Happy Birthday, Reno!

 

156 years ago, the transcontinental railroad reached Lake's Crossing, where Charles W. Fuller had built a bridge to cross the Truckee River, establishing a connection between Virginia City and the California Trail.  He later sold the property to Myron C. Lake.

With the railroad, construction superintendent Charles Crocker decided to name the community after Major General Jesse Lee Reno, a Union officer killed in the Civil War.

In 1871, Reno became the county seat for Washoe.  Extension of the railroad in 1872 helped boost the local economy.

The University of Nevada was founded in 1874 in Elko, following the Morrill Land Act Grant of 1862.  In 1885, the university was moved to Reno, and Morrill Hall stood alone.

The city was incorporated in 1903, and in 1906 became the "Divorce Capital" thanks to the US Steel Corporation president, William Corey.

In 1926, the Reno Arch was erected to promote the upcoming Transcontinental Highways Exposition of 1927.  Reno City Council decided to keep the arch as a permanent downtown gateway.  In 1929, our slogan was born.

The 30's brought the legalization of gambling and growth of casinos, becoming more what we know today.  The railroad and mining remain an important part of our heritage, and the casinos will always be part of our skyline, but the city has been pushing other aspects for tourism.

You know I love the outdoors here, there is so much to offer.