John Ensign, United States Senator of Nevada: Carson City

Carson City

County Updates

County Seat

Carson City is an independent city and not part of any county

Population

57,701

Cities, Towns, and Communities

Carson City

Size

City has a total area of 403.2 km² (155.7 mi²)

Industry / Economy

State capital

Carson City County Website

•Carson City was founded in 1858 by pioneer Abraham Curry and takes its name from the nearby Carson River, which was named for early frontiersman Kit Carson.

•In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln granted statehood to Nevada, and Carson City was selected as the state capital.

•The Capitol was built at a cost of approximately $168,000. The limestone walls were quarried at the nearby state prison, and the building was estimated to weigh over 18 million pounds. The Capitol is open to the public, and there is a free history exhibit about the building on the second floor.

•In 1879, a branch of the United States Mint was established in Carson City to strike coins from Comstock Lode silver. Abraham Curry served as the mint’s first superintendent. The mint building now stands as the Nevada State Museum.