Nevada history was made in Carson City. Founded in 1858 by pioneer Abraham Curry, Carson City takes its name from the nearby Carson River, named for early frontiersman Kit Carson. Following organization of the Nevada Territory in 1861, Carson City was designated as the territorial capital and the county seat of Ormsby County.
In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln granted statehood to Nevada and Carson City was selected as the state capital. Today, the Capitol is open to the public and features a free history exhibit on the second floor.
A capital timeline
The Nevada State Capitol
Carson City has been the capital of Nevada since 1864 and earlier as the territorial capital of the Utah and Nevada territories.
Our historic capitol is well worth the visit. Completed in 1871, the building is an icon to our history, visit the free Battle Born Museum on the second floor. Open weekdays 8 am-5 pm and Saturday’s 9 am-3 pm. Closed Sunday.
Train Buffs Will Enjoy Our Historic Trains
The Virginia & Truckee is by far the most famous of all American short lines. In its heyday, as many as 45 trains per day arrived and departed Virginia City. U.S. presidents and dignitaries from the world over rode the ornate V&T trains. Completed in 1869, the V&T R.R. hauled millions of dollars in gold and silver ore from the mines of Virginia City. Today, 80 years after the last train left the Comstock, you can once again ride over this historic railroad.
Today, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad operates 100 year old steam engines and heritage diesel locomotives departing from the original 1870 depot in Virginia City at 166 F Street. The conductor-narrated trains take ticketed passengers through some of the most famous of the bonanza Comstock mines and ruins. You may even see wild horses run alongside the tracks. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad offers 7 daily train rides from the last week in May thru the end of October.
In 1870, the Virginia & Truckee, Queen of the Short-Line Railroads, was completed between Virginia City and Carson City and transported the rich silver ore from the mines. The last train between the two cities was in 1939. Today, the V&T Railway is a tourism train operated by the V&T Railway Commission offering special event trains and operates on weekends during the summer.
Historical note: The last original run of the historic Virginia & Truckee (V&T) Railway took place on May 31, 1950, between Reno and Carson City (with equipment moved back to Carson City on June 1, 1950). Pulled by locomotive No. 27, this final trip marked the end of 80 years of operations for the famous short-line railroad.
The Carson City Mint and Nevada State Musuem
In 1879, a branch of the United States Mint was established in Carson City to strike coins from the Comstock Silver Lode. Abraham Curry served as the mint's first superintendent. The famous and sought after CC Liberty Seated Dollar minted from 1870-1873 was first struck on February 11, 1870. Most coins struck at the mint are on display. The original Coin Press #1 is still in operation and presses commemorative coins.
Today, the mint is part of the Nevada State Museum and offers interesting exhibits that will delight all ages including a ghost town and an underground mine.
A historic district
Carson City's historic district dates back to the 1860s and is the largest historical home district in Nevada. Fifty-nine historic buildings and sites are identified along the 2.1 mile Kit Carson Trail. Much of the district has been restored to its early turn-of-the-century look. Many of this city’s early residents imprinted what Carson City is today. Two of our most famous residents going on to international fame were Mark Twain (1861-1864) and George Washinton Gale Ferris Jr (1856-1875), the inventor of the Ferris Wheel. The historic Governor's Mansion is located right in the heart of the historic district.
Nevada State Prison
Opened in 1862, even before Nevada became a state. It is one of the oldest prisons in the West and was in use for over 150 years before being decommissioned in 2012. The Nevada State Prison played an important role in Nevada's history, protecting its citizens, influencing its architecture, providing employment, and amassing an impressive list of historically significant events.
Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum
The mission of the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum is to tell the stories of the thousands of American Indian children from western tribes who were educated at Stewart. These stories tell of a complex past that changed the course of generations of these children. The countless stories of hardship, resilience, strength, and triumph are at the core of the current efforts to preserve the Stewart campus and are illustrated in the exhibits at the museum. In addition to sharing Stewart’s history, the museum is a place of living heritage through exhibits of contemporary Native art, storytelling, arts and crafts demonstrations, lectures, public programming, and educational activities. The museum serves as a research facility for Stewart students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the general public. This museum is not a museum in the Western sense, but a gathering place for Stewart alumni and their families.
History In Motion
As you travel on the Carson CityI-580 bypass and various underpasses in our city, you will see depictions of our History in Motion, the public art installation showcasing large sculptures beginning at the north end with an eagle depicting the entrance to Eagle Valley and ending with the beautiful eagle statue landing at the crossroad of I-580 and Carson Street. The first phase opened in 2012.
Carson City Freeway Landscaped Enhancements - Historic vignettes at the gateways and interchanges of the Carson City Freeway.
See where the history lives.
Walk the Kit Carson Trail, tour the state museums, and ride the V&T.