

It has long been known that "pictured rocks" were to be found in many parts of Nevada, and Washoe County has her share at Verdi. The largest of the group is eight feet long, five and a half feet across, and five feet thick. It is of a dark red or dirty brown color of lava formation, and worn smooth by water. Its top and sides are covered with lines and marks that convey to the present generation no intelligence whatever. A line half an inch wide starts at the hole and, bending downward, forms a sort of border for the letter, until it reaches midway of the rock, when it suddenly turns up and mingles with the hieroglyphics above. Two or three similar marks cross on top of the stone, and ' one runs across the north side, losing itself inside a coating of moss as hard and dry and old as the rock itself^ From a line at the bottom hangs a few scallopylooking marks that may be part of the picture, or it may be fringe or ornament. The figures are not those of any animal, bird or reptile, but seem to be made of all known forms, and are connected by wavy, snake-like lines. Something that might be taken for a dog, with a round and characterless head at each end, looking towards you, occupies a prominent place near the lower line. The features are all plain enough. A deer's head is joined to a mixed-up patchwork, that has something which may be meant lor four legs beneath it. Birds' claws show up in two or three places, but no bird is near them. Snaky figures run promiscuously through the whole thing. A circle at the right end has spokes joining at the center and running out and losing themselves in the maze outside. The whole thing is a crazy-looking mess of stuff that may have meant something once; but if it did, it must have taken some time to learn the art of reading it. No one can look at these relics of a remote past without having his mind filled with conjecture as to the intelligence which dictated them, and the objects which they represent. J. K. Lovejoy ("Old Piute") discovered them in 1858, and the Indians say they have been there, and along the Truckee at other places, for many years, and they have no legends or traditions concerning them. Dan De Quille says they are rude maps of the country, and the lines, figures, etc., employed mark the course of rivers and the direction of mountains, while the holes represent the lakes. He says several parties have found the keys of some of the stones, and followed the lines with a result bearing out this theory. However this may be, the rocks may be classed among our natural curiosities, and a look at them pays well for a visit to the place.

Hunter's Station is a crossing point of the Truckee River about half way between Verdi and Reno. It was one of the numerous "crossings" on the route of travel between California and Washoe. In i860 George Stout built a bridge here, which was carried away by the deluge of '62. Stout was drowned in the flood. .In i860 Hunter kept a hotel here, and the place still goes by the name of "Hunter's." After the destruction of Stout's bridge a new one was built by the

Henness Pass Toll-road Company, and used in conjunction with their road. Their irarichise expired in 1872, and the bridge became the property of Washoe County.

Pea Vine

Peavine Mining District, in the Peavine Mountains, nine miles from Reno by the N. & C. R. R. , was so named from the number of wild peavines which abound in the vicinity. The Peavine ledges, which contain copper, silver and gold, were discovered in 1863. In the same year a town named Peavine was laid out near a cluster of springs, a mile or so up the mountain. The ore assayed from $60 to $600 per ton in gold and silver. A trial of the ore at the Auburn Mill showed that it could not be reduced by the ordinary process, and smelting works with a capacity of ten tons per day were erected. Still the ore, which lies in a granite and metamorphic formation and contains base, proved refractory, and many of the miners left. A few remained, with, the hope that some new and successful process would be found, while they in the meantime engaged in placer mining for gold in the canyons when water was plenty in the Spring. In 1865 work was resumed, and several rich ledges were developed in the "Poe," "Paymaster," and "Golden Fleece." A ten-stamp mill, having in connection a new style furnace, was erected, and some thousands of dollars were spent in other improvements. The population of the place at this time was about 150, and the town was named Poe City. The new mill and furnace failed to reduce the ore, and new processes were tried from time to time. The ore possesses some of the most complicated combinations of mineral known, and although the assays range high, enough of the precious metals cannot be extracted to pay for the working. Other ores are found near, and yield fair returns.

Down the hill from Peavine, on Lemmon's Flati lies the Emma mine, from which a company expected to reap a fortune. Some of the parties interested in the Peavine mines still have faith, and resume operations and prospecting from time to time. We trust that faith will be rewarded ere long, and the rebellious rock forced to yield its treasure.

In 1855 John Owens and Ed. Ing established a trading post on the Truckee river near the present site of Glendale. They were followed by John F. Stone and Charles C. Gates in 1857, anH this place is best known to the early settlers as - Stone & Gates 1 crossing. In i860 they built the Farmers' Hotel and a bridge across the Truckee. In 1 86 1 Eastman built a saw-mill near Sessions' ranch, and the logs were floated down the river. Eastman has the credit of first storing ice, which he took from the river. In 1862 Eastman's mill was damaged by the high water, and the bridge at Stone & Gates 1 crossing was swept away. In 1864 the town consisted of the Glendale Hotel, several stores, a blacksmith shop, saloons, etc. The Glendale Hotel was the rendezvous, and here John Stone, Charles Gates, George Alt, Lem Savage, Dave Scott, Orrin Ross, H. M. Frost, John Lee, Robert Steele, Heister Stevens, N. C. Haslund, William Steele, F. C. Updike, A. J. Clark, Dan O'Connor, Jess brothers, John Klippe, Theo Lewis, Sandy Crocker, Jim Ferguson, E. C. Sessions, John W. Boynton, Al. Longley, John Wright, Watt Sturtevant, Jim Sullivan, Pat Kelly, Henry Orr, Charles Chase, and a host of others, assembled, and the old hotel resounded with the "jolly gatherings" of the good old times. While some have gone to their long rest,' many are to-day our most prominent citizens. They are men of high character and sterling worth, and the prosperity of Washoe County is due in the main to their industry and progression. They love to talk of the palmy days, and, when they chance to meet, they call up the "larks" they used to have, and forget not N. C. Haslund' s reading of the bulletin which stuck itself in a conspicuous place on Glendale bridge one well-remembered morning. Those who were forgotten in this first bulletin were remembered in others that followed. With the birth ot Reno, Glendale vanished, from a business standpoint, but it has a natural beauty

Highly improved farms surround the old " rallying point," and the little white schoolhouse is a pleasant landmark. A good bridge spans the Truckee, and fine orchards are by the wayside.

j;Whfln theiTerritory of Nevada was organized, owing' to thtjoncertairtty of the eastern boundary fine qfc California^ -iOwas supposed that Honey

Lake Valley lay within the limits of Nevada. It was the home of Governor Isaac Roop, who, with others living near him, had always taken an active part in the affairs of Western Utah.

In i860 Governor Nye called an election, which was held August 31, 1861, and Isaac Roop was elected to represent this district in the Council, and John C. Wright was elected to the House of Representatives.

Lake County is given a legal existence, and is bounded as follows: Beginning at the northwest corner of Washoe County, and running easterly along the northern boundary of said county to the Truckee River; thence due east to the summit of the first range of mountains east of said river; thence in a northerly direction along said range, and the main granite range of mountains to the Oregon line; thence west along said line to the summit of the Sierra; thence south along said summit to the place of beginning.

By the Act of November 29, 1861, Storey, Washoe and Lake Counties were made the First Judicial District, and Hon. Gordon N. Mott was assigned as Judge.

At a joint session of the Legislature held November 27, 1861, for the purpose of selecting Commissioners to organize the various counties, and to supervise the election to be held January 14, 1862, W. H. Naleigh, D. Murray arid W. Wetherlow were chosen for Lake County. These gendemen neglected to perform the duties assigned them, and the organization of the county was thereby retarded one year. A county election was held September 3, 1862, but beyond this election the county still remained unorganized until after the Legislature assembled. By Act .of this Legislature, December 2, 1862, the name of Lake County was changed to Roop County, in honor of ex-Governor Isaac Roop, and to assert the jurisdiction of Nevada over the disputed section. Commissions were issued to the county officers elected September 3d, but when they attempted to organize the Plumas County authorities interfered and made trouble. February 11, 1 86 1, the Carson County Court declared that Honey Lake Valley was within the limits of Carson County, and appropriated $250 to assist any one in the legal resistance to the collection of taxes within the Valley by the officers of Plumas County, Cal. The question was arbitrated, and the disputed territory was given to California, and Roop County was left only the successive small valleys which we will proceed to consider geographically and topographically. Coleman' s Valley, near the California and Nevada line, to the east of Honey Lake Valley and Surprise Valley, has a fertile soil, but not sufficient water for irrigation. In Winter considerable snow falls, and by storage of water all the land could be reclaimed. At present it is used as a cattle range.

Parts of Massacre Valley, Guana Valley, and Deep Hole are in Roop County, and what there is furnishes good range and is used for that purpose. At Buffalo Canyon and Red Rock some hay is cut, and the hills abound in springs. Cattle and horses range on the hills. Passing south we come to the Salt Marsh, where Adams takes out about 200 tons of salt annually, for which he finds a market in Sierra Valley. He obtains his salt by evaporation. Sheep Head, Deep Hole and Round Hole Springs follow. Going southeast from Round Hole sixteen miles we reach Pyramid District.

Pyramid ' District lies at the southern end of Pyramid Lake. In i860 fishermen and prospectors explored the region, and tound some ledges which were not considered rich enough to work. ^ Croppings showing good indications were passed, owing to the isolation oi the region. In 1876 Dr. S. Bishop had a piece of the rock assayed, and the results were so prombing that he located a mine, which he named the Monarch. He erected a two-stamp mill, and the result of the workings caused a rush to the new diggings. The ore bore resemblance to that ot the famous Virginia City mines, and gave credence to the rumqr of a find of the extension of the Comstock lode. Crowded stages brought excited treasure hunters from other mining camps, and in a short time Pyramid City was laid out and had a population of about 200. Mill . sites were surveyed, springs located, and other preparations made to work the expected quartz, which in the end failed to materialize, and the people disappeared as fast as they had come. In 1881 good prospects were reported from the Golden Wheel, the Black Hawk and the Jones & Kinkead, and some rock was worked in the J. & K. mill. Every year since comes news of another strike or a better prospect, but in the end it amounts to but litde. We firmly believe that a body of ore will yet be found in those mines if they are developed. There is an old theory that, from the trend of the lode, there is a continuation somewhere between Wadsworth and Pyramid. For the sake of Washoe County we hope this theory may be correct.

South of Round Hole eighteen miles, and west of Pyramid Mining Distriet nine miles, is Fish Springs, where Bill Scott has cattle and sheep on a "thousand hills." Considerable hay and fruit is raised here, and more will be raised when advantage is taken of storing water.

Eight miles southeast of Fish Springs is Newcomb's Lake, so named from a small lake in the region, which goes dry in Summer. This place is sometimes called* Drv Lake. Cattle and horses find excellent range here, and some hay and grain is raised.

Dry Valley, six miles to the south, has numerous mountain springs, and is used principally foi cattle ranges; and next, another six miles south, comes Little Winnemucca Valley, much the same as Dry Valley.

South of this lies Winnemucca Valley proper, where F. C. Dickinson ("Tule Frank") has a fine ranch and a growing orchard; and here was the home of George Hepperly, the pioneer, whose handicraft furnished the first plows in Washoe Valley, whose courage was put to the test in trying times, and whose characteristics made him the respected and beloved of many. They like to talk of George, and when on our rounds we heard the following: Theo Winters, Tart Smith, Jim Gatewood and Jerry Lehigh went on a hunting expedition to Madeline Plains, and on the return, being without money, they wondered how they could get some to pay expenses at the Glendale Hotel, the next stopping place after Winnemucca Valley. They knew it would be all right at Winnemucca Valley, but of Glendale they had serious doubts. Finally Gatewood suggested they put up a joke on George Hepperly, and win ten dollars from him. Agreed. They took Theo's gun, put two loads in her, and drove on to Hepperly' s. Tart Smith took George one side and told him that Winters was always talking about his fine shooting, and proposed they take him down a peg. They would steal Winters' gun and extract the shot, and George would make him a bet Hepperly jumped at this; so, after drawing the charge, he went in and offered to bet %\o that Winters could not hit his (Hepperly' s) hat, a new one he had just paid $7 for but a few days before. Winters said he had no money with him, but if Hepperly would take his word for it, he could consider the match made. Hepperly said yes, first pull of the trigger to go. When Winters was ready, George threw the hat in the air, and Winters blazed away, with such success that what was left of the hat wouldn't make a necklace for a squaw. Hepperly raved, but he handed over the eagle. Winters afterwards made George a present of the gun, and it was a nice one. After Hepperly died the gun was sent by Winters to Hepperly' s brother.

Dickinson says that by storing water in Winnemucca Valley 5,000 acres can be reclaimed and turned into good ranches. Next comes Pah- Ute Canyon, a good range, which supports 600 head of cattle, and between Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes are a number of ranches and number one stock ranges, covered with excellent pasturage and well watered by springs. The principal ones are: " Mullens," located in 1864 (he has about forty acres of alfalfa and a small orchard); the Whitehead ranch, now known as Calligan's, has 160 acres under cultivation, and a range which J supports 500 head of cattle (this place was located in 1865); Simmons has a bout 75 acres of alfalfa and an orchard (it was located in 1865, and was known as Doc Woods' ranch); Wheeler and Ridenour have the use of a range of over 10,000 acres, at a small estimate (this land furnishes the best of grazing, and is well watered by springs).

By Act of February 18. 1864, Roop County was attached to Washoe for judicial and revenue purposes, and by Act of January 16, 1883, Roop County, was made a part of Washoe County.

The country formerly known as Roop County consists of low ranges oi hills and two chains of small valleys. It contains mineral springs, salt marshes, alkali flats, placers, quartz ledges, dry lakes, mud lakes, deserts, and "Tule Frank."

But for all this it also contains some thousand acres of fertile land which can be reclaimed and turned into green alfalfa fields and grain if the water which runs to waste in the Spring is stored and properly handled, and efforts are being made to bring this about Fruit trees thrive and orchards are appearing at every ranch.

Spanish Springs Valley

Spanish Springs Valley, six miles southeast of Reno, is a comparatively young ranch district The following gentlemen have ranches which they are fast improving, and it is only a matter of time until Spanish Springs will take its place among the others: J. R. Dickinson, W. L. Wallace, R. Hayden, James Say, G. G. Tomamichel, Dr. Bishop, B. D. Dunning and T. K. Tinkem. Considerable hay and grain is raised, and acre after acre is being sold to alfalfa, It has good soil, and such are its natural advantages that the Central Pacific Railroad Company has fitted out an unirrigated experimental ranch. The returns are fair, and when they have learned to handle the seed, the result will be of great benefit to the entire county. From all experiments so far, it is conclusively shown that rye is the hardiest cereal and flourishes best Bob Leigh, of Red Rock, has tried it, and says it does the best He also tried Winter wheat and oats, with fair results. Had he continued and used seed from the grain grown, we opine his second trial would have given better results. Colonel Gibson sowed wheat, barley, oats, rye and alfalfa last February, and, while the others fail, the rye is scattering, but fair. The seed should be taken from grain raised without irrigation, and so on from one season to another. An experiment of one season is not a fair test, and no improvement will be noticed until hard and improved seed is used.