Elko, NV Last Stop Before Tahoe

Steve's 60th was spent in what is described as, A True Western Town with Real Buckaroo Charm.

Elko sprang to life in 1869 with the development of the Transcontinental Railroad. As a brand new stop along this cross country route, Elko soon became a base for gold and silver mining, as well as raising livestock.

We began our visit, here in the heart of town at the fascinatingly historic Sherman Station. Originally constructed in the 1870s in Huntington Valley, 60 miles south of Elko, it was relocated to its present location to serve as the Elko’s Visitor’s Center.

Settled by Valentine and Sophie Walther in 1875, the duo set up shop in Huntington Valley living in covered wagons for the first few years until completing a small log house. The Walthers eventually had twelve children who helped develop a successful and happy homestead. By 1895, Sophie perished in a carriage accident. After her untimely death, and a slew of grown kids out of the house, Valentine constructed a two-story home he named Sherman.

It was the largest log house in Nevada during this time. With three years alone devoted to cutting and hauling timber, several more years to shape the logs and a few more to build the home, the homestead took seven years to complete. In addition to the large two-story building serving as a private residence, it also became a stage shop, a post office, and community center. What an Elko treasure.

We delighted in just wandering about the town.

We popped into the Henderson Bank Building (1929) just to see its amazing vault. It now houses the 7018 Brewery and has a very cool vibe about it.

The tall building, behind the tree is the Pioneer Saloon and Hotel. One of Elko's oldest saloons first opened in a tent in December of 1868 at this location. The building was completed in 1913 costing $50,000. The saloon featured tiled floors, metal ceiling, mahogany furniture and a mirrored back bar. With the upper floors later converted to a hotel, the saloon remained an informal employment office for local ranchers.

There is even a Hollywood connection here. A famous photograph of Bing Crosby and Elko Mayor Dave Dotta appeared in newspapers and magazines world wide in 1948. Dotta is supervising Crosby while the singer/actor sweeps the street in front of the Ranch Inn.

Crosby bought several ranches in the area and spent summers there to get away from his hectic schedule. He frequently came to town where he was treated just like one of the locals. In fact, he was so comfortable in Elko he didn't wear his hair piece.

At one point, Bing was asked to be Honorary Mayor of Elko and he accepted.

Dotta told Bing that the townspeople would make sure the singer carried out his duties which included getting the snow plows out, directing traffic, and street cleaning. His training began immediately and that's when the famous photograph was snapped. In his acceptance speech, he promised to close down all the saloons -but not until everybody was inside.

Bing Crosby remained Honorary Mayor of Elko until 1977, when he died of a heart attack in Spain. Wild.

In 2019, the town had a facelift thanks to the Elko Mural Expo—a live painting event that recruited more than 40 muralists to create 51 murals in just a few short days. Our visit was too short. I'd like to return and try to see them all.