Carson City is Nevada’s proud capital, home to approximately 58,000 people and an independent city. The city is located in one of the most scenic and historic areas of the United States and is the perfect vantage point for a sight-seeing vacation.

Carson City is named for Christopher ‘Kit’ Carson, a famous frontiersman and explorer. The area of Carson City had been sparsely settled by explorers and ranchers since the early 1840s and consisted of the Eagle Station trading post. The area was a settler’s resting post between the harsh deserts they had just crossed and Sierra Nevada Mountains still stretching before them. The late 1840s and early 1850s saw a boom of travel from east to west following the discovery of gold in California.

In 1858, Abraham Curry purchased the land and his vision of Carson City being the capital of Nevada was one of the major reasons that this came to fruition. Curry planned a 10-acre plaza in the center of the city for the future state capitol and envisioned the expansion of the city in the coming years. In 1859, when silver was discovered on the hills east of Carson City, thousands of miners amassed on the area and it became a thriving commercial center. After statehood was received in 1864, Carson City was confirmed as Nevada’s capital.

If a visitor to Carson City would like to capture the feel of the city in its early days, they can take participate in the Kit Carson Trail which is a walking tour through the old neighborhoods and historic residential homes. The walk is self-guided through a blue painted line along the sidewalk and bronze medallions indicating the landmarks: estate homes, churches and museums.

The capitol building in the town’s center is another historical must-see. The stately building which is over 135 years old lies is the center of an impressive complex including the State Capitol, Legislative Building, Supreme Court, and State Library and Archives. The impressive buildings are surrounded by native plants and trees visitors are able to conceptualize Curry’s idea that this complex would be the heart of the capital of Nevada.

A number of museums are also a great way to experience the nature of the area. The Nevada State Museum allows visitors to see a life-size ghost town, creep through a silver mine and experiment with machines used to mint old silver coins. The Nevada State Railroad Museum offers a display of restored Virginia and Truckee Railroad equipment, and free rides on the trains are available on weekends and holidays. The Northern Nevada Children’s Museum is a perfect place for younger visitors to have a fun learning experience with hands-on displays, equipment and exhibitions.

Dozens of hotels, motels, inns, pubs, restaurants and casinos make up Carson City’s hospitality spread. Visitors will find accommodation options to fit every taste and budget, as well of plenty of culinary choices for hungry travelers. Carson City’s proximity to the Eastern Sierra presents the adventurous visitor with countless exquisite biking and hiking trails, and plenty of locations for water sports. The combination of the desert scenery and the lush mountain trails allows the visitor to experience Nevada at its best.

Come and experience the true essence of the Nevadan state – visit Carson City for the combination of a buzzing city with the tranquility of the gorgeous landscape.

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