Wilson Canyon

Where the West Walker River cuts a narrow passage through the hills between Smith and Mason Valleys, the road threads alongside the water through Wilson Canyon. The canyon takes its name from William Wilson, who found gold in the nearby Pine Grove Hills and seeded the camp that became Pine Grove, one of Nevada's better-preserved ghost towns. For travelers the canyon is the natural gateway between the two ranching valleys, a green river corridor in dry country. A marker sits at the west entrance, and the drive through remains one of the prettiest in Lyon County.

What the plaque says

Wilson Canyon and the Wilson Mining District were named for brothers David and “Uncle Billy” Wilson. David Wilson (born 1829) came west in 1850 during the California Gold Rush. He returned to the Midwest in 1853, married, and joined the Union Army at the outbreak of the Civil War. Wilson participated in at least one battle and was discharged with sunstroke. He then returned to the West. The Wilson family settled in the Wilson Canyon area in 1863, mining gold discovered in Pine Grove by "Uncle Billy" and ranching in Mason Valley. The Wilsons’ mining efforts eventually yielded several million dollars. David Wilson died in 1915; a prominent local rancher and community leader. He is buried nearby in the Wilson Ranch Cemetery. A Northern Paiute named Wovoka was raised with the Wilson boys and took the name Jack Wilson. Wovoka started the Ghost Dance movement in 1890, which swept into the Great Plains with potent political force.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Wellington — 9.0 mi
• Double Springs — 20 mi
• Wabuska — 23 mi
• Walker River Reservation — 24 mi