Guide to Carson City, Nevada

Carson City was founded in 1858 by pioneer Abraham Curry. The city takes its name from the Carson River.

John Fremont, an early explorer to the area,
named the river for his scout and good friend, “Kit” Carson.

After the organization of the Nevada territory in 1861, Carson City was designated as both the capital of the territory and the county seat. But what really shot life into the area and made it a commercial and industrial center was the discovery of the Comstock Lode, a distinctly large concentration of gold and silver that was discovered in nearby Virginia City, resulting in fame and fortune for those who were lucky enough to be in the mining business. Soon after, Carson City became the area’s urban and social center as people who worked nearby came to town for supplies. The most famous of the local mines was owned and maintained by the Comstock Mining Company, which had its headquarters in Carson City.

From its “flash in the pan” beginnings Carson City has become Nevada’s fifth-largest city and state capital, with over 44,000 residents. As it continues to grow, so do the opportunities. Many jobs in government, manufacturing, retail and tourism-related services show excellent promise. Homes and apartments are available in all price ranges and styles throughout the city. The average price a two-bedroom apartments is around $645. People from all over the West have become interested in the area, attracted by the lack of congestion, low home and land prices, and the fresh mountain air. In addition, Western Nevada Community College in Carson City has been a growing member of Nevada’s higher education system. It is one of only four two-year colleges in the state.

Sitting at 4,678 feet above sea-level, Carson City enjoys a semi-desert climate and rugged, scenic surroundings.

Summers are warm and dry with cool evenings and winters are cold with up to 30 inches of snow. On average, there are 266 days of sunshine a year.

Carson City is centrally located to a variety of activities. Only 30 minutes east of Lake Tahoe and close to many parks, sports enthusiasts will find an unlimited amount of things to do in this area, including hunting, fishing, camping, boating and hiking. In the nearby hills the natural environment supports bighorn sheep, elk, antelope, deer and a variety of other wildlife. Carson City residents also enjoy two championship golf courses along with 600 acres of park land. Several annual events occur throughout the year in town, including the Kit Carson Rendezvous in June and the Capitol City Fair in July.

Carson City Nevada Casinos

Vital Stats

Location: Carson City encompasses 146 square miles in northwest Nevada at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is 30 miles south of Reno and 128 miles east of Sacramento, California.

Population: 54,080

Average summer temperature: 80° F

Average winter temperature: 38° F

Phone Numbers of Note

Chamber of Commerce

Phone: (775) 882-1565

Website: www.carsoncitychamber.com/

Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau

Phone: (775) 687-7410

Website: www.visitcarsoncity.com/

Nevada State Employment Security Department, Carson City Office

Phone: (775) 687-4560