After a rich silver and gold ore strike in 1860 on the border of Nevada and California, a road was needed to connect Aurora and Bodie to Carson City. Usually, stage lines ran on toll roads. These were developed by individuals or groups who had been awarded a construction franchise from state legislatures. In return for their investment and continued maintenance, travelers compensated the owners with tolls.
(Photo credit: Second Promise)
Despite close ties and heavy traffic between San Francisco and Bodie, travel was difficult between the cities. The fastest route was a stagecoach to Aurora, another stage to Carson City, then boarding the Virginia & Truckee Railroad to Reno and connecting to the Central Pacific Railway to San Francisco. A traveler could count on a trip taking several days, with meals and accommodations at stage stations ranging from opulent to horrid.
Elbow is situated at the southern tip of Pine Grove Hills on the East Walker River. The river makes a broad ninety degree turn which resembles an elbow when viewed from above. Stage stations were important locations where travelers could rest, have a meal and obtain supplies. Stage travel for passengers and light freight continued in some areas of Nevada into the 1900s when automobiles became more available.
Elbow also known as “Elbow Jake’s” stage station was at the eastern side of the bend. It must have been a welcome site for travelers dropping from the high dessert to a lush river and meadows. During the 1860s the station consisted of a house, stables and corrals for the stage line. In addition to the stage duties, the stations keepers also kept a dairy and ranch which provided Aurora with fresh meat and milk. Elbow operated a post office for a short period in 1881.
With the end of stage travel many stage stations faded into disuse. Several stations such as Nine Mile survived the test of time, but “Elbow Jake’s” station did not. Elbow is now a popular recreation site for campers, hunters and fishermen. On both visits, we were fortunate to see Bighorn Sheep.
Nevada’s State Animal: Desert Bighorn Sheep
Memorial for a fellow Jeeper at Elbow
My first visit to Elbow was with Hubby and friends Stephen and Michael. We made a round trip to Bridgeport, Chemung, Masonic, Elbow and Wiley’s. We did not find the exact location of Elbow Jake’s that trip, but I found what some say is an Indian grave above the river. Scattered around the site were obsidian flakes known as “Apache Tears”. (Note: It is a violation of Federal law – and outdoor etiquette – to remove artifacts from historic sites. Explore, photograph and document, but please leave things as you found them.)
The second trip was with Hubby on the way to Nine Mile, and Fletcher and Aurora. Thanks to a friend, we found the site of Elbow Jake’s Station.
Visited: 11-15-2020, 6-14-2020
References
- Nevada State Parks: The Walker River State Recreation Area, Nevada’s Newest State Park
- Paher, Stanley. Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps. Nevada Publications, 1970. Page 87.
- Silver, Sue. Mineral County Nevada: Volume 1 Mining Camps, Towns and Places (1860-1900). Museum Associates of Mineral Country, 2011. Page 137.
- Silver, Sue. Mineral County Nevada: Volume 2 Mining Camps, Towns and Places (1901 and After). Museum Associates of Mineral Country, 2011. Page 57-8, 66, 98.
- The Second Promise: STAGECOACH ROBBERY — “Halt! Your money or your life!”
- Travel Nevada: Walker River State Recreation Area
Rick and Eileen Greenly says
Hi, I saw your post on Gab and ended up here. Very nice site , my wife and I love searching for old mining/ghost towns. This year we found a number of them near Ash Meadows NV. We haven’t been to Aurora but it is now on the list. Thanks for the inspiration! Happy travels.
Rick and Eileen Greenly
Tami says
Thank you and I’m so glad you found Gouge Eye, i just started Gabbing. I hope you have many more great adventures!
Stephen says
Love the write up. Excellent reading
Tami says
Thank you!