Historical Markers of Washoe County & Reno


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*HM 88*


-- Sparks --

Location: Sparks
Directions: Marker located in Deer Park, corner of Prater Way and Rock Blvd.

Location: 1
Visibility: 4
Accessibility: 3
Marker type: St (L)
   

NOTES: Finding Deer Park is a piece of cake. Access Interstate 80 and exit off Rock Blvd. Head north to Prater Way. Deer Park is at this intersection, not even a 1/4 mile from the freeway. The marker is located at the west end of the park right in front of the swimming pool. Odd location for this marker!

Description:
The realignment of the old Central Pacific Railroad across Nevada started the town of Sparks, then, a mere train station in 1903. Seemingly everything was moved from Wadsworth to this location here at present-day Deer Park. Originally known as Harriman, Sparks officially came into existence in 1904 and a year later became an incorporated city. Most interesting, is that Sparks had one of the largest roundhouses in the world during this era. It was the western Nevada base for a vast number of steam locomotives, locomotives that hauled freight and passengers over the Sierra Nevada.

Of all the places they could've placed this marker, this is one of the worst. I can think of a number of great places in Sparks to put this marker. Deer Park is nice, very cozy and everything... but it just doesn't quite fit the marker and legacy of Sparks. Moreover, we didn't travel all over this beautiful state just to have to stop in an urban park. Very disappointing!

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