Early Reno

Images of America: Nevada

by Nevada Historical Society Docent Council

In 1868, Reno was a rough railroad town located on the new Central Pacific railroad line and quickly became the transportation hub for the greatest silver strike in the world, the Comstock Lode in Virginia City. By the early 1900s, Reno was the state's financial and industrial center. The automobile and the arrival of the Lincoln and Victory Highways made Reno a convenient place for a quick divorce, and between 1910 and 1970, it was known as the divorce capital of the world. Gaming thrived in Reno's back rooms and alleys since its earliest days, and became the state's major economic force after it was legalized in 1931. Known as the "Biggest Little City," Reno was famous as a place where one could do things that were difficult to do anywhere else.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2011

Reviews

[Jill James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just moved to the area and loved a look at the early history of Reno. The old photos were awesome.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an early history of Reno when it was on route to the Comstock mines, and how gambling started in back rooms but is now famous for being a gambling town, and getting married and divorced of course. It is a very charming place.