Category: Historic Monument

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps

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Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps ( June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969 ) was Nevada’s premier architect during his life, and honored as the subject of Nevada State Historic Marker 245.

Biography

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps - June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969 - [UNRS-P1989-09-115] Special Collections and University Archives Department, University of Nevada, Reno
Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps – June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969 – [UNRS-P1989-09-115] Special Collections and University Archives Department, University of Nevada, Reno

Born on February 2, 1882, in Nevada City, California, Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps would emerge as one of the most influential architects in the history of Nevada. His remarkable career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of the American West.

Early Life and Education

Frederick DeLongchamps was the son of French immigrant parents who settled in California during the Gold Rush era. Raised in a family with a deep appreciation for art and culture, young Frederick exhibited a keen interest in architecture from an early age. He pursued his passion by studying architectural drafting and design, eventually enrolling in the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France, where he honed his skills under the guidance of renowned architects.

Architectural Career

Upon returning to the United States, DeLongchamps settled in Nevada, where he would establish himself as a preeminent architect. His early projects showcased a mastery of diverse architectural styles, ranging from Beaux-Arts to Spanish Revival, reflecting his eclectic sensibilities and adaptability.

DeLongchamps’ career reached new heights in the early 20th century when he was commissioned to design several iconic buildings that would come to define the architectural identity of Nevada. Among his most notable works is the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City, a majestic edifice that blends classical design elements with modern functionality. Completed in 1915, the Capitol remains a testament to DeLongchamps’ vision and skill.

In addition to the Capitol, DeLongchamps left his mark on numerous other landmarks across Nevada, including courthouses, schools, and commercial buildings. His portfolio includes the Riverside Hotel in Reno, the Washoe County Courthouse, and the historic Reno Arch, an enduring symbol of the city’s vibrant spirit.

Legacy and Influence

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps’ contributions to the architectural heritage of Nevada are immeasurable. His designs not only captured the essence of their time but also laid the groundwork for future generations of architects. DeLongchamps’ legacy extends beyond his architectural achievements; he was also a passionate advocate for historic preservation and urban planning.

Throughout his career, DeLongchamps remained committed to his craft, embracing innovation while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the American West. His legacy continues to inspire architects and enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the transformative power of architecture to shape communities and evoke a sense of place.

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps passed away on February 20, 1969, leaving behind a legacy that endures through the timeless beauty of his architectural creations. Today, his buildings stand as monuments to his vision and serve as a lasting tribute to his enduring influence on the architectural landscape of Nevada.

Nevada State Historic Marker 245

Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps was Nevada’s foremost architect of his time.  Statewide, he was prolific in the number of buildings he designed.  From this point, one can see a group of structures that stand, collectively, as a monument to DeLongchamps:  the United State Post Office, the Riverside Hotel, the Washoe County Courthouse and the Reno National Bank Building.  The Northern Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, dedicated to excellence in architecture, honors the memory of Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps

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STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 245
DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION & ARCHEOLOGY
NORTHERN CHAPTER: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

Nevada State Historic Marker 245 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 245 Summary

NameFrederic Joseph DeLongchamps
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.5251, -119.8124
Nevada State Historic Marker245

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.

References

Corbett – Fitzsimmons Fight – Nevada State Historic Marker

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The Corbet – Fitzsimmons fight is the first heavy weight fight in Nevada and the Nevada State Historic Marker 243. The bout took place in Carson City, Nevada on March 17, 1897

Fitzsimmons - Corbett Championship fight on March 17, 1897 in Carson City, Nevada
Fitzsimmons – Corbett Championship fight on March 17, 1897 in Carson City, Nevada

History

On the brisk evening of March 17, 1897, the bustling city of Carson City, Nevada, played host to one of the most monumental events in boxing history—the showdown between James J. Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons. This historic bout not only captivated the imagination of spectators but also marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of pugilism.

At the turn of the 20th century, boxing was rapidly gaining popularity in America, with its epicenter pulsating through cities like New York and San Francisco. However, it was in the dusty arena of Carson City that the sport would witness a spectacle that would reverberate through the annals of time.

James J. Corbett, known as “Gentleman Jim,” was the reigning heavyweight champion, boasting an agile, scientific style that contrasted sharply with the brawling tactics of his predecessors. His opponent, Bob Fitzsimmons, hailed from England and was renowned for his raw power and formidable punching prowess.

The lead-up to the fight was filled with anticipation and fervor. Newspapers across the country buzzed with speculation and analysis, with pundits and fans alike debating the potential outcome. Corbett, with his finesse and footwork, was seen as the favorite, but Fitzsimmons’ devastating knockout power cast a shadow of doubt over the proceedings.

As the fighters stepped into the ring amidst a sea of eager onlookers, the atmosphere crackled with electricity. The stakes were high—the heavyweight championship of the world hung in the balance.

From the opening bell, it was evident that the clash would be a battle of contrasting styles. Corbett danced around the ring, utilizing his superior footwork to evade Fitzsimmons’ thunderous blows. In contrast, Fitzsimmons pursued relentlessly, seeking to land the decisive blow that would crown him champion.

The turning point came in the 14th round, a moment etched in the annals of boxing lore. Fitzsimmons, his face bloodied and bruised, unleashed a ferocious blow that found its mark—sending Corbett crashing to the canvas in a stunning display of power and precision.

The crowd erupted into a frenzy as Fitzsimmons was declared the victor by knockout, etching his name into the annals of boxing history as the new heavyweight champion of the world. The defeat marked the end of Corbett’s reign and signaled a shift in the paradigm of heavyweight boxing.

The Corbett-Fitzsimmons bout transcended the confines of the boxing ring, symbolizing the clash between old and new, brawn and finesse. It remains a testament to the timeless allure of pugilism, where skill, strategy, and sheer determination converge in moments of sublime athleticism.

In the decades that followed, boxing would continue to evolve, producing champions and legends who would leave an indelible mark on the sport. Yet, the spirit of the Corbett-Fitzsimmons bout endures as a reminder of the glory and drama that encapsulate the sweet science of boxing.

Nevada State Historic Marker 243 Text

Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight

On March 17, 1897, at an arena located on this site, Carson City played host to Nevada’s first world championship prizefight, a fourteen-round thriller in which the reigning heavyweight titlist, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, was dethroned by Robert Fitzsimmons. The Nevada Legislature had only recently legalized prizefighting and the match became the object of scathing criticism from the press and pulpit of other states, but fight fans by the thousands came in.

Promoter Dan Stuart put on a clean show and demonstrated that boxing need not be brutal or crooked. Other states were soon to liberalize their own prizefight laws and the sport began to assume a degree of respectability it had not enjoyed in the past. In later years, Nevada was to be the scene of several other world championship fights.

Nevada Historical Marker 243
Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight
Carson City

Nevada State Historic Marker 243 Summary

NameCorbett-Fitzsimmons Fight
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.1642, -119.7599
Nevada State Historic Marker243

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.

Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 243 is located at the intersection of East Musser and North Harbin Streets in Carson City, Nevada.

References

Virginia and Truckee Railroad Right-of-Way

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The Virginia and Truckee Railway, affectionately known as the V&T, holds a storied history deeply intertwined with the development of the American West in the 19th century. Established in Virginia City, Nevada, in 1869, the railway quickly became a vital link between the bustling mining communities of Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Carson City, facilitating the transportation of silver and gold ore to processing facilities and connecting these remote towns to the broader economy. Initially built to serve the booming Comstock Lode mining operations, the V&T Railway later expanded its operations to cater to passenger traffic and freight transport, playing a pivotal role in the economic growth of Nevada.

Built in 1872, the Virginia & Truckee No. 11, the "Reno" was the V&T's first true passenger engine. It was the pride of the fleet, and was assigned to the pull the "Lightning Express," the V&T's premier train in the 1800s. The engine was damaged by a fire in 1995, and is currently undergoing restoration by the V&T.
Built in 1872, the Virginia & Truckee No. 11, the “Reno” was the V&T’s first true passenger engine. It was the pride of the fleet, and was assigned to the pull the “Lightning Express,” the V&T’s premier train in the 1800s. The engine was damaged by a fire in 1995, and is currently undergoing restoration by the V&T.

Throughout its existence, the Virginia and Truckee Railway experienced both triumphs and challenges. It weathered the economic downturns of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, adapted to changing transportation needs, and even survived a devastating fire in 1875 that destroyed much of its infrastructure. Despite facing competition from emerging modes of transportation such as automobiles and trucks, the V&T managed to remain operational until 1950 when declining profits led to its closure. However, spurred by nostalgia and historical significance, efforts to preserve and restore sections of the V&T began in the latter part of the 20th century. Today, the Virginia and Truckee Railway operates as a heritage railroad, offering scenic rides through the picturesque landscapes of Nevada, preserving the legacy of one of the West’s most iconic railways.

Nevada State Historic Marker Text

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad was built between 1868 and 1872 to connect the mining and milling communities of the Comstock to the Central Pacific Railroad that ran through Reno.

The line first connected Virginia City to Carson City in 1869, but work to run the railroad north moved quickly. Soon after Chinese laborers graded this section during the summer of 1871, track gangs commenced laying rail south, reaching Steamboat Springs by late October.  Nine months later, Superintendent Henry M. Yerington drove the last spike a mile west of Carson City on August 24, 1872, connecting Virginia City with Reno by rail.  Although regularly scheduled passenger service didn’t begin until October 1, the first through train traversed the 52 mile route on September 1, 1872 – the last passed by here on May 31, 1950.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO. 248
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
CITY OF RENO

Nevada State Historic Marker Summary

Nevada State Historic Marker 248 was located at the intersection of South Center and East Taylor Streets, Reno, Nevada.

NameVirginia and Truckee Railroad Right-of-Way
LocationWashoe County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.5163, -119.8064
Nevada State Historic Marker248

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.

Map

References

Old Spanish Trail (Garces Expedition)

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Old Spanish Trail (Garces Expedition) is a Nevada State Historic Marker Number 140 located in Clark County, Nevada. This marker is one of several which tell the history of the Old Spanish Trail in Nevada.

The Old Spanish Trail is a 700 mile long historical trade route that connected the northern New Mexico settlements near Santa Fe, New Mexico with those of Los Angeles, California. The trail’s rugged terrain discouraged the use of wagons. It was always a pack route, mainly used by men and mules.

The routes and trails link California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. The Old Spanish Trail consists of a series and different trails and routes some of which are in service today.

Francisco Hermenegildo Tomás Garcés O.F.M. (April 12, 1738 – July 18, 1781)
Francisco Hermenegildo Tomás Garcés O.F.M. (April 12, 1738 – July 18, 1781)

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged

Nevada State Historic Marker 140 Text

Seeking to open a land route between the missions of Sonora and California, Fray Francisco Hermenegildo Garcés, OFM, a Franciscan missionary priest and explorer, was the first European to enter the present boundaries of Nevada.  He departed mission San Xavier Del Bac near Tucson in October of 1775, and by late February of 1776, the Spanish Franciscan friar had reached the Mohave villages located just south of this location on the banks of the Colorado river.  Garcés was now traveling in areas never before seen by a non-native American.

Relying on Native American guides, he walked from village to village.  The Mohave agreed to lead him to the pacific coast along a route used for trade purposes.  It was from this general location, on March 4, 1776, accompanied by four natives, that Garcés left the banks of the Colorado and set out across the Mojave Desert; he reached Mission San Gabriel Arcángel 20 days later.  Upon his return, he again visited the Mohave villages in this vicinity in May of 1776.  His route followed a much older prehistoric trail used to bring shells and other trade goods to the tribes of the desert and mountain west.  On July 19, 1781, in a Quechan revolt against Spanish forces, Father Garcés was killed at La Purisima Concepción Mission near the Yuma crossing.  Padre Garcés’ body was later interred in the Franciscan church of the Colegio De La Santa Cruz, Querétaro, Mexico.

“Greater love hath no man than this – that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

                                                         Excerpts from Father Garcés’ diary

“I proceeded three leagues on the course northwest with some turns to the west-northwest.  I observed this locality to be in 35° 01′, and I named it San Pedro De Los Jamajabs.  In this situation and that below there are good mesas for the foundation of missions, and though they are near the river, they are free from inundation”.

      Father Garcés’ Entrance into Nevada (March 3, 1776)

“March 4, on which was made the observation noted on the 3rd day.  I departed, accompanied by three Jamajab Indians and by Sevastian, on a course southwest, and at two leagues and a half arrived at some wells [which I named Pozos De San Casimiro].  There is some grass”.

      Father Garcés’ Departure from Nevada (March 4, 1776)

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO.  140
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
SAINT THOMAS MORE SOCIETY OF NEVADA

Nevada State Historic Marker 140 Trail Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 140 Summary

NameOld Spanish Trail (Garces Expedition)
LocationClark County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude35.0975, -114.6495
Nevada Stage Historic Marker140

References

Old Spanish Trail (Journey of the Dead Man)

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Old Spanish Trail (Journey of the Dead Man) is a Nevada State Historic Marker Number 139 located in Clark County, Nevada. This marker is one of several which tell the history of the Old Spanish Trail in Nevada.

The Old Spanish Trail is a 700 mile long historical trade route that connected the northern New Mexico settlements near Santa Fe, New Mexico with those of Los Angeles, California. The trail’s rugged terrain discouraged the use of wagons. It was always a pack route, mainly used by men and mules.

The routes and trails link California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. The Old Spanish Trail consists of a series and different trails and routes some of which are in service today.

Captain John C. Frémont, explorer first mapped Diamond Valley Nevada
Captain John C. Frémont, explorer first mapped Diamond Valley Nevada

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.

Nevada State Historic Marker 139 Text

Early Spanish traders named the fifty-five dry miles separating Las Vegas and the Muddy River the Journada Del Muerto (Journey of The Dead Man).  This longest stretch without water along the Old Spanish Trail was littered with the skeletons of animals and parts of wagons abandoned along the sandy desert.  Most experienced travelers made the trip at night.

John C. Frémont crossed the Journada in 1844 and commented: “We ate the barrel cactus and moistened our mouths with the acid of the sour dock. Hourly expecting to find water, we continued to press on to midnight, when after a hard and uninterrupted march of 16 hours, our wild mules began running ahead; and in a mile or two we came to a bold running stream (the Muddy River).” 

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 139
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Nevada State Historic Marker 139 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker Number 139 is located off Interstate 15 north of Las Vegas. The marker is located about 1/4 mile south of the I-15 in Nevada State Route 169.

Nevada State Historic Marker 139 Summary

NameOld Spanish Trail (Journey of the Dead Man)
LocationClark County, Nevada
Nevada State Historic Marker138
Latitude, Longitude36.5010, -114.7605

References