The Consolidated Municipality of Carson City is the capital of the State of Nevada. The population was 52,457 at the 2000 census. Carson City is now an independent city and is its own Metropolitan Statistical Area. Like many towns in Nevada, Carson City was founded in the early boom days of mining. A center of silver mining, Carson City was the county seat of the former Ormsby County and was named for explorer Kit Carson.
Carson City has the distinction of being the smallest of the 363 Metropolitan Statistical Areas as designated by the United States Census Bureau (as of July 1, 2007).
The largest nearby city to Carson City is Reno, about 30 miles (48 km) to the north. Carson City is one of only two capital cities in the United States that borders another state (California); the other is Trenton, New Jersey (bordering Pennsylvania). Alaska's capital city, Juneau, borders British Columbia, Canada. Apart from Juneau, Carson City is the most remote state capital in the U.S., as it is over 250 miles away from the state center of population.
History
The first Europeans to arrive in what is known as Eagle Valley were John C. Fremont and his exploration party in January 1843.[1] Fremont named the river flowing through the valley, Carson River, in honor of his famous mountain man scout, Christopher "Kit" Carson. Prior to Fremont's expedition, Washoe Indians inhabited the valley and surrounding areas.
By 1851 the Eagle Station ranch located along the Carson River served as a trading post and stopover for travelers on the California Trail's Carson Branch which ran through Eagle Valley. The trading post and valley received their named from a bald eagle, hunted and killed by one of the early settlers, featured on the wall of the post. In 1858 Abraham Curry bought Eagle Station and named the settlement there Carson City after the Carson River and indirectly after Kit Carson.[2]
As Curry and several other partners had Eagle Valley surveyed for development. Curry had decided for himself that Carson City would someday serve as the capital city and left a 10-acre (40,000 m2) plot open in the center of town for a future capitol building.
Following the discovery of gold and silver on the nearby Comstock Lode in 1859, Carson City's population began to rise. Curry built the crude Warm Springs Hotel a mile to the east of downtown. As he predicted Carson City was selected as the territorial capital, beating out Virginia City and American Flat. Curry loaned the Warm Springs Hotel to the territorial Legislature as a meeting hall. The Legislature named Carson City to be the seat of Ormsby County and selected the hotel as the territorial prison with Curry serving as its first warden. Today the property still serves as part of the state prison.
The advent of the Civil War made statehood an almost certainty. Nevada became a state in 1864, Carson City was confirmed as permanent capital. Carson City's development was no longer dependent on the mining industry and instead became a thriving commercial center. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad was built between Virginia City and Carson City. A wooden flume was also built from the Sierra Nevadas into Carson City. The current capitol building was constructed from 1870-71.
Carson City's population and transportation traffic plummeted when the Southern Pacific Railroad built a line through Donner Pass, too far to the north to benefit Carson City. The city was slightly revitalized with the mining booms in Tonopah and Goldfield. The U.S. Federal building (now renamed the Paul Laxalt Building) was completed in 1890. Carson City resigned itself to small city status advertising as "America's smallest capital." The city slowly grew, and by 1960 it had reached its 1880 population. Portions of Ormsby County had been given over to neighboring counties and by this time the county was not much larger than the city itself. In 1969 Ormsby County was officially dissolved and Carson City took over all municipal services with an independent city status. With this consolidation, Carson City absorbed former town sites such as Empire City, which had grown up in the 1860s as a milling center along the Carson River and current U.S. 50. Carson City could now advertise itself as one of America's largest state capitals with its 146 square miles (380 km2) of city limits.[3]
In 1991, the city adopted a downtown master plan, specifying that no building within 500 feet (152 m) of the capitol is allowed to pass it in height, which prohibits future high-rise development in the center of downtown.[4] The Ormsby House is currently the tallest building in downtown Carson City, at a height of 117 feet. The structure was completed in 1972.[5]
Demographics
| Historical populations |
| Census |
Pop. |
|
%± |
| 1860 |
714 |
|
—
|
| 1870 |
3,042 |
|
326.1% |
| 1880 |
4,229 |
|
39.0% |
| 1890 |
3,950 |
|
−6.6% |
| 1900 |
2,100 |
|
−46.8% |
| 1910 |
2,466 |
|
17.4% |
| 1920 |
1,685 |
|
−31.7% |
| 1930 |
1,596 |
|
−5.3% |
| 1940 |
2,478 |
|
55.3% |
| 1950 |
3,082 |
|
24.4% |
| 1960 |
5,163 |
|
67.5% |
| 1970 |
15,468 |
|
199.6% |
| 1980 |
32,022 |
|
107.0% |
| 1990 |
40,443 |
|
26.3% |
| 2000 |
52,547 |
|
29.9% |
| Est. 2007 |
54,939 |
|
4.6% |
| source:[6][7] |
As of the census[8] of 2000, there are 52,457 people, 20,171 households, and 13,252 families residing in the city. The population density is 366 people per square mile (141/km²). There are 21,283 housing units at an average density of 148/sq mi (57/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 85.30% White, 1.80% Black or African American, 2.40% Native American, 1.77% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 6.46% from other races, and 2.12% from two or more races.20% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 20,171 households, out of which 29.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.00% are married couples living together, 11.00% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.30% are non-families. 27.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.00% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.44 and the average family size is 2.97.
The city's age distribution is: 23.40% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 106.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 108.20 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $41,809, and the median income for a family is $49,570. Males have a median income of $35,296 versus $27,418 for females. The per capita income for the city is $20,943. 10.00% of the population and 6.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.70% of those under the age of 18 and 5.80% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Former towns within city limits
Lakeview was established by the Virginia & Truckee Water Co. in 1870, taking its name from the views offered there of Washoe Lake. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad later made a station and post office there. The Lakeview post office continued in operation on and off until 1894. Lakeview is today a residential neighborhood along the west side of U.S. 395 on the north border of the city limits.
Empire City started on the north bank of the Carson River as an overland station and tavern run by an early resident named Nicholas "Dutch Nick" Ambrose. Empire City thrived on the silver and logging industries and as early as 1860 streets and lots were surveyed. The town was nicknamed "Seaport" due to the large amount of logging traffic on the Carson River. The city grew to a peak of 700 inhabitants between 1865 and 1875 and featured hotels, grocery stores, real estate offices, saloons, stables and an elementary school. A number of mills ran throughout the Carson River Canyon just to the east as well as the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Empire City declined as the Comstock declined. The post office closed in 1910 and only one family remained by 1960. Today the neighborhood of New Empire is located near the intersection of U.S. 50 and Fairview Drive west of the location of Empire City. Empire Cemetery still remains overlooking the Carson River at the site of the Morgan Mill.
Government and politics
Nevada's capital had been a Republican stronghold, often voting for Republicans by wide margins. In 2004, George Bush defeated John Kerry 57-40%. In 2008 however Barack Obama became the first Democrat since 1964 to win Carson City, defeating John McCain 49% to 48%, a margin of under 1%.
In 1964 Carson City was the county seat of Ormsby County, which no longer exists. In 1969, all of Ormsby County merged with Carson City. So President Obama was the first Democrat in history to carry the geographically large modern city.
Climate
Carson City is situated in a high desert river valley of approximately 4,730 feet (1,440 m) above sea level. There are four fairly distinct seasons, all of which are relatively mild compared to many parts of the country. Winters see typically light to medium snowfall. Most precipitation occurs in winter and spring, with summer and fall being fairly dry, drier than neighboring California. Mid-summer highs typically top out in the 90s, however, temperatures of 100 degrees and above do occur on occasion. The low humidity and high elevation generally make even the hottest and coldest days bearable. July high and low temperatures average at 91 and 51, respectively, while in January this drops to a high of 45 and a low of 22. The Carson River flows from Douglas County through the southernwestern edge of Carson City.
 Weather averages for Carson City  |
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Year |
| Average high °F (°C) |
45
(7) |
51
(11) |
56
(13) |
63
(17) |
71
(22) |
80
(27) |
89
(32) |
88
(31) |
80
(27) |
70
(21) |
56
(13) |
47
(8) |
66
(19) |
| Average low °F (°C) |
21
(-6) |
25
(-4) |
29
(-2) |
33
(1) |
39
(4) |
46
(8) |
51
(11) |
49
(9) |
42
(6) |
33
(1) |
26
(-3) |
21
(-6) |
35
(2) |
| Precipitation inches (mm) |
2.00
(50.8) |
1.46
(37.1) |
1.23
(31.2) |
0.47
(11.9) |
0.65
(16.5) |
0.54
(13.7) |
0.32
(8.1) |
0.29
(7.4) |
0.45
(11.4) |
0.59
(15) |
1.19
(30.2) |
1.82
(46.2) |
11.01
(279.7) |
| Source: {{{source}}} {{{accessdate}}} |
Education
Primary and secondary schools
Public schools
The Carson City School District operates eleven schools in Carson City.
Bordewich-Bray Elementary School, Empire Elementary School, Fremont Elementary School, Fritsch Elementary School, Seeliger Elementary School, Gleason Elementary, and Mark Twain Elementary School.
Carson Middle School and Eagle Valley Middle School are the district's two middle schools. Carson High School is the only district public high school serving Carson City. Carson High is on Saliman Road. In addition Silver State Charter High School is located in Carson City.
Private schools
Capital Christian School, Bethlehem Lutheran, Sierra Lutheran High School, Faith Christian Academy, Grace Christian Academy, and St. Teresa's are in Carson City.
Colleges and universities
Western Nevada College (WNC) is a regionally accredited, two year and four institution which is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education.www.nshe.edu The college has an enrollment of approximately 6,000. It has a prison education program, which offers classes to degree-seeking inmates in five correctional institutions throughout northern Nevada. Courses are conducted daytime and evening in the classroom, by cablecast, and on the Internet. WNC offers associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied science or associate of general studies degrees, one-year certificates, or certificates of completion in more than 50 career fields, including architecture, auto/diesel mechanics, criminal justice, dental hygiene, graphic design, nursing, and welding. Recently, the college has added a four-year program.
Sports
Carson City has never hosted any professional team sports. Carson City did host the famous heavy weight professional boxing match between Bob Fitzsimmons and "Gentleman" Jim Corbett over a hundred years ago. The status of team sports could change with the possible relocation of a Golden Baseball League franchise currently known as the Reno Silver Sox, who are being forced to relocate due to the arrival of the Pacific Coast League's Reno Aces. City officials and league officials are currently negotiating bringing the franchise to the city in time to play in either the 2009 or 2010 seasons.[9]
Transportation
Carson City is one of five state capitals not served by an interstate highway (Dover, Delaware; Jefferson City, Missouri; Juneau, Alaska, and Pierre, South Dakota are the other four). This will soon change as Interstate 580, also known as the Carson City Freeway,[10] is currently under construction. This will eventually link Carson City to Reno and Interstate 80.
The Regional Transportation System of Washoe County (RTC) provides public transportation service between Reno and Carson City, and on Oct. 3, 2005, Carson City's first modern bus system, Jump Around Carson, or JAC,[11] opened to the public. JAC uses a smaller urban bus that is ideal for Carson City.
Carson City is also served by the Carson City Airport, which is a regional airport in the northern part of the city. Reno-Tahoe International Airport,which is 28 miles (45 km) away, handles international and domestic commercial flights.
Major highways
Adjacent counties
Literature
The book A Basque Hotel, nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, written by the Basque-American author Robert Laxalt, is set in Carson City in the early decades of the twentieth century. The author was the younger brother of Paul Laxalt, a former Nevada governor and US Senator for Nevada. Western Nevada, particularly the Carson City and Reno areas, is known for its significant Basque population.
Images
Historic St Charles Hotel in Carson City
|
Former Carson City Post Office
|
The Governor's Mansion in Carson City
|
Monument on the capitol grounds listing all Nevada Police Officers who died in the line of duty
|
Recreation
Carson City offers a wide variety of city parks, museums and recreation opportunities. City parks offer opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, sports, nature walks, historic sites and train rides. The rave scene has been growing in Carson City as of recently and successful shows are booming within the area. Carson City also plays host to a number of historic buildings and houses. Several of the buildings and homes have been converted into museums while others have been preserved and are privately owned.
While there are no ski slopes within Carson City, the city is located close to Heavenly Mountain Resort, Diamond Peak and Mount Rose skiing areas. Much of the open space in Carson City is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). There are public access sites to BLM land at many locations throughout the city. The Carson Ranger District manages 360,000 acres (1,500 km2) of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and is headquartered in Carson City.
The Carson Range runs through the far western part of the city limits and this area is known as the "Carson City Wilderness Area".[12] Along the Tahoe Rim Trail in this part of the city is Snow Valley Peak, which rises 9,214 feet (2,808 m) above sea level making it the highest point in the city limits and offers views of Lake Tahoe.
The Virginia Range and Carson River run through the eastern part of the city, home to the Carson River Aquatic Trail. There are no paved roads in the far eastern part of the city making it a popular for off road vehicles, hiking and biking.
City parks
- Sports
- Mills Park - miniature railroad, farmers market, hockey rink, Aquatic Facility
- Edmonds Sport Complex - soccer fields
- Centennial Park - baseball diamonds, archery
- Governor's Field - baseball diamonds
- Pony Express Airpark - model airplane field
- Carson River Park - boat launch, BLM trailheads
- Biking/Hiking
- Riverview Park - hiking trails along the Carson River, Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Lakeview Park - hiking trails, views of Washoe Lake, mill ruins
- Mexican Ditch Trail - hiking/biking/equestrian trail following Mexican Ditch (irrigation)
- V&T Multi-Use Trail - biking trail along old Virginia & Trail R.R.
- Natural Areas
- Ambrose-Carson Natural Area - nature trails with interpretive brochure created by Carson High School
- Fulstone Wetlands
Museums
- Nevada State Capitol - original capitol still housing the governor's offices with museum exhibits
- Nevada State Museum - former state mint featuring rock, mining and prehistoric exhibits, and a recreated Wild West village
- Nevada State Railroad Museum - featuring the Inyo locomotive and reolcated Wabuska Railroad Station
- Stewart Indian School - museum collection includes items from former faculty, students and school[13]
- Foreman-Roberts House Museum[14] - Gothic Revival architecture, tours available.
- Ferris House[15] - (not open to public) home of George Ferris, inventor of the Ferris wheel
Open land
- Silver Saddle Ranch - working ranch, public access to BLM land, hiking/biking/equestrian trails
- Mexican Dam - stone dam across the Carson River 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Silver Saddle Ranch, built in 1860, accessible via hiking, biking or horseback
- Prison Hill - BLM public access, California Trail historic markers, location of the Stewart "S"
- Carson Aquatic Trail - boating and rafting
- Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (Carson Ranger District)
- Kings Canyon Road - hiking/biking/4x4 trail
- Kings Canyon Falls - approx. 3 miles (4.8 km) from downtown off Kings Canyon Road
- Snow Valley Peak - 9,214 ft (2,808 m) - accessible along Tahoe Rim Trail or through Lake Tahoe – Nevada State Park.
- Tahoe Rim Trail - Spooner Summit trailhead just outside city limits along U.S. 50
- Lake Tahoe – Nevada State Park - hiking, biking, fishing, backwoods camping
- Washoe Lake State Park - borders city to the north, sailing, swimming, hiking
- Brunswick Canyon Road - biking/off roading through far eastern part of city
- "C Hill" - hill featuring the Carson City "C" and giant American Flag, trailhead parking behind R.R. museum
- Rifle Range - near Brunswick Canyon and the Ormsby Landfill
References
External links
