Carson City Post Office
a.k.a. Government Building
401 N. Carson St., Carson City (Independent City), NVThe Government Building has significance to Nevada as the first Federal building to be constructed in the state and the only one of its particular style.
With its extensive use of red brick, interesting textural qualities and employment of a clock tower, this massive-appearing building differs from all other governmental and civil buildings in the state.
This structure possesses architectural significance as an excellent example of the Romanesque Revival style mixed with the Chateau style massing and silhouette. The structure's mass and scale continues to provide the community with a focal point and visual landmark since its opening in 1890.
As an example of the Romanesque style, the former post office offers the public an example of an architectural mode which is unique and rare to Nevada; no similar structure is known to exist within the state.
Historical significance is self-explanatory as the building was the site of Carson City's third post office from the time of the building's opening in 1890 until the post office was closed in 1970. During these same years the building served as the offices of the United States District Court and was the seat of legal decisions affecting the entire State of Nevada.
Further, local significance can be attributed to this building as having the first elevator installation within Carson City and being the location of its first and only clock tower. State Historical Marker No. 75 is located on the grounds.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.