The Unknown Soldiers

"By the shocking amount of antelope, mule deer, wild mustangs and all the other regular Silver State critters I encountered on the way out here, chances are good that people don't come out this way very often. And why should they? To capture an historic marker, that's why! Oh wait, that's just me. Let's hope others will follow in my footsteps. This remote corner of Nevada is so isolated even the sagebrush know it. They grow tall and "bushy," almost begging to be noticed. This person did." -- September 2009

[73]       

NE corner of SR 233 and Cemetery Rd -- Montello

Elko
  41.261890, -114.193430

Original Date Visited: 5/14/09
Signed: Despite its isolation, this one is well-signed on both lanes of SR 233

The Lonely Drive to the Unknown Soldiers

Marker 73 is a lovely respite from the 80, so well-off the beaten path, in fact, that it might elicit a bit of anxiousness if you aren't used to remote rural Nevada. The tiny town of Montello sits only 23 miles from the interstate offramp, but it really requires a 50-mile round trip to obtain this single marker if you're doing an out-and-back. To make things interesting, the Montello exit (signed as "Oasis") is located in between two necessary fuel stops -- West Wendover and Wells (20 miles each way). My advice is to fill up in either town and head straight for Montello. Fuel and services are non-existent in all directions between these two necessary stops!

Exit 378 marks our last major intersection and long-distance diversion. SR 233, the Montello Highway, ranks up there among Nevada's loneliest roads. Yeah, most highways in Nevada have this esteemed honor, but a select handful take the lonely-factor to the extreme. 233 happens to be one of them. The only real purpose for this highway is to connect the tiny town of Montello to the rest of Nevada. NDOT thought it would be fitting just to connect it the highway to Utah and be done with it ... hence the mileage to "Tremonton."

Here at Exit 378, SR 233 speeds off into nowhere land at 70 mph, ending some 94 miles away in Snowville, Utah. Therefore in most cases, unless you're specifically taking this highway to get to Snowville, there's absolutely no reason the average Nevadan will ever need to take the Montello Highway. I'm convinced the SHPO placed its one lonely marker out here to ensure this area gets a bit of love.

I hope you topped off in Wells. As the sign states, the next source of gas will be 94 miles away at I-84 in Snowville. As of 2024, the town of Montello has no gas, so be sure to fill up in either Wells or West Wendover before making this trip. SR 233 turns into UT 30 at the state line where once again, you're reminded that you're in the outback.

As you round the first curve since leaving I-80 (this is about Mile 12), 233 begins a quick cut through a shallow canyon area. Get ready because you may be graced by presence of North America's fastest land mammal. Pronghorn, or "antelope," as most Nevadans call them are of the Silver State's more elusive critters that make their home in very remote corners of the world far from civilization.

Here's testament to the extreme remoteness of this area!

Seeing a Nevada Pronghorn is a rare honor so don't be too much in a hurry like I was on my last visit! The Pronghorn here regularly like to graze at the foot of these hills and spotting them from the highway is a real treat. Stop anywhere on the road and admire them from your car. I guarantee, once you open that car door, they'll flee in a flash. One of the most memorable experiences I've ever had took place right here on this stretch of highway. As I rounded the curve, a giant herd of Pronghorn actually kept up with me as I zoomed down this arrow-straight highway at 70 mph.

After 23 quick miles, you'll arrive at the tiny town of Montello, population 66 (2020). In May 2009, Marker 73 was one of two state markers with a missing plaque and sat naked for all to see. The photos you see below were taken during my original conquering. This was incredibly sad because the story of the Unknown Soldiers is a chapter in history that's not to often covered. As such, the only real dependable information about them was this historical marker.

However, I'd like to think my qualms were heard, because Marker 73 was one of thirty state markers that received a much-needed facelift thanks to Nevada's 150th Battle Born Centennial in 2015. The SHPO could've chosen other markers to revamp, but I'd to think this one was chosen for that specific reason, especially knowing how damn remote this one really is. This revamp couldn't have come at a better time for this one considering the very important story to be told here. Enjoy!

If you're a fan of lonely roads with long horizons, you can continue east on SR 233 into the Beehive State. As you can see here, the highway into UT 30 and will eventually connect back to civilization at I-84. Once again, once you leave Montello, the nearest fuel will be 94 miles away in Snowville. This is a remote corner of Nevada that only locals traverse.

Street View

Here's what you'll see!

Exact Description:
Victims of the influenza epidemic of 1918, the graves of ten soldiers buried here represent a mystery to this day as to their identity. During a period of World War I, troop trains ran regularly through Montello. As soldiers became ill en route, they were unloaded at the nearest hospitals. The Southern Pacific Railroad kept a doctor at Montello who checked every train en route. Ill passengers were treated in a makeshift hospital at the town's hotel.

The graves were unmarked for years but through the persistent efforts of Mr. and Mrs. William Kimber of Montello, and the 40 & 8 of Las Vegas, the previously unmarked graves, although still unidentified as to name, were marked in 1975.

Unfortunately, fires had destroyed the original government records.

Marker 73 in May 2009. The missing plaque nearly erased the incredibly sad history to be told here.

Interstate 80 Roadtrip
   COVERED IN MY I-80 ROAD TRIP

Next Marker

WELLINGTON

Related Links & Markers:

 The Unknown Soldiers in Montello: Elko Rose 

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