Mill Station was a small settlement located at the south end of Washoe Valley. The town was near sawmills and two quartz mills.
Construction began on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad on February 18, 1869. The line would ultimately extend from Reno to Carson City, with two spurs continuing to Virginia City and Minden. In 1871 Mill Station became a lumber stop for the V&T. The depot would have been similar to the one at Franktown.
(Photo credit: Virginia & Truckee)
Mill Station never grew like neighboring Washoe City. The V&T line was discontinued in 1950 and Mill Station faded into obscurity. Today all that remains is a remodeled schoolhouse, located on private property. The former town site now consists of multi-million dollar homes and golf courses.
(Photo credit: WNHPC)
Mill Station is part of a nice loop around Washoe Valley including Lakeview, Franktown, Washoe City and Ophir. Mill Station was located on Franktown Road just past the southern intersection with Old Highway 395. A stop at nearby Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory is a treat for both kids and adults.
Visited 7-10-2020, 8-30-2020
References
- Paher, Stanley. Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps. Nevada Publications, 1970. Page 45.
- Virginia & Truckee: 1872 Map
- Virginia & Truckee Railroad Historical Society
- Western Nevada Historic Photo Collection: Mill Station Schoolhouse
- Wikipedia: Virginia & Truckee Railroad
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