Relocation Guide: The Abridged History of Reno
A city’s history can give you an interesting perspective on how the area handles change, evolves over the years, and grows to meet the needs of its residents. How a place gets its start is only the beginning of the story, but how the city handles challenges and adapts to the world around it brings life to the story. The history of Reno is full of adventure and growth — let’s dive in!
For thousands of years, the Northern Nevada geographic area has been inhabited by four contemporary tribes — Washoe, Northern Paiute, Southern Paiute, and Western Shoshone. In fact, as you explore the region, you can find ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks.
As colonizers moved out west, Reno began as a simple crossing area for travelers heading to California to mine for gold, but a discovery of the Comstock Lode in Virginia City in 1859 would soon bring a massive influx of travelers and residents to Northern Nevada. Just as the transcontinental railroad reached Reno in 1868, the city was officially established, and from there, the city took off.
1874 brought the creation of the University of Nevada as a land-grant university, and then in 1885, the primary campus was built — solidifying Reno’s reputation as a cultural center and giving it the nickname “The Biggest Little City in the World.” The nickname highlighted the area’s wide range of amenities in a city that was relatively small in size, and the name stuck.
In the early 1900s, Reno became the divorce capital of the world, allowing residents to get a relatively quick divorce when compared to the rest of the states at this time. The 1930s was a revolutionary time for Nevada as gambling was legalized and the destination hotel and casino gaming model was created. Virginia Street then became the epicenter of the city, filling with locally-owned hotels, casinos, and retail stores.
As automobile tourism grew in the 20th century, Reno’s economy centered around tourism, gaming, and entertainment industries. Since then, Reno’s economy has also grown to include several small businesses, engineering and manufacturing jobs, and more.
Reno has a rich history and the city continues to evolve. It’s a beautiful place to call home, and if you have questions about what it’s like relocating to the Reno-Sparks community, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!
