National Register of Historic Places listings in Carson City, Nevada facts for kids

The city of Carson City, Nevada is home to many amazing old buildings and places. These special spots are recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list kept by the United States government to honor places that are important to history. When a building or area is on this list, it means it's a valuable part of our past. It helps make sure these places are protected and remembered for future generations.

You can find many of these historic places right in Carson City. They tell stories about how people lived, worked, and built the city long ago. Let's explore some of these cool historic sites!

Historic Places in Carson City

Nevada State Capitol

The Nevada State Capitol building is a very important landmark in Carson City. It's where the state's government leaders meet to make laws. Built in 1875, this beautiful building has seen many important decisions made for Nevada. It's a symbol of the state's history and its future.

The Nevada State Capitol building, a historic landmark.

Nevada Governor's Mansion

Imagine living in a grand house where the state's leader lives! The Nevada Governor's Mansion is the official home for Nevada's governor. It was built in 1909 and is a stunning example of old architecture. This mansion has hosted many important people and events over the years. It's a place where history continues to be made.

The beautiful Nevada Governor's Mansion.

Carson City Mint

Did you know that Carson City once had its own mint? The Carson City Mint was a branch of the U.S. Mint. It made gold and silver coins from 1870 to 1893. Today, this historic building is part of the Nevada State Museum. You can visit it to see old coin presses and learn about Nevada's mining past.

The historic Carson City Mint building.

Nevada State Railroad Museum

All aboard for history! The Nevada State Railroad Museum is home to some incredible old trains. It's where you can find the Virginia and Truckee Railway Motor Car 22, also known as the McKeen Motor Car #70. This unique train car was built in 1910. It's so special that it's been named a National Historic Landmark!

The museum also has other historic trains, like the Virginia and Truckee Railway Locomotive No. 27. This powerful locomotive was built in 1913. Another famous pair are the Virginia and Truckee RR. Engines No. 18, The Dayton and No. 22, The Inyo. These engines tell the story of how trains helped Nevada grow.

The McKeen Motor Car #70 at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.

Virginia and Truckee Railway Locomotive No. 27.

Virginia and Truckee Engine No. 22, The Inyo.

Stewart Indian School

The Stewart Indian School is a very important historical site south of Carson City. It was a boarding school for Native American children. It operated from 1890 to 1980. The school's buildings and grounds are now preserved. They help us remember and learn about the history of Native American education in the United States.

The historic grounds of the Stewart Indian School.

Other Interesting Homes and Buildings

Many old homes in Carson City are also on the National Register. These houses show us how people lived in the past.

• Adams House: This house was built in 1876. It's a great example of Victorian architecture.

The historic Adams House.

• Bank Saloon: This building dates back to 1875. It was once a popular saloon and a meeting place for people in the city.

The old Bank Saloon building.

• Brougher Mansion: Built in 1903, this large mansion is known for its grand design. It shows the wealth of some families in Carson City's early days.

The impressive Brougher Mansion.

• Carson Brewing Company: This building, from 1878, was once a place where beer was made. It's a reminder of the city's early industries.

The historic Carson Brewing Company building.

• Carson City Post Office: This building, now called the Paul Laxalt State Building, was built in 1891. It served as a post office and courthouse.

The former Carson City Post Office.

• Orion Clemens House: This house was the home of Orion Clemens, the brother of famous writer Mark Twain. It was built around 1863.

The Orion Clemens House.

• Abraham Curry House: Abraham Curry was a very important person in Carson City's history. He helped found the city. His house, built in 1871, is a key part of its story.

The Abraham Curry House.

• Dat So La Lee House: This house was the home of Dat So La Lee, a famous Washoe basket weaver. Her house, built in 1921, honors her legacy.

The Dat So La Lee House.

• Foreman–Roberts House: This beautiful home was built in 1859. It's one of the oldest houses in Carson City.

The historic Foreman-Roberts House.

• Lew M. Meder House: Built in 1875, this house is another example of the city's historic architecture.

The Lew M. Meder House.

• Nevada State Printing Office: This building, from 1886, was where official state documents were printed.

The Nevada State Printing Office.

• Gov. James W. Nye Mansion: This mansion was home to James W. Nye, the first governor of Nevada Territory. It was built in 1864.

The Gov. James W. Nye Mansion.

• Rinckel Mansion: Built in 1876, this large and fancy house shows the wealth of some of Carson City's early residents.

The Rinckel Mansion.

• Gov. Reinhold Sadler House: This house was the home of Reinhold Sadler, who was governor of Nevada from 1896 to 1903. It was built in 1890.

The Gov. Reinhold Sadler House.

• St. Peter's Episcopal Church: This historic church, built in 1868, is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

• Sears–Ferris House: This house, built in 1863, has a unique history. It was once owned by the family of George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., who invented the Ferris wheel!

The Sears–Ferris House.

• David Smaill House: Built in 1890, this house is another example of the city's historic homes.

The David Smaill House.

• William Spence House: This house, built in 1885, adds to the collection of historic homes in Carson City.

The William Spence House.

• Virginia and Truckee Railroad Depot - Carson City: This old train station, built in 1872, was a busy hub for the Virginia and Truckee Railroad.

The historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad Depot.

• Wabuska Railroad Station: This station, built in 1906, was moved to Carson City to be preserved. It's another piece of Nevada's railroad history.

The Wabuska Railroad Station.

Historic Districts

Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole area is considered historic. These are called "historic districts."

• West Side Historic District: This area includes many old homes and buildings. Walking through it is like taking a step back in time. It shows what Carson City looked like long ago.

A historic home in the West Side Historic District.

Other Unique Places

• Marlette Lake Water System: This isn't a building, but a whole system that brought water to the area. It was built in the 1870s and is an amazing example of early engineering.

A part of the Marlette Lake Water System.

• Nevada State Prison: This historic prison, built in 1862, was once the main prison for Nevada. It closed in 2012, but its history is still important.

The historic Nevada State Prison.

• Raycraft Ranch: This ranch, established in the 1860s, shows the agricultural history of the area. It's a reminder of how people lived off the land.

The historic Raycraft Ranch.

Former listings

Some places were once on the National Register but are no longer listed. For example, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Shops were removed from the list because they were torn down in 1991.