Huffakers Reno & Washoe County   39.44167,-119.77158

"Now you see it, now you don't. It's kinda like that. #238's proximity to a private business puts in great danger of being removed in the future. Then again, so could any of the other markers. Considering this marker's great text, I was expecting something a little more exciting. Nearly two centuries ago, this view was nothing but pasture land. Today, it is awarded the austere view of a shopping center." -- Journal Entry, August 2007

At South Meadows Marketplace and S. Virginia St. -- South Reno
* See Notes section *

Original Date Visited: 8/23/07

Signed: No

Notes: Ah, [238]. This is one of the trickier markers we've conquered. First off, the SHPO doesn't help matters ...

"0.5 miles south of Longley Lane".

These directions are pretty piddly and don't do much because this marker is so well hidden. In fact we found this one on accident and we're convinced that if that stoplight hadn't turned red, we'd still be looking for it today. This is one of those you-see-it-or-you-don't markers.

- Whether you're traveling north or southbound on S. Virginia St. carry on until you reach the stoplight for "South Meadows Shopping Center." Look directly west to the two-story house to find the marker set back at least a hundred yards from the Virginia Street frontage. What may look like a gun shop is actually the old home of Granville Huffaker, founder of the Huffaker ranch and soon-to-be townsite. Betcha didn't expect that one!

Exact Description:
Before the arrival, 1858, of Granville W. Huffaker driving 500 head of cattle into the Truckee Meadows, the principal settlers were Mormons. The Comstock Lode and its mining needs focused attention on the valley. Huffaker established his ranch in 1859. Langton's Stage Line and the first Post Office were functioning by 1862. For ten years Huffaker's was a most active stage-stop and a center for a community. The school house was constructed in 1868. Bachelors of a jolly nature gathered here for dancing, horse-racing and "Land Squabbles." The Athenian Literary Society flourished for the more cultured. In 1875 the "Bonanza Kings" completed their Pacific Lumber and Flume operation from the Lake Tahoe Basin. For fifteen miles trestled logs were propelled "by waters rushing faster than any train." At the terminus of the flume, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad opened a depot and telegraph office and constructed a spur where workers transferred timbers.

Next Marker:

STONEHOUSE

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