"Stillwater is one of the more quieter towns I have yet to visit ... located just far enough away from Fallon's mega-center to feel humble and remote. It's hard to believe that Churchill County had its foundings here right in the middle of the great expanse of wetlands. Many of the people who live in Stillwater have probably defined their own meaning of life ... in the way of peace and tranquility or in the never-ending passage of time. Priceless." -- September 2007

Along SR 116 at the Stillwater town line, 15 miles east of Fallon

Churchill
39.521650, -118.546510

Original Date Visited: 9/22/07
Signed: Eastbound lane of SR 116

Street View

Here's what you'll see!

Exact Description:
Stillwater's beginning predates Nevada's advent to statehood by two years. Named for large pools of tranquil water nearby, the town originated as an Overland Stage Station in 1862; was granted a post office in 1865; and became Churchill's third county seat in 1868.

Farmers developed one of the state's first irrigation systems to supply booming mining camps with produce. The community population peaked in 1880, and when the county seat was removed to Fallon in 1904, barely three dozen residents remained.

The National Wildlife Refuge of 22,000 acres of wetland habitat, natural breeding and feeding grounds for waterfowl, was created in 1948. The Stillwater Indian Reservation adjoins the reserve.

Although their community center has disappeared, the valley's lush fields and abundant crops attest to the untiring efforts of Stillwater's pioneer ranchers and their descendants who met the desert's challenge with dedication and determination. To those who survived and to those who did not -- we pledge our remembrance.

Marker 216 in 2017. This marker has since been upgraded for Nevada's 150th Sesquicentennial.

COVERED IN MY US 50 ROAD TRIP

COVERED IN MY US 95 ROAD TRIP

Next Marker

TATE'S STAGE STATION (1886-1901)

Related Links & Markers:

Stillwater Wildlife Refuge (FWS)

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