The claim
Nevada's self-styled 'oldest thirst parlor', a saloon in the state's first settlement at the foot of the Sierra. The marker by the door dates the building to 1863. Inside are a Scottish diamond-dust mirror, old oil lamps and a trapdoor to the ice cellar; Hollywood filmed The Shootist and Misery here.
What the records show
The 1853 is published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's magazine, which says the bar was built that year as Livingston's Exchange and is Nevada's oldest thirst parlor; the state tourism board repeats it. The 1974 historical marker on the building disagrees, saying Al Livingston built it in 1863 and Frank Fettic bought it in 1884. The 1853 date may reflect Genoa's settlement era rather than this bar.
| Year | What | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1853 | Claimed founding | The press |
| c.1863 | Present building | Building fabric |
| 1863 | First record of a drinking house here | See sources below |
What to look for inside
- Marker says built 1863 by Al Livingston, contradicting the 1853 claim
- Film location for The Shootist and Misery
- Operated as a soda fountain during Prohibition (per Travel Nevada)
Visiting
Genoa Bar and Saloon is in Genoa, United States, at 2282 Main Street, Genoa, NV 89411. We do not list opening times, because they change; the pub’s own site is the place to check before you set out.
Sources
- www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=20661
- travelnevada.com/bars/genoa-bar-saloon/
- savingplaces.org/stories/genoa-bar-and-saloon-in-genoa-nevada
- npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/75001108_text
Know something we don’t?Suggest a correctionLast checked Sept 2026
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