U.S. Mint
a.k.a. Mint Building;Nevada State Museum
600 N. Carson St., Carson City (Independent City), NVOther structures in the West designed by Mullett were the Custom House in Portland, Oregon, and the old San Francisco Mint.
The building has local significance in its relationship to the mining boom on the Comstock. As the outpouring of precious metals increased, problems in its transportation to the nearest mint arose. The solution was the construction of a U.S. Mint in the tiny hamlet of Carson City. The transportation problem centered on the risks and high cost of sending large amounts of bullion by wagon and train to San Francisco. Again, the Superintendent of Construction, and later the Mint's first Superintendent was Abraham Curry, the founder of Carson City.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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.
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.