Reno Arch facts for kids
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The Reno Arch is a famous landmark in Reno, Nevada. It stretches across Virginia Street in the heart of downtown. This arch is actually the third one built in Reno. The City of Reno owns and takes care of it.
The very first arch was put up on October 23, 1926. It celebrated the finishing of two important roads, the Lincoln and Victory Highways. The arch you see today was installed on August 8, 1987. It got new, brighter lights on November 17, 2009. Its colors were changed to blue and silver on May 3, 2018. For most of its history, the arch has proudly displayed Reno's motto: The Biggest Little City in the World.
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The Arch's Story: A Look Back
The first Reno Arch was built on October 23, 1926. It was made to promote a big event called the Nevada Transcontinental Highway Exposition. This event celebrated the completion of the Lincoln and Victory Highways. These highways helped connect the country.
After the celebration, Reno's city leaders decided to keep the arch. They wanted it to be a permanent welcome sign for downtown. They held a contest to find a new slogan for the arch. G. A. Burns won $100 for his idea: "Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World." This slogan first appeared on the arch on June 25, 1929.
Changes to the Slogan and Arch
In 1934, some people didn't like the new slogan. It was briefly replaced with a green neon "RENO." But many residents missed the old slogan. So, it returned with new letters. The original arch was replaced in 1963. It was then moved to Idlewild Park for a few years.
Later, the first arch was stored away. In 1994, it was put back together for a movie called Cobb. Since 1995, this original arch has been located on Lake Street. You can find it just south of the Truckee River.
The Second and Third Arches
In 1963, a new, larger arch replaced the first one. This second arch had plastic panels and a spinning star. It also featured the "Biggest Little City in the World" slogan. After this arch was replaced, it was given to the city of Willits. Willits changed it to say "Gateway to the Redwoods."
The third and current Reno Arch was put up on August 8, 1987. It was built by a company called YESCO. On November 17, 2009, the city made an exciting change. They replaced all 2,076 old light bulbs with new, energy-saving LED bulbs. The old bulbs were given to people watching the event.
A New Look for the Arch
On December 13, 2017, the Reno City Council voted to change the arch's colors. They decided on silver and blue with shiny silver legs. One reason for this change was that the old gold legs were hard to keep clean. The new colors also connect to the University of Nevada, Reno. This update cost over $225,000 and was finished on May 3, 2018.
Why the Reno Arch is Special
The Reno Arch is a symbol of the city. It has appeared in many movies set in Reno. Films like Kingpin, Waking up in Reno, The Wizard, and Sister Act all show the arch. It helps people recognize Reno. Many fun events and activities, such as Hot August Nights, happen right under the arch. It's a central part of Reno's identity.
See also
- Bakersfield Sign
- Modesto Arch
- Paifang
- Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
