Ormsby-Rosser House

The Ormsby-Rosser house, built during the winter of 1862-1863 and lived in by important figures of Nevada's early history, is a substantial building representing one of the few remaining brick residences from that era. Although a simple house, it employs Gothic features and refinements, both interior and exterior which are well preserved.
Carson City was founded in 1858 by Abraham Curry and Major William M. Ormsby. Mr. Curry purchased the land in July 1858 upon which now stands Carson City. In September of the same year, he procured the services of a surveyor to draft a town plot, agreeing to give Major Ormsby all the land between 5th and King Streets and as far west as Thompson Street. Deeds for these early transactions were later recorded in the Recorder's books. The property where the Ormsby-Rosser house now stands was included in this deal, but in August 1859 Major Ormsby sold all this land, plus more, to the subdividers "Sears, Thompson and Sears". Major Ormsby reserved from this sale the lots on Carson Street where he built the first hotel in Carson City. It was known as the Ormsby House and he and his wife and daughter lived in the hotel.

Mrs. Margaret A. Ormsby, now the widow of Major Ormsby, purchased the house site property in May 1861 from Sears, Thompson and Sears. Major Ormsby, Commander of Nevada's volunteer army, was killed in the Pyramid Lake War of 1860, waged against the Paiute Indians. Ormsby was responsible for giving Carson City its name in honor of Kit Carson, the Scout.

Ormsby County, created by an Act of territorial legislation, was named in honor of Major Ormsby on November 16, 1861. Margaret and William Ormsby originally settled in Genoa, 15 miles south of Carson City in early 1857. Genoa was Nevada's first settlement. The Ormsby's were active there in helping to establish a territorial government. They purchased real estate and mining claims in Washoe Valley, Eagle Valley, Dayton and Virginia City. After the Major's death, Mrs. Ormsby continued purchasing property, leasing many buildings for Carson City's early drugstores, saloons, boarding houses and restaurants. She was active in supporting the territorial legislature and was given a permanent seat in one of its sessions.