Chautauqua – “Martin Mortensen: Pioneer of Verdi”

“Made in Nevada”

Martin Mortensen came to the town of Verdi, Nevada when it was a thriving lumber mill town. The town of Verdi was named after Giuseppe Verdi by Charles Crocker, founder of the Central Pacific Railroad, when he pulled a slip of paper from a hat and read the name of the Italian opera composer in 1868. It was originally known as O’Neil’s Crossing, named for the man who built a bridge there in 1860.

Ross Mortensen portrays his great-grandfather Martin Mortensen, and the adventures he had as a pioneer on his ranch along the Truckee River.

Ross S. Mortensen is a local third-generation decedent of Nevada ranching families. Mortensen became a history enthusiast, beginning at an early age due to his own family history. Throughout his life he has been involved in historical investigations, Chautauqua and reenactments in Nevada and Northern California.

Mortensen is the owner of the Western gunfighting group “Horse Thief Canyon Desperados LLC.” It is his desire to share his knowledge of history with the public through living history, which he has always found engaging.

Cost: Free

The Ranch House will be open 11 am – 1 pm for event guests.