Riverwalk District in Reno in Washoe County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
“The Biggest Little City in the World”
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 21, 2016
1. “The Biggest Little City in the World” Marker
The Reno Arch, with its famous slogan “The Biggest Little City in the World” is one of America’s best known city symbols. The first arch was dedicated in 1926 and the second arch in 1963.
To celebrate the Downtown Redevelopment and Revitalization Project, this arch is dedicated by the people of Reno to the millions of visitors who come to the biggest little city in the world.
Erected 1987.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Landmarks. A significant historical date for this entry is August 8, 1987.
Location. 39° 31.689′ N, 119° 48.814′ W. Marker is in Reno, Nevada, in Washoe County. It is in the Riverwalk District. It is at the intersection of East Commercial Row and North Virginia Street (Business U.S. 395), on the right when traveling east on East Commercial Row. The marker is mounted at eye-level on the landmark Reno Arch, on the east side of the east support column. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Reno NV 89501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Sierra Nevada and in the Lake Tahoe Basin. It is also in the American
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Sister Act" (a few steps from this marker); Jacob Davis's Tailor Shop (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Votes for Women (about 500 feet away); Salvation Army (about 500 feet away); The Reno Depots (about 700 feet away); Mizpah Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ginsburg Jewelry Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Virginia Street Bridges (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Reno.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . Reno Arch (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: The Reno Arch is an iconic landmark in Reno, Nevada spanning Virginia Street at the intersection with Commercial Row. The current sign is the third version of the arch. It is owned and operated by the City of Reno. The original arch was built on October 23,(Submitted on October 1, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)1926 to commemorate the completion of the Lincoln and Victory Highways. The current arch was installed on August 8, 1987, retrofitted with new lights on November 17, 2009 and had its design scheme revised to blue and silver on May 3, 2018. The arch is a prominent feature of downtown Reno and for most of its history has featured the city's motto, The Biggest Little City in the World.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 21, 20162. “The Biggest Little City in the World” — The Reno ArchLooking north along Virginia Street. The marker is on the east side of the east (right) arch support column. This third — and current — arch was installed on August 8, 1987.
The third and current version was installed by YESCO on August 8, 1987. On Tuesday, November 17, 2009, the City of Reno celebrated replacing the 2,076 incandescent 11-watt bulbs in the Reno Arch with 2.5 watt LED bulbs. The old incandescent bulbs were given away to spectators to commemorate the event.
Movies set in Reno, such as Kingpin, Waking up in Reno, The Wizard and Sister Act feature the Reno arch prominently, as it is an icon for Reno newcomers. Many shows and activities, such as Hot August Nights, are held under the arch.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker with context on the east side of the east column • Can you help?
