Schmap Reno Historical Background

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Reno - Historical Background
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Reno Home

Many golden Nevada moons ago, Native American tribes met in the Truckee Meadows to play their games of chance. They played for pelts, baskets, jewelry or the most precious of all--a bearskin. Even before the first pioneers set foot in the lush meadows, there was gambling on the banks of the Truckee. For many generations the migratory members of the Paiute, Shoshone and Washoe tribes had the peaceful beauty of the land to themselves. Would their idyllic existence last?

In 1844, John C. Fremont led a mapping expedition with the help of a Paiute chief who escorted the party through the wilderness of the Pyramid Lake region to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Two years later, in 1846, the ill fated Donner party would rest on the banks of the cool Truckee before trying to cross the rugged mountains on their way to California. However, their disastrous journey did not discourage those who followed during the gold rush.

Trail to the West

Soon the Truckee Meadows became the meeting point of the emigrant trail going east to west and the north-south passage. The dust swirled in the air from the wagons passing through the valley. Ruts made by the wheels still remain as testament to the long, hard journey. During this time, an entrepreneurial gentleman named Charles Fuller decided he could make money by building a toll bridge across the Truckee to accommodate the travelers going west. In a log shelter close to the crossing, weary travelers and prospectors could rest and compare travel tales. Card games where a favorite way to entertain themselves; gold was the favorite pot to win. Gambling flourishes once again on the banks of the river.

In 1861, after having to rebuild the bridge several times because of floods, Fuller sold his business to Myron Lake, whose vision for the future was the start of a thriving community. His dream of connecting east with west by railroad would become reality. In March of 1868, the first train rolled into Lake's Crossing. Teamed with a gentleman by the name of Charles Crocker, Lake was able to exact a promise from the Central Pacific Railroad to build a depot on his property. Land in the community was divided into lots and auctioned to builders. Civilization grows on the Truckee.

Moral Tug-of-War

With more pioneers deciding to remain in the beautiful, thriving area, and spurred by the newfound wealth from gold and silver, gambling and other vices became the "hot button" issues of the day. In 1908 the Reno Anti-Gambling League was formed and they succeeded in their mission to outlaw gaming. It was not long until laws eased to allow very restricted, "civilized" games. Furtive, high-stakes gambling never stopped even with the ban on wagering. It was not long until the likes of Baby Face Nelson, John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd found the hidden gambling clubs to be useful in money laundering. Prostitution and bootleg liquor became big business under the guidance of these criminal masterminds.

With the decline of the gold and silver boom and the start of the Great Depression, a campaign was started by Mayor E. E. Roberts to ease the laws against alcohol, gambling and divorce. He rationalized that previous prohibitions did not work and revenues could be gained from licensing and taxing these establishments. A law legalizing gambling was signed in 1931. Games of chance had again returned to the banks of the Truckee.

The Business of Wedding

Putting an end to matrimonial woes became big business in Reno during the 1930s. With only a six-week waiting period finally established, thousands of couples received a "quickie" divorce. The rich and famous had found the ideal place to gain their freedom. Elegant hotels and dude ranches sprang from the green meadows to accommodate the influx of those casting off the shackles of marriage. Soon the Truckee River was flowing with diamond rings thrown in by happy divorcees. During World War II, weddings became the business of choice. Judges and clergy worked overtime to wed throngs of couples hoping for wedded bliss. In 1945 alone, more than eighteen thousand couples tied the knot. The first commercial wedding chapel was established in 1956 next to the Washoe County Courthouse. "In and Out" marriages became big business along the Truckee.

“Sin City”

Bill Harrah and Harold Smith were among the first to realize the amazing potential in gaming establishments. Reno had the wealthy visitors and they might as well spend their money in the casinos. Starting modestly, the two soon built their individual establishments into the most popular places in town. Slot machines, crap tables and twenty-one games soon relieved many visitors of their money. Had "Sin City" come to the banks of the Truckee?

Statehood

Ever since the Nevada Territory became the 36th state in 1864, controversy surrounded the sinful activities perpetrated by the owners of "dens of iniquity" on naïve visitors. As late as 1931, a campaign to cancel Nevada's statehood was launched by several newspapers including The Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune. However, this action would not prevail, and Nevada would go on its merry way. Mark Twain and Will Rogers were famous advocates for the business enterprises in Nevada.

Future Developments

To this day, Reno has growing pains. Hotel/casinos have been erected outside the "red-line" district of downtown. And downtown is restoring itself in new ways reflecting the diversity of the city. Unfortunately, many of the famous old landmarks have met their fate via wrecking ball and implosion. The Reno Arch still proclaims the town as "The Biggest Little City In The World" and will probably remain forever. The town has become a center for cultural attractions and recreation. Special events bring in as many visitors as the casinos. Gaming is here to stay, but Reno has so much more to offer. Respectability has come to the banks of the Truckee.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Artown

Summer arts festival

Various venues
Reno, NV 89501
United States
+1 775 322 1538
http://www.renoisartown.com/

The whole city gets into the act during the entire month of July every year for this outstanding festival. More than 200 events take place at various locations citywide, including films, ballet, art workshops, poetry readings, and music. This event has been nationally acclaimed as one of the best summer arts festivals in the country. Most events are free. Bring money for food and drink. Some vendors may take credit cards.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Zack Sheppard

Downtown

Reno
United States
The Virginia Street corridor is the center of activity for not only gambling, but special events as well. The bright lights of the casinos and the famous Reno Arch declaring "The Biggest Little City In The World," greet visitors as they enter downtown. The boisterous casinos have been the main attraction along the Truckee River for decades. The Club Cal-Neva has been around since 1948, and is still going strong as one of the most popular gaming establishments in town. Harrah's opened as a full casino the same year and the action has never ceased. The National Automobile Museum, located two blocks east on Mill and Lake Streets, houses some fascinating antique cars collected by William Harrah on his ride to fame and fortune. Harrah's Events Plaza is a center for downtown events and entertainment, as well as a great place to watch the cars cruising during Hot August Nights.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Hot August Nights

Classic cars cruise 1425 East Greg Street
Reno, NV 89431
United States
+1 775 356 1956
http://www.hotaugustnights.net/ Dust off your saddle shoes and get out your poodle skirts and join the fun at one of the best classic car meets in the United States. Held annually in August, this event showcases 3,000-4,000 classic cars from all over the country. The activities include parades through town and a classic car auction. "Prom Night" tops off the week of fun that you wish would never end. Admission to outdoor activities is free for spectators. Some vendors may accept credit cards. Indoor dances and other indoor events may require an admission fee.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Pyramid Lake

Ancient inland sea Highway 445
(at Highway 446)
Reno, NV 89424
United States
+1 775 476 1156 Desolation can be beautiful. This body of water is one of the largest freshwater lakes in North America, covering 170-square-miles. It is one of the remains of a huge inland sea that covered 8,600 square miles of land more than 50,000 years ago. The barren shoreline offers no respite from the blazing Nevada sun. It remains much the same as when John C. Fremont first viewed its shining oasis in 1844. He named the lake after the Pyramid of Cheops when he saw a large stone formation in the shape of a pyramid. Paiute tribal members are the caretakers of the lake; their reservation encompasses more than a half-million acres surrounding the water. They operate the Numana Fish Hatchery and Visitor's Center open daily from 10a-2p. The Pyramid Lake Marina offers boat rentals, launches and slips; you can purchase a tribal permit for fishing, camping and boating at the Pyramid Lake Ranger Station.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Reno Arch

Biggest little city Virginia Street at Commercial Row
Reno, NV 89501
United States
The famous lighted arch went up in 1926 to celebrate the completion of the Transcontinental Highway through Reno. In 1929 the city held a contest to give the city a motto; henceforth Reno became known as "The Biggest Little City In The World." Three different arches have stood in this location, the last erected in 1987. The Old Reno Arch that was built in 1964 is now by the National Automobile Museum on Lake Street in Reno. Claim is that this landmark is one of the most photographed structures in the world.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Truckee River Walk

Fish for wedding rings Arlington Avenue at Island Avenue
(Wingfield Park)
Reno, NV 89501
United States
This river flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake nourishing farmland along its journey. Starting at Wingfield Park, you can walk for miles in either direction. Going east toward downtown Reno, you will pass the place where thousands of divorcees have thrown their wedding rings into the flowing waters. Birds of all kinds including Canadian geese, hawks and kingfishers can be seen foraging for food. Anglers can also enjoy the superb fishing the river offers.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Washoe County Courthouse

Interesting architecture 75 Court Street Room 214
Reno, NV 89520
United States
+1 775 328 3200
http://www.washoecounty.us/ The courthouse was completed in 1912 and is still in use today. It was designed by noted Nevada architect Frederick J. DeLongchamps, who also designed the downtown post office and other Nevada courthouses. This interesting building is in the neo-classical style and has several ornate features. Terrazzo tiled floors pave the way along the marble halls. Many famous people received their wedding licenses and divorce decrees in this old courthouse. More marriage licenses have been issued here than any other courthouse of its size in the United States. A scene from The Misfits was filmed in front of the courthouse. Yes, Marilyn Monroe sashayed down these very steps in the 1961 movie.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Dalmdad Landscape Photography

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Reno - Historical Background"
Reno
Reno - Neighborhood Guide
Reno - Where to Stay
Reno - Dining & Drinking
Reno - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Lake Tahoe (52 miles)
Sacramento (177 miles)
Yosemite (214 miles)
Napa Valley (257 miles)
Berkeley (284 miles)
San Francisco (292 miles)
San Jose and Silicon Valley (309 miles)
Monterey and Carmel (377 miles)
Boise (545 miles)
Las Vegas (574 miles)

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