Raycraft Ranch
N of Carson City, on U. S. 395, Carson City (Independent City), NVThe first airplane flight in the state of Nevada took place on June 23, 1910, at the Raycraft Ranch near Carson City. The flight is of national historical significance because all previous flights throughout the country had been made at or near sea-level and it was thought that powered flight at such an altitude, 4,675 feet, was impossible.
Ivy Baldwin, a nationally-known parachutist and balloonist, made the flight in a 48-horsepower Curtis-Paulam biplane. The flight also involved experimentation with the proper strength fuel, again because of the altitude.
Arrangements for the flight had been made by Carson City's Carnival Committee early in June for the City's Sagebrush Carnival scheduled for July 3, 4, 5, 1910. The Committee preferred such a flight rather than the carnival sideshows usually featured at such celebrations.
Baldwin, three mechanics and the airplane arrived by rail on June 17, and within a few days the machine had been put together. High winds delayed the first trial flight until June 23, but the tryout was a success, Baldwin attaining an altitude of 30' and a distance of one quarter mile before a faulty steering mechanism brought him down. Repairs were made and he made a second flight in the early evening, reaching an altitude of 50' and covering one-half mile before returning to the starting point.
The success of Baldwin's flight encouraged other Nevada communities to engage flyers and aerial barnstormers for their own celebrations in later years and did much to further interest in flying, both from a recreational and a commercial point of view.
Local significance of the building:
Ivy Baldwin, a nationally-known parachutist and balloonist, made the flight in a 48-horsepower Curtis-Paulam biplane. The flight also involved experimentation with the proper strength fuel, again because of the altitude.
Arrangements for the flight had been made by Carson City's Carnival Committee early in June for the City's Sagebrush Carnival scheduled for July 3, 4, 5, 1910. The Committee preferred such a flight rather than the carnival sideshows usually featured at such celebrations.
Baldwin, three mechanics and the airplane arrived by rail on June 17, and within a few days the machine had been put together. High winds delayed the first trial flight until June 23, but the tryout was a success, Baldwin attaining an altitude of 30' and a distance of one quarter mile before a faulty steering mechanism brought him down. Repairs were made and he made a second flight in the early evening, reaching an altitude of 50' and covering one-half mile before returning to the starting point.
The success of Baldwin's flight encouraged other Nevada communities to engage flyers and aerial barnstormers for their own celebrations in later years and did much to further interest in flying, both from a recreational and a commercial point of view.
Transportation; Invention
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Nevada was the site of the first interracial marriage in the U.S.: In 1859, a white woman and a black man were married in Nevada, making it the site of the first interracial marriage in the U.S.
About Carson City
Carson City Timeline
Carson City County, located in the western part of Nevada, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Washoe and Paiute before the arrival of European settlers. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of the Comstock Lode, a rich vein of silver and gold, transformed the region and laid the foundation for the future development of Carson City.
In 1858, the settlement that would become Carson City was established as a trading post and named after the famous frontiersman Kit Carson. The town quickly grew as people flocked to the area to seek their fortunes in mining. In 1861, the Nevada Territory was formed, and Carson City became its capital. This fueled further growth as government offices and services were established in the town.
Carson City played a crucial role during the American Civil War. It served as a supply and transportation hub for Union soldiers, as well as a base for operations against Native American tribes. The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, also had a stop in Carson City, making it an important communication link during this time.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Carson City continued to thrive. The economy diversified beyond mining, with the establishment of industries such as agriculture, logging, and manufacturing. Today, Carson City is known for its vibrant downtown area, historic buildings, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from all over.
In summary, Carson City County has a history rooted in mining and its pivotal role in Nevada's political landscape. From its humble beginnings as a trading post to becoming the state capital, the county has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years, solidifying its place in the history of the American West.
In 1858, the settlement that would become Carson City was established as a trading post and named after the famous frontiersman Kit Carson. The town quickly grew as people flocked to the area to seek their fortunes in mining. In 1861, the Nevada Territory was formed, and Carson City became its capital. This fueled further growth as government offices and services were established in the town.
Carson City played a crucial role during the American Civil War. It served as a supply and transportation hub for Union soldiers, as well as a base for operations against Native American tribes. The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, also had a stop in Carson City, making it an important communication link during this time.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Carson City continued to thrive. The economy diversified beyond mining, with the establishment of industries such as agriculture, logging, and manufacturing. Today, Carson City is known for its vibrant downtown area, historic buildings, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from all over.
In summary, Carson City County has a history rooted in mining and its pivotal role in Nevada's political landscape. From its humble beginnings as a trading post to becoming the state capital, the county has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years, solidifying its place in the history of the American West.
Carson City Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Carson City , Nevada.
- 1851 - Carson County is established as one of the original nine counties in the Utah Territory.
- 1854 - The county is renamed Ormsby County after Major William M. Ormsby, a prominent figure in the region.
- 1861 - Ormsby County becomes part of the newly established Nevada Territory.
- 1864 - Nevada is admitted as the 36th state in the United States, and Ormsby County becomes Carson County in honor of Kit Carson, the legendary explorer and frontiersman.
- 1969 - Carson County is consolidated with Ormsby County to form Carson City, an independent city-county.
- 1971 - The Consolidated Municipality of Carson City is officially recognized as the state capital of Nevada.