[240]       

Coney Island

Reno & Washoe County
  39.53502,-119.78069

"Another hidden marker within the urban jungle of Reno. And I use the term "jungle" religiously. It's ashame that the City of Reno has allowed this nostalgic section of Old US 40 to fall to pieces. Those familiar with these old routes of the fifties, long before the onset of the interstate, can make out the typical fancified neon and vintage billboards of the original highway still standing tall amidst the slums and dilapidated warehouses of this section of Reno. If I had my way, I would dedicate an historic marker to just this particular highway. Wait. This is reality after all. #240 conquered." -- Journal Entry, August 2007

E. 4th St (Old US 40) and Galetti Way -- Reno

Original Date Visited: 8/23/07

Signed: No

  • Marker 240 in east Reno
  • Marker 240 represents one of the first tourist attractions in Nevada

Exact Description:
Opened to the public on June 20, 1909, Coney Island was among the most elaborate amusement parks of its day. Otto G. Benschuetz, founder and owner, landscaped the grounds, put in a children's playground, a bandstand for outdoor concerts and a dance pavilion which also served as a skating rink and theatre. Coney Island also had an artificial lake complete with boats, covered landings and bath houses. The park's heyday passed with Benschuetz's death in 1912. An aircraft assembly plant occupied the site in the early "twenties" and an auto court was established here later. The pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1927 and a second blaze in 1930 took other structures. All remaining buildings were torn down when Interstate 80 was constructed in the 1960's.

Marker 240 on the eastern limits of Reno. The city of Sparks begins right behind this marker.

Next Marker:

SOUTHERN NEVADA TELEPHONE-TELEGRAPH BUILDING

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