Carson City

History Around Carson City

When explorer John C. Fremont came to the future site of Carson City, Nevada – a region where the indigenous Washoe people have lived for 6,000 to 9,000 years – in the 1840s, he named the river flowing through the land after his hired scout, Kit Carson. About a decade later, Abraham Curry (considered the founding father of Carson City) and a group of influential settlers purchased 865 acres here, hoping to carve out a new territory from Utah. These efforts were greatly assisted by the 1859 discovery of the Comstock Lode, which brought more residents to the area in search of gold and silver riches, including Mark Twain himself. The aptly-nicknamed Silver State officially gained statehood on October 31, 1864, and Carson City was officially named the capital of Nevada. 

You can dive deeper into the history of Nevada at the still-standing structures where it originally took place. Inside the Nevada State Capitol building, constructed in 1871, you’ll find Battle Born Hall, a free-to-visit museum dedicated to the people and events that shaped our state. And housed in Carson City’s former United States Mint branch is the Nevada State Museum, which features a replicated mining town, a prehistoric mammoth whose bones were found in the Black Rock Desert, and a still-in-use historic coin press that dates back to the original minting operation. Over at the Nevada State Railroad Museum–Carson City, train lovers can peruse an extraordinary collection of railroad artifacts (like the built-in-1875 Inyo, one of the oldest operating steam locomotives in the country) and take a ride on the Virginia & Truckee’s storied rails. 

Restaurants in Carson City

Sassafras’ fresh and far-out menu (we’re talking black and blue shrimp fondue, superfraggacheesalicious loaf, and a peanut butter and bacon burger) is only the beginning of amazing eats in Carson City. A bakery case full of mouthwatering pastries and desserts – plus tantalizing soups, salads, and sandwiches – awaits at LA Bakery Café & Eatery, which can cater to many kinds of dietary needs. Belly up for super tasty Basque at Villa Basque Café, where you can dig into dishes like paella, lamb stew, and chorizo omelets and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.

At Great Basin Brewing Co., “local means fresh” and “fresh means better,” which means a meal here is a must. Pick from pastas, pizzas, and burgers made with locally sourced products while washing ‘em down with Nevada’s most famous brews. You can also keep the caffeine flowing with specialty coffees from Old World Coffee Lab, located at the back side of the very same building. 

Carson City-Area Events

Consider Carson City’s special events the icing on top of an already-awesome cake. Foodies flock to Taste of Downtown, a big ol’ block party featuring small plates from dozens of restaurants, boutique shopping, and live music. Likewise, Capital City Brewfest brings upwards of 30 local and regional breweries together with vendors and bands for fun in the summer sun. 

Count the capital of Nevada in for big cultural celebrations, too. The Stewart Father’s Day Powwow is free to attend and an absolute blast, highlighting Nevada’s American Indian heritage and pride with hundreds of dancers, drum performances, food, and vendors.

Carson City’s Jazz & Beyond Music & Art Festival features free concerts, themed days, and specialty showcases, while you can see and shop (and make your own!) gourd art, woodworking, basketry, and all kinds of fine arts and crafts at the Silver State Art Festival. 

And trust us – no other state celebrates their statehood like the Silver State. The Nevada Day Parade takes over Carson City at the end of every October, including hundreds of floats, Burning Man art cars, marching bands, and a variety of entertainment. A hot air balloon launch and pancake breakfast precede the parade, with beard, rock drilling, and chalk art contents keeping the fun going afterward. There may be other Nevada Day celebrations throughout the state, but nobody does it quite as big as Carson City, Nevada!