Hotel in Reno

Reno : A Brief History

In 1859, Charles Fuller built a log bridge across the Truckee River and charged a fee to those who passed over it on their way to Virginia City and the gold recently discovered there. Fuller also provided gold-seekers with a place to rest, purchase a meal, and exchange information with other prospectors. In 1861, Myron Lake purchased Fuller's bridge and with the money from the tolls, bought more land and constructed a gristmill, livery stable, and kiln.

When the Central Pacific Railroad reached Nevada from Sacramento in 1868, Lake made sure that his crossing was included in its path by deeding a portion of his land to Charles Crocker (an organizer of the Central Pacific Railroad Company), who promised to build a depot at Lake's Crossing. On May 13, 1868 , the town site of Reno (named after Civil War General Jesse Reno) was officially established. Lake 's remaining land was divided into lots and auctioned off to businessmen and homebuilders.

Because Nevada 's economy was tied to the mining industry and its inevitable ups and downs, the state had to find other means of economic support during the down times. Reno earned the title " Sin City " because it hosted several legal sins, was the scene of illegal underground gambling, and offered quick and easy divorces.

For more on the history of Reno , check out these books:

A Short History of Reno , by Barbara and Myrick Land

Reno : University of Nevada , Press, 1995

Tough Little Town on the Truckee : Reno , 1868-1900, by John M. Townley

Reno : Great Basin Studies Center , 1983