Basque Sheepherder Monument - Reno, NV
Posted by: 
4pear
N 39° 33.245 W 119° 49.911
11S E 256690 N 4382097
The National Monument to the Basque Sheepherder.
Waymark Code: WM9Y0A
Location: Nevada, United States
Date Posted: 10/13/2010
Views: 12
Reno was a central location in the settlement of the Basque people in the western United States. It served as a supply center for the Sheepherders that ranged from Alturas in the North, to Bridgeport in the south and well into central and eastern Nevada. Reno has a significant Basque population, an annual basque festival, at least one Basque restaurant, and the University of Nevada, Reno is hone to one of the largest collections of Basque literature outside of the Pyrenees.
The Monument was dedicated in 1989, and was designed to commemorate the sacrifices of thousands of young Basques, who for more than a century have come from Europe to all 13 western states to herd sheep.
The text on the English side of the plaque reads:
A figure
As if sculpted by the wind itself
A man solitary and Strong
Held straight by his own Will
Patient Laborer
Facing onto the uncertain horizon
of adventure
Endless stretches of the silences of moon
and stars
Through mountain trails
This monument is
eternal homage and memorial
to the Basque sheepherder.
My best transcription of the Basque side:
Irudi bat
aizeak berak eginda bezela
gizon bat,
Bakar eta zigorra,
zutik bere gogoan
langille paketzua
aurreska begira
zern barrengo
etorkisun aukerari
ixiltasungo denbora luzeak
illargi eta izarretan
mendi bidetan
omenaldia
eta betiko maitasuna da monumenti au
My apologies to any Basque speakers for my poor transcription of this text. Any corrections are appreciated.
Website with more information on either the memorial or the person(s) it is dedicated to: Not listed
Location: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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