American Indian rock art comes alive at Toquima Cave

Located just outside Austin, Toquima Cave is a great archaeological site that contains prehistoric pictographs, which are painted symbols, designs, and patterns. To get to the cave, travel about 14 miles east of Austin on U.S. 50 to the point where it intersects with State Route 376 (the road to Tonopah). Turn south on 376, then after about a tenth of a mile, take an immediate left onto a dirt road that’s marked by an historical marker for Toquima Cave. (“Hot” tip: on your way there, you might want to take a dunk at Spencer Hot Springs.) Continue for about 15 miles across the valley and head into the mountains. At a place known as Pete’s Summit, you’ll reach the Toquima Caves Campground. The campground is marked with large forest service signs. Park near the campgrounds, then hike about a quarter of a mile on a marked trail to the cave.

For more information about Toquima Cave and American Indian rock art, visit austinnevada.com/trail.html

The Methodist Church in Austin was built with innovative funding.

Now serving as a community center, the Methodist Church in Austin is another great example of this town’s rich history. Built in 1866, it’s one of Nevada’s oldest surviving Methodist churches, and Nevada’s first church built outside of the Comstock.

The brick edifice with Italianate bell tower was built during the pastorate of J. L. Trefren, who conceived an enterprising approach to construction financing. Trefren organized the New England & Nevada Silver Mining Company and sold stock based on the potential earnings of Austin’s silver claims. The church was built and a fine organ was purchased (possibly the first church organ in Nevada) before the scheme collapsed. Mechanical engineer Daniel P. Bell served as supervising architect for the building, which was apparently designed by a California architect, and Bell may have been responsible for the building’s innovative form. Lectures and entertainment were part of the church scene for benefit purposes. Emma Wixom attended Sunday school here. Later, as world-famous Emma Nevada, she brought her troupe to Austin and gave a benefit concert in this church.

Learn more about Austin’s history at austinnevada.com/history.html