Carson City
Carson City is the smallest county in the state, and rather unique in that it is the only county governed as a municipal. The county of Carson City has a long history, one of the oldest in Nevada. Originally a part of historic Ormsby County, the county's 'boundaries' were established in 1861, a time when Nevada was still a part of the Utah Territory and the name, Carson City, was only consolidated in 1969. Ormsby County was named in honor of Major William Ormsby, who came to the area in 1857. Major Ormsby later purchased land and named the area, Carson City, after the free flowing Carson River. Today, the name 'Ormsby' is referenced quite well throughout downtown, most notably by the Ormsby House and Ormsby Boulevard, a 'nickname' some locals still call US 395 (Present day Carson Street).
Not finding something to see or do in this historic community is a rarity. History abounds on its clean and friendly streets like a taste of down home. Tourism is high in Carson, and for this reason, the city has dedicated a historic "Kit Carson Walk" through downtown, meandering along the city's back streets and side ways. Follow the blue line on any of Carson's streets to reenact the route! Even if you don't follow the line, finding your own path is easy and getting lost in Carson's past is easier than you might think. Many historic mansions and buildings like Jack's Bar, established in 1859, dot the entire downtown scene, mixed in with small establishments that cater to both the tourist and local. Of course, there is the Capitol and its well-kept grounds straight out of New England and onto the high desert floor. Think there's a reason why I call this place home??
Most of Carson City's 26 landmarks focus around the 'finding' of Nevada, the roots of its government and how the Silver State came to be. Of course, Carson City wouldn't be Carson City without some help from the famous Comstock Lode, which only a handful of landmarks focus in on quite well. Finding the landmarks within Carson City are some of the most challenging of them all, primarily in downtown. Almost all of them lie right off the road, but blend in extremely well against Carson's mix of old and new architecture. More than 1/2 of Carson's landmarks are NOT SIGNED from the road that might require a keen pair of eyes to spot. Some can be found right on buildings such as the Capitol and Governor's Mansion, while others require a little walking. Since half of Carson's landmarks are set right in downtown, I would advise parking behind one of its casinos and take a leisurely stroll along the main drag and Carson's 'old town', behind and west of the main thoroughfare.
Site Homepage
Nevada Fun Facts
Contact
Copyright © Paul Sebesta