Carson City
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. The name, Carson City, was only consolidated in 1969 when the name 'Ormsby' was taken away. The name 'Ormsby' was named in honor of Major William Ormsby, who came to the area in 1857, who 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. Carson City is the smallest county in the state, and rather unique in that it is the only county governed as a municipal because it is the state capitol. In other words, NEVER call Carson City a county, lest you hear some vengeance from the locals! Carson City is simply Carson City, got that?
Names aside, you won't find Carson City anything like Reno or Vegas, even though this little town runs the show in terms of governing Nevada. Instead of bright touristy lights and cheap buffets (although it does have that), Carson's true soul lies in its history. Tourists don't come to Carson for casinos or nightlife ... they come to see its heritage, a beautiful little state capitol set right at the foot of Lake Tahoe. In a historic community such as this, it's hard NOT to find yourself discovering new pieces of Nevada heritage. History abounds on its clean and friendly streets like a fresh taste of down home. Walk down Carson Street and take not one, but a few ganders at the U.S. Mint, the Paul Laxalt Building, then Cactus Jack's. Try to stray away from Carson's main thoroughfare, because MUCH more lies beyond the main drag. Among shaded streets you'll find historic mansions and residences, all beautifully restored to when they were first built during the Comstock era. Hopefully then you'll find yourself along the blue-lined "Kit Carson Walk", where you'll see the Governor's Mansion, Orion Clemens', Bliss and Rinckel Mansions, just to name a few. You'll quickly see Carson City's strong ties to the Comstock Lode, the Pony Express Trail and to Mark Twain's ramblings... all present to fair the community with hordes of history you'll appreciate! Finding your own path and getting lost in Carson's history is easier than you might think. And of course, Carson's downtown scene is its coup de tat, mixed in with small establishments and historic buildings that cater to both the tourist and the local. Of course, don't forget the Capitol and its well-kept grounds straight out of New England and onto the high desert floor. So what if Carson has no railroad, no true airport, no interstate. It's a tiny state capitol city (the 7th smallest in population, and 5th smallest in size) and remember it wants no special designation... Carson City is simply Carson City.
The Markers
It should come as no surprise that most of Carson City's 26 markers 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 Comstock Lode, which only a handful of markers focus in on quite well. Finding the markers within Carson City can be quite challenging, primarily those found away from Carson Street. Almost all of them lie right off the road, but they aren't NOT SIGNED and blend in extremely well against Carson's mix of old and new architecture. 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 is a great one) and take your time to leisurely stroll along the Carson Street and its backroads, right into Carson's quiet back streets. After all, you're in no hurry right? Welcome to Carson City!
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