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Carson City
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With one of the longest histories in the Silver State, it is no wonder our little state capitol is brimming with stories to tell. However, despite popular belief, Nevada did not solely begin with Carson City. Once characterized as a "swamp" and a "mudhole," the Carson City we know today was a much different place in 1851. In fact, Carson City was no place at all that is until around 1858 when settlers arrived and set up shop to service the area. The "county's" boundaries weren't established until 1861 and then as they say -- the rest is history. From then on, the name "Carson" has become solidly-known across the West.
The small valley nestled at the foot of the Carson Range, a valley we know today as "Eagle Valley", has always been a favored spot among travelers, emigrants, ranchers and wagon trains. Eagle Valley became an ideal place for raising cattle. Travelers and emigrants to the area established trails along the Carson River, a fresh year-round water supply to help them in their journey into the great western reaches of the Utah Territory. It wasn't until a hunter shot an eagle flying overhead that the name "Eagle Valley" was born. Proud of his kill, the hunter mounted the bird on a post over his trading post. "Carson's" promise was not seeded until an ingenious man arrived to Eagle Valley with one thing on his mind: the idea of statehood!
Abe Curry: The Father of Nevada?
Forever the State Capitol!
The Old and the New
The Markers
A businessman, born Abraham Curry, arrived in Eagle Valley around 1861. Many people claim that without this solemnly-monotone man, Nevada's capitol would've been established some four hundred miles to the south. Others claim that Curry's influence was the sole reason for founding Carson City and in essence, the evolution of the Nevada territory. The story goes a little bit like this. Before his interest in Carson City, Curry and his three partners, B.F. Green, Frank M. Proctor, and J.J. Musser, hoped to establish a mercantile business in the thriving town of Genoa. However, the men were discouraged by the price of Genoa's high real estate and looked further until they found a large tract in Eagle Valley, fifteen miles north - a tract that could be bought for the price of a small Genoa lot. Curry, the stern businessman he was, immediately requested a survey of the land and a town site was platted with individual lots divided equally between the four entrepreneurs. The lots sold slowly at first, and went for as little as $50, or were given to individuals who promised to build on them. It didn't take long for Curry to dream of his small settlement becoming large enough to expand the territory. In fact, Curry's prediction of a new state, influenced by the Comstock's wealth, provided him enough incentive to set aside a plot of land in hopes that the Union would use the plot to build a Capitol Building. Sadly, Abe Curry never saw his plot of land utilized. He died just a year before President Lincoln announced Carson City as the capitol of the Nevada. In his honor, the Union used the very same site Curry had platted for the current Capitol Building. After Nevada's inauguration into statehood, "Carson City" originally became a part of Ormsby County, (perhaps Nevada's first county) named in honor of Major William Ormsby, who came to the area in 1857. The man Ormsby takes claim for naming the area "Carson", in honor of the legendary scout Kit Carson and the free-flowing Carson River. To put it simply, Carson City seemed destined to become something monumental from the very beginning.
So, what is the real deal behind Carson City? Why so much hype for a state capitol that is 7th smallest in the nation? Surrounded by three much larger-sized counties, the state legislature found that "Ormsby County" was "a bit redundant and overly unnecessary." The state legislature talked of incorporating Ormsby into nearby Washoe County, but instead decided to consolidate Ormsby into simply "Carson City" in 1969. However way we look at it, one thing is for certain: Carson locals are proud of its capitol! If it can be defined as such, Carson City is the smallest "county" in the state, governed as a "state body" and exempt from most of Nevada's typical county regulations. Carson City's title as the state capitol brands it as the only county governed as a municipal. In other words, never call Carson City a county, lest you hear some vengeance from the locals! Carson City is simply Carson City... got it? Carson City holds itself in this kind of grand esteem regularly, proudly claiming itself as one of the most beautiful capitols in the county. Carson's proximity to Lake Tahoe and Reno make it an excellent crossroads town for the tourist trade and its ideal geographic location places it a par above other communities in Nevada. However, some Nevadans believe that Carson's position, far from most of rural Nevada and Las Vegas (Nevada's largest city), somewhat isolates the head of state government into a bowl of its own. Las Vegans believe the capitol should be relocated to their city, claiming Carson City as a "tiny, lifeless cowtown." In addition, Carson is one of the few capitols in America not serviced by a major airport, a railroad or even an interstate. However, Carson loves making due, humbling itself as one of the last classic "small towns in America." Carson locals love to smear Las Vegas in the face reinstating that their little "cowtown" runs Nevada's political show!
What of the tourist? Let's make one thing clear: a person will not find Carson City anything like Reno or Las Vegas. The stereotypical "neon-Nevada," known by the rest of America, is worlds away in Carson City. Instead of cheap buffets and bright-touristy lights (although these are also present in Carson City), Carson's true soul lies in its history. Tourists do not flock to Carson for its casinos or its nightlife. Tourists stay in Carson to idolize the town's heritage. It is regular for tourists to dive right into Carson's historic roots, finding history not only prevalent at every corner, but finding new discoveries for themselves! Whether it be among its backcountry or its clean and friendly streets, the early heritage of Nevada is alive and well in Nevada's capitol. A tourist can walk down Carson Street and take not one, but a few ganders at some of Nevada's most impressive structures, such as the original U.S. Mint, the Paul Laxalt Building and older establishments like the St. Charles Hotel; tourists can stray away from Carson's main thoroughfare and stride among its shaded streets and past historic mansions, all beautifully-restored homes first built during the Comstock era; tourists can follow the the blue-lined "Kit Carson Walk", a self-guided tour of Carson's old residences, for an easy trip back in time without additional fees or regulations! Buildings such as the Governor's Mansion, Orion Clemens' Home, the Bliss and Rinckel Mansions, or the Ferris and Curry Residences to spark an impression of down home America, as well as nice reminders of old Comstock days. Carson City's strong ties to the Comstock Lode, the Pony Express Trail and to Mark Twain's off-beat ramblings find themselves proud and present for its people to appreciate! Yes, friends. Finding your own path and getting lost in Carson's history is easier than you might think. Of course, Carson's downtown scene will always be its coup-de-tat, a pleasant mix of old and new, quaint and chic, historical and wireless. Last but not least, Carson's stately Capitol building demands attention from both the tourist and local. Walk around the Capitol's perimeter and take notice of its seventeen trees, one representative for each Nevada county. Take a walk inside the Capitol and marvel at its Alaskan marble walls, rustic architecture and bronze statues, most notably, the statue of Sarah Winnemucca at the entrance glass. The Capitol is open to the public during normal business hours, so why not enjoy this unique Nevada landmark? True locals could care less if Carson lacks a railroad, has no true airport, or sports no interstate. This tiny state capitol city (America's 7th smallest in population, and 5th smallest in size) wants no special designation... Carson City is simply Carson City. Got it?
It should come as no surprise that most of Carson City's 26 markers focus on the finding of Nevada, the roots of state government and how the Silver State came to be. Of course, Carson City wouldn't be Carson City without some help from the Comstock Lode, which only a handful of markers focus on quite well. Finding the markers within Carson City can be quite challenging, primarily those found away from Carson Street. Almost all of Carson's markers sit right off the road, but keep in mind that all but five of them are not signed. To make it worse (or better depending on your outlook), the markers blend in extremely well against Carson's mix of old and new modern historia. Since most of Carson's markers are set right in downtown inaccessible by car, I would advise parking behind one of its casinos. Cactus Jack's Casino is a great location, or along Musser Street next to the Capitol. Whether you're a tourist or a local, take some time to stroll streets of Carson; step back in time and enjoy this rebellious "cowtown" for all it's worth. After all, Carson City is just Carson City. Right?
