With stormy weather in Tahoe and errands to run 'off the hill' we headed to the historic Capital of Nevada.
Armed with the Kit Carson Trail self-guided tour map, we strolled along this a path through Carson City’s historic district. It features stops at landmarks including 1800s-era Victorian-style homes, museums and churches. Nearly 50 landmarks telling the story of the capital city’s history are featured along this incredibly interesting trail.Each of the stops is adorned by a replica carriage stone marker which identifies the historic landmark along the trail. The number corresponds with the stop number on the map. So helpful!
Not having all day, we chose a limited number of landmarks that called our name. We will definitely return for more history lessons. Today, we started at 2. Cavell House (1907) 402 W. Robinson St. Designed by architect John Conant, this house was considered advanced for the times with low ceilings, gas and electric fixtures and a hot water heater.William Henry Cavell was considered the leading dentist of Carson City during the period 1896 to 1952. Sadly, his home seemed abandoned. It is still a beauty.3. Yerington House (1863) 512 N. Division St. Named after the second owner, a key figure in the V&T Railroad.The original central section of this house was built in 1863 by lawyer Thomas Haydon. The property was deeded to Mrs. Yerington in the fall of 1869, and the Yeringtons made numerous additions. Among its elegant features were an imported marble fireplace and a solarium with its arched windows which is reminiscent of railroad observation car.20. Orion Clemens House (1864) 502 N. Division St. This house, built about 1863, was the home of Nevada’s first Territorial Secretary, Orion Clemens. His brother Samuel came to Carson City as his personal secretary and later gained fame as Mark Twain; he was a frequent visitor.21. Norcross House (1906) 412 N. Division St. Frank Herbert Norcross was born on May 11, 1869, at his parents' ranch, about four miles from Reno. He was one of three students who graduated in the first class from the University of Nevada in 1891. He received his law degree from Georgetown University in 1894. He was elected to the Nevada Supreme Court in 1904 and served twelve years as a member. Retiring from the Supreme Court, he resumed his private practice of the law at Reno in January 1917. In April 1928, President Coolidge appointed him judge of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.22. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (1868) 314 N. Division St. Built in 1867-68 at a cost of $5,500. The structure is an exceptionally fine rendition of the Gothic revival style used widely in the 19th century.
23. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Rectory (1862) 302 N. Division St. Built in 1862, this is a very significant historic dwelling in Carson City. Henry Blasdel, Nevada’s First Governor, used the property in 1864-1871 making it Nevada’s oldest surviving State Governor’s residence. The letter informing President Lincoln of Nevada’s ratification of the 13th Amendment to abolish Slavery was signed there. WHOA. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church acquired the house in 1891, where it remains in the ownership of the Church.
26, United Methodist Church (1865) at 200 N. Division St. The construction of First United Methodist Church began in 1865, under early Nevada Methodist leader Reverend Warren Nims. Reverend Nims labored almost single-handedly for 2 years, hauling the sandstone blocks from the State Prison. The prisoners quarried and squared the stone, and then he hauled and laid them.The Gothic Revival stone building was dedicated in September 1867. By 1909, the building was enlarged and given Queen Anne and Classical Revival features. In 1929, the First Methodist congregation joined with Carson City’s Presbyterians to form the Federated Church, an arrangement that continued until 1948. Remarkably, the sanctuary is still in use.42. State Capitol Building (1870-1871) 101 N. Carson St. The Architect's fee was $250 at the time. The stone was free from the State Prison Quarry. When the ambitious founders of Carson City laid out the town in 1858, they had dreams of a new territory and then a new state to follow. Ten acres, known as the Plaza, were set aside in the belief that Carson City would be chosen as the capital of a new government in the western Utah Territory- Nevada eventually became a state in 1864.44. Former NV Supreme Court & State Library (1936) 198 N. Carson St. Designed by architect Frederic DeLongchamps. When the Supreme Court had outgrown its single-room quarters in the Capitol, DeLongchamps was awarded the commission for a new building, which he designed in a compatible but distinctly Modern style. It was constructed with funding from the Public Works Administration.
A little about the architect Frederic DeLongchamps (1882-1969). DeLongchamps maintained an architectural practice in Reno from 1907 to 1965. During his career, the architect was responsible for the design of more than 500 public, commercial and residential buildings, the majority of which were constructed in his native state of Nevada. He holds the distinction of being the only person to serve as Nevada’s State Architect. Cool stuff!Lastly, I have to mention this fountain (pictured in front of the former NV Supreme Court & State Library). With much fanfare, Carson City dedicated the Hermon Lee Ensign National Humane Alliance Fountain on Labor Day, 1909. The polished granite fountain, weighs five-tons, is six-foot plus and includes a light fixture at the top. It is composed of a six-foot diameter bowl with three lion head spouts where men and horses could drink. There are small cups at the bottom for cats, dogs and other animals. Interesting history can be found almost anywhere. The true pleasure is in the hunt. What treasures Carson City holds!
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1 comments:
We've taken that tour a couple of times but I don't remember the stone markers!
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