Leport-Toupin House

a.k.a. Hawkins House

503 E. Telegraph St., Carson City (Independent City), NV
The Leport-Toupin House is an architecturally significant dwelling associated with the nineteenth century residential development of Carson City, Nevada. The building is also sigaificant for its association with Alexander Leport, a prominent Carson City businessman. Leport, who was born near Paris, France, in 1837 and immigrated to Carson City in 1866, was responsible for the construction of the East Telegraph Street house in 1879. The structure's design is a simplified adaptation of the Second Empire style! and is distinguished by its bellcast, mansard roof, roof dormers, window cornices, and recessed front door. The dwelling is one of three Second Empire style houses constructed in Carson City during the second quarter of the nineteenth century and is the only Second Empire style dwelling located in Carson City's east side residential district.

The East Telegraph Street house reflects the success of its builder, Alexander Leport. Within two years of Leport's arrival in Carson City, he had established a successful wholesale and retail grocery business. His economic interests soon extended to a Chinese wash house, saloon, restaurant, drug store, barber shop, fruit store, a general mercantile, and stable. Leport was also active in a number of local fraternal organizations, including the Improved Order of Redmen, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Phthias.

In 1874, Leport purchased a city block in Carson City which included the future site of the Leport-Toupin House. Construction of the dwelling was completed in 1879 in anticipation of Leport's marriage in 1880 to Mary Blavee, who immigrated from France to Nevada in 1879. Mary and Alexander Leport occupied the east Carson City dwelling until Alexander's death in 1885.

Six years later, in 1891, Mary Leport married Edmond S. Toupin, a French-Canadian businessman. Toupin assumed management of the Leport business interests. The Toupin family resided in the Leport-Toupin House until 1907 at which time the dwelling passed to Theodore Perry Hawkins and his wife, Clara. The Hawkins family owned the house from 1907 until 1963.

The Hawkins family played a prominent role in the early development of Eagle and Carson Valleys. The family migrated to Utah from Cleveland, Ohio, in 1851. Following five years in Salt Lake City, the Hawkins family again moved west as part of the Mormon colonization of Nevada. As part of this colonization effort, the Hawkins' were among the first settlers in Genoa (1856) and Franktown, Nevada (1857). The 1857 recall of Mormon settlers by Brigham Young prompted John Hawkins, Theodore's father, to sell his Franktown ranch. The Hawkins family, however, remained in Genoa, Nevada, rather than return to Utah with the majority of Mormon settlers.

John Hawkins, along with his son Theodore, established a dairy near Genoa in addition to maintaining an active interest in the Careys Sawmill in nearby Woodfords, California. Theodore Hawkins, who assumed control of the family dairy following his father's death, purchased the Leport-Toupin House as a retirement home.

Leon Hawkins, an assayer employed at the U.S. Mint in Carson City, inherited the dwelling from his father, Theodore, and resided in the building until his death in 1963. The property was then converted from a private residence to a preschool.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

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.

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The state flower of Nevada is the sagebrush: The sagebrush, a hardy desert plant, is the official state flower of Nevada.
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.

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.