Stewart Indian School
a.k.a. Stewart Institute;Carson Industrial School;Carson Indian Sch
S of Carson City off US 395, Carson City (Independent City), NVThe Stewart Indian School is exceptionally significant for its association with twentieth-century Native American education and for the role the School played in western Native American cultures. The Complex is architecturally significant as an intact example of a U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs rural boarding school and is distinguished by a unique collection of Vernacular design buildings dating between 1910 and 1944. The architectural character of the site can be attributed to Frederick Snyder, a career veteran of the B.I.A. and a life-long advocate of Native American education, who served as Stewart's Superintendent from 1919 to 1934.
Stewart's founding in 1890 coincides with the B.I.A.'s directive to provide adequate off-reservation schooling for Native American children, The School was one of twenty-five such institutions in the nation operating at the turn of the century, and it is the only one in Nevada's history. In addition, the School included the only secondary school for the State's native population.
In 1887, the Nevada State Legislature established an Indian School Commission to develop a school for Native Americans in Ormsby (now Carson) County. The School was named after Senator William M. Stewart who promoted the concept in the U.S. Congress. In 1889, a large Colonial Revival dormitory and school building were erected and the School was officially opened on December 17, 1890. Stewart Indian School thus became "the only education facility in the United States created for non-citizens of the Federal Government by use of the State funds. Furthermore,... Stewart became the only Federal Indian School to be created by an act of a State Legislature. "
The off-reservation boarding school was intended to teach students basic trades in preparation for a self-sufficient life. It was also intended to assimilate young Native Americans into White culture--the logic behind locating such schools as far removed from reservations as possible. Stewart Indian School implemented a program of assimilation with characteristic prohibitions against speaking native languages and practicing native customs. Unlike many such schools, the application of these policies at the Stewart Indian School was filled with compromise.
Under the guidance of Superintendent W.D.C. Gibson, the School enrolled 105 students in 1890. With the dormitory capacity at 100, excessive demands were immediately placed on Stewart's single, two-story structure. The need for additional space was a problem throughout Stewart's history. During the first ten years of Stewart's existence, site improvements included the construction of a girls' dormitory, a building for an acetylene gas system, and two warehouses. In addition, the School's surrounding open space was placed in cultivation and the foundation for a new shop building was laid.
Local significance of the district:
Stewart's founding in 1890 coincides with the B.I.A.'s directive to provide adequate off-reservation schooling for Native American children, The School was one of twenty-five such institutions in the nation operating at the turn of the century, and it is the only one in Nevada's history. In addition, the School included the only secondary school for the State's native population.
In 1887, the Nevada State Legislature established an Indian School Commission to develop a school for Native Americans in Ormsby (now Carson) County. The School was named after Senator William M. Stewart who promoted the concept in the U.S. Congress. In 1889, a large Colonial Revival dormitory and school building were erected and the School was officially opened on December 17, 1890. Stewart Indian School thus became "the only education facility in the United States created for non-citizens of the Federal Government by use of the State funds. Furthermore,... Stewart became the only Federal Indian School to be created by an act of a State Legislature. "
The off-reservation boarding school was intended to teach students basic trades in preparation for a self-sufficient life. It was also intended to assimilate young Native Americans into White culture--the logic behind locating such schools as far removed from reservations as possible. Stewart Indian School implemented a program of assimilation with characteristic prohibitions against speaking native languages and practicing native customs. Unlike many such schools, the application of these policies at the Stewart Indian School was filled with compromise.
Under the guidance of Superintendent W.D.C. Gibson, the School enrolled 105 students in 1890. With the dormitory capacity at 100, excessive demands were immediately placed on Stewart's single, two-story structure. The need for additional space was a problem throughout Stewart's history. During the first ten years of Stewart's existence, site improvements included the construction of a girls' dormitory, a building for an acetylene gas system, and two warehouses. In addition, the School's surrounding open space was placed in cultivation and the foundation for a new shop building was laid.
Native American; Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Las Vegas was originally a stopover for travelers: Las Vegas, now known as a major tourist destination and entertainment capital, was originally just a stopover for travelers between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. It wasn't until the 1930s that the city began to develop its reputation as a gambling and entertainment destination.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.