Carson City
Nevada's State Capital, one of the state’s oldest communities, was established in 1851 as Eagle Station, a trading post and ranch on the Carson Branch of the California Immigrant Trail, by Frank and Warren L. Hall, George Follansbee, Joe and Frank Bernard and A.J. Rollins. The station and surrounding valley took their name from an eagle skin stretched on the wall of the trading post.
In 1858, Abraham Curry purchased much of the Eagle Ranch after finding that lots in Genoa were too expensive. Together with his friends, John Musser, Frank Proctor and Ben Green, Curry platted a town he called Carson City. Curry left a plaza in the center of the planned community for a capitol building should the territorial or state seat of government be located in his town sometime in the future.
In March 1861, Congress created the Nevada Territory. Seven months later, November, 1861, Carson City became the capital of the territory due to the efforts of Curry and William M. Stewart. When Nevada became a state three years later, Carson City was selected as the state capital, and by 1871, the present capitol building was completed in the plaza Curry had reserved it for.
Erected by Division of Historical Preservation and Archeology and the Carson City Historic Commission. (Marker Number 44.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1861.
Location.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nevada’s Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Fraternal Site of Carson City (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Elm (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tribute to Nevada Miners (about 300 feet away); Felice Cohn (about 300 feet away); Ormsby House (about 300 feet away); USS Nevada BB-36 (about 300 feet away); Rinckel Mansion (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carson City.
Regarding Carson City. See additional “Near By” markers for additional information on Carson City, the Capitol Building and the Capitol Plaza.
Also see . . . New Amended Text for Marker. The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recently updated the text of the roughly 260 state historical markers in Nevada. The Nevada SHPO placed the amended text of the markers on its website for each individual marker and will change the actual markers in the field as funding allows. Minor changes have been made to the marker for grammar and readability. The link will take you to the Nevada SHPO page for the marker with the amended text. (Submitted on October 24, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,222 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on July 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on July 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7. submitted on July 17, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 8, 9, 10. submitted on July 18, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.