Genoa is an unincorporated town in Douglas County, Nevada, United States. Founded in 1851, it was the first settlement in what became the Nevada Territory. It is situated within Carson River Valley and is approximately 42mi south of Reno at 39.005,-119.846. The population was 939 at the 2010 census.HistoryLocated within the Utah Territory before the Nevada Territory was created in 1861, Genoa was first settled by Mormon pioneers. The settlement originated as a trading post called Mormon Station, which served as a respite for travelers on the California Trail.The first white child born in Mormon Station (Genoa, NV) was Jesse R. Hillbun.Orson Hyde changed the name of the community to Genoa, after the Italian city. The original Mormon settlers withdrew in 1857 when they were recalled by Brigham Young due to the Utah War.Genoa served as the first capital of the Nevada Territory in 1861, until it was moved that year to Carson City.
