Historical Buildings

For many of us, the subject of history may bring us back to a classroom filled with rows of desks, where we sat listening to lectures, memorizing dates, and wondering when we would ever use that information again. It’s easy to see why history can sometimes feel dry or disconnected from our everyday lives.  

There's something especially compelling about history when it comes to our region.  We're surrounded by so many places where it still feels alive - Virginia City (a true Wild West town), Carson City (our state capital), Genoa (Nevada's first settlement), Lake Tahoe (the ancestral home of the Washoe), Donner Lake (the Donner Party and the challenges of westward expandion) and, of course, our home, Reno (once known as the "Divorce Capital of the World").  These places celebrate history like no other, with museums such as Nevada State Museum, interpretive plaque-lined trails like Lamwatah Trail, events like Bonanza Days & Genoa Candy Dance that immerse us in the stories, heritage, and history that shaped our region.

Maybe I’ve been influenced by hundreds of movies when it comes to imagining different eras, but that’s part of what makes history so much fun. We get to bring these stories to life through our own experiences, curiosity, and imagination, almost like stepping into a time machine and visiting moments we can never truly get back.  

Reno is full of the kind of history that gets me excited about life.  When we learn about where we came from, we could develop a deeper appreciation for our home by celebrating the milestones, struggles, and challenges of those who came before us.

And the more I learn, the more I realize that, after all these years, we are not so different from those who came before us. We still dream, we still struggle, we still build, and we still search for connection and a place to call home.

Reno's identity was shaped by the promise of opportunity. From the Washoe people who first called this region home, to the excitement of the Comstock mining era, the arrival of the transcontinental railroad, thriving ranches, and the entrepreneurs who helped the city grow, each generation has contributed to the character and spirit of the Biggest Little City.

These historic buildings are pieces of our collective memory, reminders of where we started, how far we’ve come, and the stories that continue to shape Reno and the people who call it home.

Lake Mansion