Reno history

The history of Reno is a fascinating tale of how a small settlement by a river crossing transformed into a bustling city known throughout the world. Its development is inextricably linked to the era of the American West's expansion, gold rushes, and the construction of railways.

Foundation and Early Mentions

Before the city appeared, this area in the Truckee River valley was a vital stopover for settlers heading to California during the Gold Rush. The first permanent settlement appeared here in 1859, when Charles Fuller built a wooden toll bridge across the river. Soon, entrepreneur Myron Lake purchased the bridge and the surrounding lands, establishing a small ranch and an inn for travellers. The official founding date of Reno is considered to be May 9, 1868, when the Central Pacific Railroad was laid through the valley. The city was named in honour of General Jesse Lee Reno, a hero of the American Civil War.

Key Development Factors

Several key factors contributed to Reno's rapid growth:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated in a strategically important valley at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, on the route from the central United States to California. The Truckee River provided the settlement with water and resources.
• Transport Hub: The arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad turned Reno into a major logistics and supply centre for all of northern Nevada, including thriving mining districts such as Virginia City with its famous Comstock Lode.
• Mining Support: Reno served as an economic base for miners extracting gold and silver in the vicinity, which stimulated trade and population influx.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early 20th century, Reno acquired unique features that defined its future destiny. In search of economic stability independent of mining success, Nevada passed several liberal laws. As a result, Reno became known as the "divorce capital" of the US due to simplified marriage dissolution procedures. However, the true turning point was the legalisation of gambling in 1931. This event sparked rapid growth in the city: numerous casinos and hotels opened, attracting tourists from across the country. It was during this period that Reno secured its famous motto — "The Biggest Little City in the World", which still adorns the arch in the city centre today.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1859 — The first permanent settlement is founded when Charles Fuller builds a toll bridge across the Truckee River for settlers.
• May 9, 1868 — Official founding of the city of Reno with the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad, transforming it into an important transport hub.
• 1871 — Reno becomes the administrative centre of Washoe County, strengthening its regional status.
• 1874 — The University of Nevada is established, originally located in the city of Elko.
• 1879 — The settlement officially receives the status of an incorporated town.
• 1886 — The University of Nevada moves from Elko to Reno, providing a powerful boost to the development of education and culture in the city.
• 1901 — Reno receives city status, reflecting its growth and increased importance.
• 1910 — The city hosts the famous "Fight of the Century" boxing match between Jack Johnson and James Jeffries, attracting nationwide attention.
• 1926 — The first famous Reno Arch is built with the motto "The Biggest Little City in the World".
• 1931 — The legalisation of gambling in Nevada launches the rapid development of the casino and hotel industry in Reno.
• 1995 — The National Bowling Stadium opens, a unique facility that cemented Reno's reputation as a hub for this sport.

Key Milestones in Reno's Development

Reno's development is a story of transformation from a Wild West stopover to a diversified economic and cultural centre. The city has passed through several key stages, each leaving a noticeable mark on its architecture, economy, and lifestyle.

• Construction of the Transcontinental Railroad (1868): This moment became the starting point in the city's history. The arrival of the railway instantly turned Reno into a strategic transport and logistics hub, supplying thriving mining districts like Virginia City. This laid the foundation for future economic growth.
• Relocation of the University of Nevada (1886): The move of the state's main university from Elko to Reno was a powerful impulse for cultural and intellectual development. The university not only turned the city into an educational centre but also provided it with qualified personnel, which is especially important for the modern economy.
• Legalisation of Gambling (1931): Amidst the decline of the mining industry, the legalisation of gambling became a lifeline for Nevada's economy. Reno quickly turned into the gaming capital of America, leading to the construction of numerous casinos and hotels, shaping its famous appearance and reputation as "The Biggest Little City in the World".
• Development of the Divorce Industry (Early 20th Century): The adoption of liberal legislation on marriage dissolution made Reno the "divorce capital" of the US. This attracted wealthy individuals from across the country who were required to reside here for several weeks, which in turn stimulated the service sector, trade, and hospitality business.
• Urban Renewal Projects (from the 1980s): To combat the decline of central districts and the consequences of suburban sprawl, the Reno Redevelopment Agency was created. Thanks to its work, landmark projects were realised, such as the construction of the Truckee Riverwalk and the National Bowling Stadium (1995), which helped diversify leisure activities and attract new categories of tourists.
• Technology Boom (Early 21st Century): Starting from the 2000s, Reno has been actively transforming into a technology hub. Thanks to favourable tax conditions, proximity to California, and the presence of major industrial centres, the city has attracted investments from giants such as Tesla, Google, Apple, and Switch. This has led to economic diversification, the creation of thousands of new jobs, and Reno's transformation into a centre of innovation, particularly in logistics, data storage, and clean energy.
• Downtown Revitalisation (2020s): The modern stage of Reno's development is connected with large-scale projects to transform urban space. Former casinos are being rebuilt into multifunctional complexes with housing and offices, new public zones are being created, such as the Reno Neon Line, and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists is improving. These initiatives are aimed at creating a more comfortable and modern urban environment.

Reno's architectural appearance is a visual chronicle of its unique history. The city, which grew from a railway junction, experienced a boom as the "capital of divorce and gambling", and is transforming today into a technology centre, has reflected each of these eras in its buildings. From modest Victorian homes to neon-lit casinos and modern structures, Reno's architecture tells a story of adaptation and bold decisions.

From the Victorian Era to Art Deco

Reno's initial development after its founding in 1868 was linked to the railway, which contributed to the appearance of typical American West settlements. As the city grew in the late 19th century, residential houses in Victorian styles, such as Queen Anne and Italianate, began to appear. However, a real architectural shift occurred in the 1920s and 1930s. The legalisation of gambling and the "divorce capital" status attracted wealthy people and investments to the city, prompting construction in the then-fashionable Art Deco style and its smoother variant — Streamline Moderne. Striking examples of this era are the elegant Downtown Post Office building (1934), designed by the renowned architect Frederic DeLongchamps, and the El Cortez hotel (1931). Even the first famous Reno Arch of 1927 was influenced by Art Deco aesthetics.

The Rise of Modernism and Googie

The post-war period from the 1950s to the 1970s became a golden age for Reno's architecture. The city fully embraced the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, characterised by clean lines, functionality, and the use of new materials such as glass and aluminium. In parallel, the "Googie" style developed — futuristic and flashy, designed to attract the attention of motorists. During this era, many iconic Reno buildings were constructed, including:

• Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts — famous for its gold geodesic dome, built in 1967.
• Fleischmann Planetarium — an example of bold futuristic design.
• Church Fine Arts Building at the University of Nevada, designed by the world-famous modernist architect Richard Neutra.
• Downtown Library, which features a unique internal atrium and is considered a gem of modernism.

Modern Development and Heritage Preservation

Since the 1970s, with the arrival of large corporations in the gaming business, the architecture of the city centre began to change: old structures were replaced by huge casino-hotels, often representing a mix of styles. However, in recent decades, a trend has emerged in Reno towards rethinking urban space and treating history with care. Modern urban planning is aimed at the revitalisation of the centre and the creation of a more comfortable environment. Projects such as the Reno Neon Line strive to renew urban districts while preserving and integrating historical buildings. Adaptive reuse of old structures is taking place, allowing for a harmonious blend of architectural heritage with innovative solutions, reflecting a new stage in Reno's development as a modern technological and cultural centre.

Notable People Connected to Reno

Throughout its history, Reno has been the home or an important life stage for many talented and influential people. From politicians and architects who defined the city's appearance to world-renowned figures in art and sport — here are just a few of them.

• Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps — Architect. One of the most significant architects in Nevada's history, DeLongchamps was born in Reno and designed hundreds of buildings across the state, many of which became hallmarks of the city. His works in Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles, such as the old Post Office and the Washoe County Courthouse, largely shaped Reno's architectural look in the first half of the 20th century.
• Pat McCarran — Politician, US Senator. Born in Reno, he was an influential figure in American politics in the mid-20th century. A graduate of the University of Nevada, he held posts in the state legislature, was Chief Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court, and served as a senator for the state from 1933 to 1954. The international airport in Las Vegas formerly bore his name, before being officially renamed in 2021.
• Dawn Wells — Actress. Born and raised in Reno, she represented Nevada in the "Miss America" pageant in 1959. She gained worldwide fame for her role as Mary Ann Summers in the cult 1960s television series "Gilligan's Island".
• Curtis Hanson — Film director, screenwriter, producer. A native of Reno, Hanson became a recognised master of Hollywood. He is an Academy Award winner for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film "L.A. Confidential", which he also directed.
• Julia Mancuso — Alpine skier. Born in Reno, Mancuso became one of the most decorated American alpine skiers. She is the 2006 Olympic champion in giant slalom and the holder of three more Olympic medals, as well as a five-time World Championship medallist.
• Eric Whitacre — Composer and conductor. One of the most popular modern choral composers, Whitacre was born in Reno. He is known for his innovative works, including the "Virtual Choir" project, which united thousands of singers from around the world. Whitacre is a Grammy Award winner.
• Greg LeMond — Cyclist. Although born in California, LeMond spent his youth and began his career in Reno. He is a three-time winner of the Tour de France and a two-time World Champion, becoming one of the greatest cyclists in US history.