Some miners, unable to pay for lodging and laundry with cash, gave Eilley Orrum pieces of their mining claims in payment.
The mansion, designed by J. Neely Johnson, a builder and ex-governor of California, combined Georgian Revival and Italianate architectural styles.
Unfortunately, in 1874, Eilley Bowers 3rd and only living child, a daughter named Persia, died of a suspected erupted appendix at the age of 12.
Bowers Mansion Regional Park is located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, approximately 20 miles south of Reno on old 395.
Expansive sunny lawn areas and lots of tall shade trees make this a perfect spot for picnics.