Markers: 26

Carson City

It should come as no surprise that most of Carson City's markers focus on the finding of Nevada. Yeah. The roots of our state government and how the Silver State came to be. Of course, the Capitol owes much of its existence to the world-famous Comstock Lode. Whether it be before or after Abe Curry's eye-on-the-prize, the historical markers here give a warm and wonderful commemoration to our state's heart.

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See the description on the map below for each marker's locals' tips and tricks!

- 1 - Empire and Carson River Mills

"When the Comstock Lode was discovered in 1859, the problem of reducing the ore from the fabulously-rich Virginia City mines had to be solved."

- 25 - Nevada's Capitol

. The octagon annex was added in 1907, the north and south wings in 1915. Notable features are its Alaskan marble walls, French crystal windows, and elegant interior.

- 44 - Carson City

When Nevada became a state three years later, Carson City was selected as the state capitol, and by 1871, the present capitol building was completed in the plaza Curry had reserved for it.

- 70 - Bliss Mansion

In its time the most modern & largest home in Nevada. Entirely constructed of clear lumber & square nails. First home in Nevada entirely piped for gas lighting.

- 71 - Methodist Church of Carson City

Dedicated in 1867, this church serves a congregation that was organized in 1859 and is often referred to as the "Cradle of Nevada Methodism."

- 72 - Nevada Children's Home

This edifice, a Carson City landmark, served until 1963 as Nevada's home for dependant and neglected children. In the 1940's, its name was changed to the Nevada State Children's Home. During the 1950's, the name "Sunny Acres" was also used.

- 75 - Federal Government Building (1888-1970)

This imposing public structure, the former United States Post Office and Courthouse, represents the first federal office building constructed in the State of Nevada. Construction began in late 1888 and was completed in 1891 at a cost of $134,605.53.

- 76 - Eagle Valley

The first Overland Telegraph, colloquially known as "Bee's Grapevine", from F.A. Bee, its builder, was completed from Placerville to Carson City in 1859. In this area, it followed what is now Highway U.S. 395. The Pony Express (1860-1861) and the Butterfield-Wells-Fargo Overland Stages (1862-1868) followed the same route.

- 77 - Dat-So-La-Lee

- 78 - Orion Clemens Home

Orion Clemens, secretary to Territorial Governor James W. Nye, lived in this house with his wife, "Mollie," from 1864 to 1866.

- 91 - Stewart Indian School

In the early 1920's, superintendent Frederick Snyder initiated a building program. Students worked with stone masons, some of American Indian ancestry, to construct the handsome stone structures that still grace the grounds.

- 134 - Trans-Sierran Pioneer Flight

The first authenticated air flight over the Sierra Nevada was successfully completed when four U.S. Army planes touched down here on an improvised field.

- 175 - Stewart-Nye Residence

This house was built about 1860 of local sandstone for William Morris Stewart who lived here until 1862. He sold it to the territorial governor of Nevada, James W. Nye.

- 179 - First Air Flight in Nevada (June 23, 1910)

The flight was of national interest not only because an air journey had never before been made at such an altitude (4,675 feet), but also because Ivy Baldwin, a nationally known parachutist and balloonist, would make the flight

- 180 - The Warm Springs Hotel

"Built about 1860, the Warm Springs Hotel was used by Nevada's First Territorial Legislature as a meeting place in 1861."

- 181 - The Washo Indians

The beautiful work of their most celebrated artist, Dat-So-La-Lee, is on exhibition today in the Nevada State Museum, Carson City, and the Nevada Historical Society, Reno. Captain Jim is the most revered of their last great chiefs.

- 193 - Historic Flume & Lumber Yard

"Approximately one mile south of this point and west of the present-day highway lay the immense lumberyard of the Carson-Tahoe Lumber and Fluming Company."

- 194 - Gardner's Ranch

"On this site in the period from 1870 until 1918 stood the ornate two-story home of Matthew Culbertson Gardner, rancher and lumberman."

- 196 - The United States Mint at Carson City, Nevada

"Two stories high with a centrally located cupola, the sandstone blocks were quarried at the Nevada State Prison."

- 213 - Lakeview

In 1887, shipping activity was accelerated as lumber was fed to the yard by a V-flume originating above present Incline Village. From here timber products were shipped to the Comstock mines and other points via V.& T. R.R. cars. Activity ceased in 1896.

- 235 - Camp Nye

"Established one-half mile to the north in October of 1864, Camp Nye served as the home base for the men of companies "D" and "E" 1st Nevada Volunteer Cavalry."

- 243 - Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight

"On March 17, 1897, at an arena located on this site, Carson City played host to Nevada's first world championship prizefight ..."

- 250 - State Printing Building

"Completed in 1886, the State Printing Building is the second oldest structure built by the State within the Capitol Complex."

- 252 - Rinckel Mansion

"Completed in 1876, this palatial residence represents one of the finest and best preserved examples of High Victorian Italianate architecture remaining in the American West."

- 258 - Charles W. Friend House, Observatory, and Weather Station

"This is the site of the house and observatory of Nevada's first weatherman, astronomer and seismologist, Charles William Friend."

So, why an eagle?

The valley we know today as Eagle Valley has one of the longest recorded histories in the Silver State. Imagine the headlines: an elaborate flume system, old mansions decorated with wealth from the Comstock, the funding of an unexpected state capitol. All of these may be just a few stepping stones in the building of Carson City. Oh, and of that "eagle?" It was a hunter who christened the name, so proud of his kill he mounted the bird on a post overlooking his station.

As early as 1851, the area that came to be known as "Carson" has always been a favored spot among travelers, emigrants, ranchers, and wagon trains. This was an area commonly referred to as a swamp and a mudhole, yet the valley became an ideal place for raising cattle. Around 1858, the area's first settlers turned into lone entrepreneurs of the region who set up shop to service the vast and unsettled western reaches of then Utah Territory.

This little city loves making due and humbles itself as one of the last classic small towns in America. Despite its mini population, Carson remains fully in charge of America's seventh-largest state. Size doesn't matter ... as much as small town elegance, scenic surroundings, and oh so, sweet heritage. It may not care about neon overkill, a dizzying interstate, or even a flowery self sales pitch. Carson City is simply Carson City ... with plenty of sugar and spice.

Washoe County is a county known for its wide variety of landscapes.

Founded: November 25, 1861
Size: 6,551 sq. mi.
Rank: 9th out of 17
Population: 493,014 (2022)
Rank: 2nd out of 17
Density: 67 sq. mi.
Rank: 3rd out of 17
Largest Community: Reno (271,966)
County Seat: Reno (271,966)
Highest Point: Mt. Rose (10,776')

Known for ...
Downtown Reno & Casino "Strip, Hot August Nights, Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, Mt. Rose Ski Area & Wilderness, Pyramid Lake, Black Rock Desert, Burning Man Festival, Sheldon Wildlife Refuge

Afoot & A photo

in Carson City

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Eagle Valley View

Fall on Carson River

"Scattershine"

On Golden Pond

Bonsai

Picnic Glen

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