Nevada State Printing Office

a.k.a. Old State Printing Office

101 S. Fall St., Carson City (Independent City), NV
"The Nevada State Printing Office is a substantial stone building which complements the more imposing State Capitol across the street. It was the first addition in what has become a cluster of State buildings in this section of Carson City, and was the first State Printing Plant." (From HABS report by S. Allen Chambers, Jr.)

The State Printing Office was authorized by law in 1885 with an appropriation of $5,000. Subsequent fees increased the total cost to $9,744.

For 3/4 of a century, all printed matter produced under state auspices was done within the State Printing Office. A second printing office, occupied in 1964, left the old stone building devoid of its original use. However, the building continues to serve Nevada by housing offices of state and federal agencies.

From an architectural standpoint, the Old State Printing Office is significant for its stylistic associations with the State Capitol Building, a National Register listing (June, 1975). Even apart from this association, the building is significant as an important example of period governmental architecture.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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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Nevada has the largest gold deposit in the U.S.: The Carlin Trend gold deposit, located in northeastern Nevada, is one of the largest gold deposits in the world and the largest in the U.S.
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 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.