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Nevada is home to a complex geological history that dates back to the Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonic events, volcanic eruptions, and sedimentation of prehistoric glacial lakes and rivers. Especially shaped the Fallon region into what it is today. For travelers that find themselves curious about Earth’s ever-changing landscape, especially in Northern Nevada, Fallon offers many historical sites to satisfy your curiosity and search for adventure!
Following 4 large-scale earthquakes that shook up both western and central Nevada in 1954, centered in the Stillwater Range or Dixie Valley area just east of Fallon, prominent step-like shifts in the ground or scarps surfaced. These scarps extend for miles along the east side of Fairview Peak, just a few miles south of Highway 50, providing easy access for visitors to visit the site.
By the early 1960s, atmospheric nuclear testing had become strictly forbidden by the Limited Test Ban Treaty. However, due to the high tensions with the Cold War in full swing, the U.S. Government believed it was necessary to continue testing nuclear explosives, leading to the creation of Project Shoal. Located about 30 miles east of Fallon, the goal of this project was to detonate a nuclear device underground, in an active seismic area, in order to improve their ability to identify underground nuclear detonations. Today, visitors can stop by the site, standing about 1,000 feet from where the atom bomb was once detonated.
Over 10 thousand years ago, Lake Lahontan covered much of western Nevada and extended far out into southern Oregon. The sudden change in climate around the end of the Pleistocene epoch led to the lake levels dropping over time. Due to the unique chemistry of the lake, tufa, a freshwater limestone, was deposited abundantly in the caves that were left intact–creating what we know today as Salt Caves. The walls of these caves are covered in hand prints, circles, and other patterns put there by the ancient people who once lived here. What’s left behind today is a handful of large tufa encrusted caves showcasing remarkable drawings that anyone can visit and take the time to admire.
About 10,000 years ago, the desert of Nevada was home to the expansive Lake Lahontan. However due to the migration of windblown sand accumulating over time, Sand Mountain was born. This unique dune is a staple of Nevadan living, serving as a popular spot for off-roading enthusiasts from all over. Travel out to the dunes to witness its beauty for yourself, and be sure to keep an ear out for nature’s music. As the wind blows across the top of the dunes, the sands vibrate together to create a long eerie song that carries throughout the area.
Sitting just northwest of Fallon, the Soda Lakes are made up of two large craters believed to have erupted within the past 1,500 years. The water within this lake is highly alkaline, making it inhospitable for fish and aquatic vegetation, as well as unsuitable for swimming. Despite its harsh waters, travelers are still encouraged to pay a visit to the site.
Nevada’s unique landscape tells a story of a planet that is constantly evolving. Shaped by thousands of years of shifting tides, fault line activity, and unseen forces of nature, Nevada offers a glimpse into Earth’s ongoing transformation. These natural wonders truly invite us to ponder over the ways in which the world we call home has been shaped by time and how it continues to do so. On your next trip to Fallon, make sure to stay curious and take the time to explore these historical sites that we know and call home today. Start planning your visit to Fallon to experience these historical sites that shaped the landscape of Nevada for yourself.
Click below to download our new TravelStory App. Explore historical downtown Fallon as you walk through history. Be sure to also check out the Arts & Agricultural tour as you drive to Fallon Famous spots.
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