2. This historic photo, circa 1910 in Reno, features Colonel Roosevelt campaigning from an open touring car that's been decorated with American flags. Theodore Roosevelt is No. 3 in the photo.
Often when we talk about the Old West, we focus a lot on the indigenous peoples, cowboys, the Gold Rush, those who came from the East in covered wagons, etc. But there is another group of people that make up a significant part of this state’s (and other Western parts’) history, culture, and community. Basque history in Elko, Nevada, is well-preserved and honors an important part of the population. Read on to learn more about this fascinating history.
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In the mid-1800s, with the beginnings of the Gold Rush, Basque settlers came to the West from the mountainous areas of France and Spain known then as the Kingdom of Navarre.
The Basque became a tremendously important part of the community, tending sheep and cattle, working the difficult land, and supplying the mining camps with meat.
The Basque people brought their traditions with them and kept them alive even while assimilating to a new homeland. Communities of these hard-working, resilient people grew and continue to thrive in parts of Nevada and Utah, and are an integral part of life in Elko.
The Elko Eukaldunak Club is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Basques. Eukaldunak means “Basque” in the Basque language.
Every year on the Fourth of July weekend, The Euzkaldunak Club sponsors the National Basque Festival, bringing people together - Basques and others - from all over to celebrate the customs and traditions of these people.
This annual event is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the Basque culture.
In addition to traditional music and dances, the weekend celebration features weightlifting, wood chopping, and more, with plenty of food and vendors present to add to the festivities.
In Elko, you can get a genuine taste of Basque culture any time at one of the town’s Basque restaurants like The Star, a legendary restaurant in a historic building that once served as a place for Basque sheepherders to stay during winter.
Enjoy authentic multi-course meals served in traditional family style. Communal dining, especially during winter, was a rare opportunity for sheepherders to connect and enjoy each others’ company.
For the full experience, don’t miss out on ordering the famous Picon Punch!
Even the trees hold a piece of history. Sheepherders usually each had their own camp and moved around a lot. Arborglyphs, or tree carvings, like this one, were their way of communicating and connecting with the rest of the world, letting others know they were there.
Some of these carvings in Aspen trees can be seen in the wilderness around Elko County.
Elko is a wonderful place to experience the culture and well-preserved history of the Basque community. Have you been to Elko on your way through Nevada? Have you ever attended a Basque festival? We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments.
If you are interested in the National Basque Festival, you can find all the information you need on the Elko Euzkaldunak Club website. The next time you find yourself in this small town, be sure to also visit this historic Old-World department store.
Check out our other articles featuring all things Nevada, from history to lifestyle to fun facts!
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Thinking about taking a vacation in Nevada soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
If you’re still in the mood for more Nevada adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Rhyolite:
Each of Nevada’s towns and cities has its own unique stories, statistics, and fun facts. Some places that were once small towns are now bustling cities, whereas there are once-thriving (although sometimes short-lived) little cities that have become virtual ghost towns. I think you’ll agree that it can be incredibly interesting to learn the bits of history that make a place unique, and the various “claims to fame” that exist around this state. Take, for example, these old-time celebrities from Nevada and its small towns.
Doris Dawson was a silent film actress born in Goldfield, Nevada, in 1905 when the town was booming. Her first role in a film was in “The Arizona Night” in 1927. She starred in at least 13 other silent films in about two years, including “Broadway Scandals.” When sound films began to be produced, Dawson’s career suffered because she apparently did not have a pleasant voice. She made one last film in 1934, “The Silver Streak,” before retiring at age 29.
Brad Dexter was born Boris Michel Soso in 1917, also in the town of Goldfield. He was an actor and film producer known especially for his Western and tough-guy kind of roles, including his most famous role in the 1960 film, “The Magnificent Seven,” which also starred Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, and James Coburn. Dexter produced the famous film “Lady Sings the Blues,” was married for a short time to singer Peggy Lee, was friends with Marilyn Monroe, and once saved Frank Sinatra’s life.
Stage and film actor Hobart Cavanaugh was born in 1886 in Virginia City. He worked in vaudeville appeared in several Broadway musicals and acted in over 180 films during his lifetime. He appeared in the 1935 version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Never Say Die” in 1939, and as Tim Gross in the 1950 film, “Stella,” his final film role.
Nicholas Benton “Ben” Alexander III was known for playing Officer Frank Smith in the radio, television, and film franchise, “Dragnet.” Alexander was born in Goldfield in 1911 and started acting as a child. He received recognition for his work in the World War I classic film, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” and years later he played Sergeant Dan Briggs on the weekly television series, “Felony Squad” on the ABC network. Alexander also acted in one episode of the 1966 Batman television series. In total, he appeared in over 80 films.
Born in the charming and walkable town of Virginia City in 1862, Carri Clark Ward was a well-known actress during the silent film era. She shared the screen with many other well-known stars and appeared in over 60 films by the year 1925. She married actor-comedian James Ward and died in Hollywood, California, in 1926.
Famous for her role as MaryAnn Summers on the television series “Gilligan’s Island,” Dawn Wells had a long and diverse acting career. She was born in 1938 in Reno, back when “The Biggest Little City in the World” was still a rural town full of horse ranches and, interestingly enough, known as the “divorce capital of the world.”. In addition to acting, Wells was crowned Miss Nevada in 1959 and competed in the 1960 Miss America pageant, representing Nevada.
These natives of Nevada’s small towns were once household names, well-known for their acting. Have you heard of all of them? Did you know they were from the Silver State? We would love to hear about other celebrities that you know who come from this state’s small towns. Speaking of which, check out these 12 charming small towns worth a visit. And if you plan on visiting any of Nevada's small towns, make it a getaway and book a stay at a vacation rental on Vrbo.
From fun facts to fascinating history to attractions and events, we are a one-stop shop for all things uniquely Nevada.
