Bowers Mansion (Washoe County, Nevada)

To start off another busy weekend, I and some friends, while on our way to the Carson City Wine Walk, decided to stop for a quick tour of the Bower's Mansion in Washoe Valley. I've passed by the landmark many times and wondered about it's historical significance. Today, I get to learn about it. We arrive a minute or two after the scheduled tour time, but as there are no other visitors, the tour-guide is more than happy to escort our small party through the mansion.

As I understand it from the guide's description, the Bowers were Nevada's first millionaires, making a mint in the early shafts of the famous Comstock Lode. The mansion they built with their fortune was one of the first signs of the riches many others would find below the nearby communities of Virginia City and Goldfield. The original lavish decor was later stripped, when the family fell on harder times, but locals have donated many period pieces to refurnish the mansion over the decades. 

In addition to selling off much of the furnishing, the mansion was also turned into something of a resort at the turn of the previous century. It's wide open spaces and terrific views of Washoe Valley make it an ideal spot for picnics and family outings. Eventually, the mansion fell into decay, but was later purchased and refurbished, only to come to life again as a resort in the 1940's. Still later, the mansion was acquired by the county and turned into a park, memorializing the amazing riches found in the hills nearby.

As it turns out, Mr. Sandy Bowers, for whom the mansion is named was born somewhere in Madison County, Illinois before heading west in search if his fortune. The caretakers of the park have very limited information on his early history. I happen to also have been born and raised in Madison County, Illinois. As I mention this to the guide, we begin discussing possible resources she may be able to pursue more information about Mr. Bowers' early years. I suggest contacting the Hayner Library Genalogical Center and provide her some contact information. I hope this lead proves fruitful, as I would be glad to have contributed increasing the park's knowledge of their namesake.