The old mining town of Dayton sits in Lyon County just off Highway 50. Dayton's is known for several Nevada firsts; among them: the first recorded dance, first marriage, and the first gold discovery. The area dates back to the 1840s (even though it wasn't officially named Dayton for two more decades) when fortune-seeking prospectors came to the mining settlement. Because of its location, gorgeous fall foliage, and interesting history, Dayton is the one Nevada town you must visit this fall.
Officially named in 1861 after surveyor John Day, Dayton was formerly known as Chinatown due to its large Chinese population of more than 3,000. Dayton was also a stop on the Emigrant Trail to California, and Hall's Station Trading Post was the first business in the area.
Mill construction in the area enabled Dayton to become a prosperous ore-processing town for Comstock Lode mines. Dayton was also an important stop for the Pony Express.
Dayton State Park is a 152-acre public park that, in addition to providing beautiful panoramic views of the Carson River and Virginia Range, also preserves the site of the Rock Point Stamp Mill.
Despite fires ravaging the town in 1866 and 1870, several original buildings remain. This gorgeous red brick building is one of Dayton's most distinctive buildings. Odeon Hall was built in 1870 where two earlier halls stood, and this landmark (now a restaurant and saloon) has appeared in several movies.
Built in 1865, this former schoolhouse remains one of the oldest schoolhouses in the entire state. Used as a school until 1959, today, this historic building serves as the Dayton Society Historic Museum.
The iconic Union Hotel, built in 1870, sits on Main Street and was featured in Clint Eastwood's 1982 film, Honkytonk Man. The Pony Express also used this location as the second site for its remount station.
This distinctive two-story wood frame building is the former Fox Hotel; originally constructed in 1889 and operated until 1907.
The Dayton Cemetery is located, appropriately, on Cemetery Road. Founded in 1851, this is one of Nevada's oldest continuously maintained cemeteries. In addition to providing gorgeous views of the area, the cemetery contains several porcelain markers on the graves of early Italian settlers.
Of course, if you are seeking gorgeous fall foliage, Dayton has plenty.
Dayton's segment of the Carson River is absolutely stunning in autumn.
In addition to the historical buildings, park and museum, you can golf and visit the many restaurants and hotels in this wonderful little Nevada town. Despite being a small town, Dayton is chock full of things to see and do. As a result, Dayton is definitely one Nevada town to visit this autumn.
Have you been to Dayton? What did you enjoy most? Please comment below.
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