Gateway to the Comstock
Welcome to Dayton’s Golden History. Nestled in a fertile valley east of Carson City, Dayton is an oasis in western Nevada’s high-desert country. Dayton is the earliest settlement in the state, originating with prospectors and settlers attracted by gold and by the Carson River that runs through the valley.
VISITING DAYTON HISTORIC SITES
The Dayton Museum is a good starting point. It is located at 135 Shady Lane in Old Town Dayton is open to the public on weekends from the beginning of March through the weekend before Thanksgiving in November. Our hours are Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Private tours may be scheduled by calling the Museum. Admission is free but the Museum is managed by an all-volunteer staff, so donations are welcomed — all funds are used to preserve and promote Dayton’s 173-year history that was lost in time until the early 1990s when the HSDV formed.
Support historic preservation
The Historical Society of Dayton Valley is a non profit 501(c)3 organization founded and run by volunteers. No previous experience is required. The Society is responsible not only for the historic schoolhouse/museum but also for the historic Dayton firehouse and 1860s jail, which currently is open for special events or by appointment.
The burning of the historic 1881 Carson & Colorado Railroad Depot on June 17, 2020 was a sad day for Dayton, Nevada. The Historical Society of Dayton Valley is raising money to help rebuild the Depot and fulfilling the dream of making the corner lot the “Gateway to the Comstock.” Any donation will help make an impact. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us and the history of Dayton and Nevada.
Mailing address
Historical Society of Dayton Valley
P.O. Box 485
Dayton, Nevada 89403
Dayton Museum address
Dayton Museum
135 Shady Lane
Old Town Dayton, Nevada
Get Directions to Museum
Museum Hours
Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm
Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm
Private tours may be scheduled by calling the Museum.
Contact Us
775-246-6316
president@hsdv.org
curator@hsdv.org