Nevada Historical Landmarks in Lyon County

Nevada Historical Landmark 7
Dayton
Highway 50 and Dayton Valley Road
Dayton

Three Historical Markers on Highway 50: Chinatown, Dayton, Pony Express
Nevada Historical Marker 7: Dayton

Three Commemorative Markers Stand on Highway 50 at Dayton Valley Road:
Chinatown, Dayton and The Pony Express
6 August 2008
(Click Photos to Zoom)

Dayton

Dayton, one of the earliest settlements in Nevada, was first known as a stopping place on the river for California-bound pioneers. Coming in from the desert they rested here before continuing westward.

In 1849, gold was found at the mouth of Gold Canyon and prospecting began in the canyons to the west. This led to the discovery of the fabulous ore deposits at Gold Hill and Virginia City in 1859.

Called by several different names in its early years, the place became Dayton in 1861, named in honor of John Day, who laid out the town.

For many decades Dayton prospered as a mill and trading center, and it remained the county seat for Lyon County until 1911.

Nevada Centennial Marker
Nevada State Park System

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Lyon County: List | Map
State of Nevada: List | Map