Carson City

Since statehood in 1864, Carson City has functioned as the state capital. Originally part of and the county seat for Ormsby County. In 1969, the county and city were merged into a single independent city.

Originally a stop over for California bound emigrants, the city flourished with the discover of Silver in the nearby Comstock Lode. When the Virginia and Truckee Railroad was built in the 1870s to provide freight and passenger services for the Comstock Lode and Virginia City, Carson City became the central hub of operations.

First named Eagle Station for the ranch along the Carson River (names for Kit Carson) which had a trading post for the passing through headed to California emigrants. Following the purchase in 1858 by Abraham Curry, he renamed the area Carson City, the name it still carries to this day.

Following statehood and being named the official State Capital, Carson City began a shift from being a mining based economy to one of a thriving commercial center. This included the State Capital functions, the US Mint operating from 1870 to 1893.

To this day, Carson City’s Historic Downtown is a mecca for sightseers and those with romantic connections to the past. Although many buildings are privately owned and not open to the public in any form, others are available for tours or even open as functional businesses.

While Carson City is home to numerous festivals and special events year round, there is always things to see and do in the city including the railroad museum, the state museum, Gold Hill Depot, Chollar Mine Office, Savage Mining Company office plus numerous residential houses that feature prominently in the history of the region and the state in general.