History walks, talks and paranormal featured at Genoa's Mormon Station State Historic Park

Mormon Station State Historic Park is offering a number of exciting interpretive programs this September. Join park staff in the heart of the Genoa National Historic District for history talks, guided walks, and other fun activities!

Park History Walk
There’s even more to Mormon Station than meets the eye! Join a park ranger for a “behind the scenes” guided tour of the grounds of Mormon Station State Historic Park, and learn about the fascinating history of this four-acre parcel of land. Participants will also tour park structures that are normally closed to the public.

WHEN:
— Saturday, September 7, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
— Sunday, September 8, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
— Thursday, September 12, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
— Thursday, September 19, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
— Sunday, September 22, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

History Talk: The California Trail through Nevada
For many emigrants who braved the California Trail in the mid-1800s, the segment through Nevada was the most hated and feared portion of the entire journey. A park interpreter will discuss what made travel through the Great Basin of Nevada so arduous for wagon trains, and will explore topics such as the forty-mile desert, the Humboldt River and the legend of the Buenaventura River.
WHEN: Saturday, September 7, 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

History Talk: The Early Years of Mormon Station
Join a park ranger for a talk on the early settlement and development of Mormon Station, and what life was like for the early settlers that called this place home. This talk will focus on the 1850s, and discuss how Mormon Station grew from a remote trading station to a bustling community over the span of a few years.
WHEN: Friday, September 13, 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, September 20, 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Guided Walk to the Hanging Tree
Join a park interpreter for a guided walk to the infamous “hanging tree,” and hear the tragic story of how “Nevada justice” was carried out here in 1897. This approximately one-mile roundtrip guided walk will primarily follow Genoa Lane. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and bring water. This program is limited to no more than 25 participants. To register for this guided walk, please call the park office at 775-782-2590 or email Chris at mormonstation@parks.nv.gov.
WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

History Talk: Abner Blackburn and the founding of Mormon Station
In 1851, John Reese founded the permanent Mormon Station trading post where the park is now located, but did you know there was a temporary trading post established in 1850 about one-mile north of Reese’s post? Join park staff for a history talk focused on the “1850 Mormon Station,” and one of the key figures in its founding, Abner Blackburn.
WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Paranormal Investigation and Campout
Join local volunteers for a real paranormal investigation of Mormon Station using professional equipment! Participants must be at least 15 years old and accompanied by a guardian if under 18.
Participants who would like to camp in the Mormon Station stockade after the investigation are welcome to do so. The park has a limited number of tents that may be borrowed, or participants may bring their own. This program is limited to no more than 12 participants. Reservations are required, and space is limited. To register, please call the park office at 775-782-2590 or email Chris at mormonstation@parks.nv.gov.
WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

History Talk: The Pony Express in Nevada
Join a park ranger for a history talk focusing on the Pony Express' operations in Nevada! We will discuss the difficulties of the route riders took, the numerous Pony Express stations located throughout the Silver State, famous ride across the state, and ruins that can still be seen today.
WHEN: Sunday, September 22, 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Mormon Station State Historic Park is located 20 minutes south of Carson City via Hwy 395, about one hour south of Reno, and approximately 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe via Hwy 207.

— Jenny Ramella is an Education and Information Officer for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Nevada Division of State Parks. She can be reached at jmramella@parks.nv.gov