Carson City
In 1843-44 John C Fremont led an expedition to map this part of the west. Fremont named a river in the Eagle Valley area after his scout, Christopher ‘Kit’ Carson. By 1851 a trading post had been set up near the river to serve the prospectors and settlers travelling on the Californian Emigrant Trail. Carson City was founded by Pioneer Abraham Curry, who in 1858 bought the trading post and planned a city. Even though Nevada had yet to become a US territory, Curry had visions of statehood and left a 4 hectare (10 acre) plot in the city centre for a Capitol. The discovery of silver in hills to the east boosted Carson City’s growth from 1859, and Curry’s vision was realised in 1864 when Nevada became a state with Carson City as its capital.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Another stop on the Kit Carson Trail is St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Constructed in 1867-8 both the external appearance and the internal layout with two side aisles rather than a central aisle are much more typical of New England than western Nevada. The architect of the church has not been identified, but the design suggests that he might have had roots back in New England.
Ollovich-Meyers House
During the silver mining boom Carson City’s population reached around 7,000, but by 1930 it had fallen to a quarter of that figure. As capital of Nevada it could not become a ghost town, but after the decline few new buildings were constructed. This has left Carson City with a wealth of old buildings. You can tour them on the Kit Carson Trail, which is marked by a blue line. The Ollovich-Meyers House, built in 1875, is typical of the buildings on the trail.
Horseshoe Club & Cactus Jack's Casinos, Carson Street
From what you have read so far you might begin to doubt that Carson City is really in Nevada. Don’t worry, there are casinos in Carson City, after all the politicians need somewhere to lose their money! What you won’t find here is any high rise super casinos. The Carson City casinos are 1950s style rather than 21st century.
Nevada State Capitol
Our first impression of Carson City was of a small and rather sleepy low rise city. With a population of less than 60,000, it is dwarfed by the half million or so who live in Las Vegas. That Carson City shuns the brashness of Las Vegas is spelled out by its Capitol building. Instead of the huge edifice in a prominent position found in other states, Nevada’s Capitol is a relatively understated building that hides amongst the trees with its dome rising only 36 metres (120 feet) from the ground. The Capitol Building was designed by Joseph Gosling of San Francisco and was built by Peter Cavanaugh & Son of Carson City. Construction commenced on April 21, 1870 and it was completed on May 1, 1871. Click Tab 2 to see the Supreme Court Room in the State Capitol.
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© Mike Elsden 1981 - 2025
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