Tag: Nevada

Nevada, often referred to as the “Silver State,” is located in the western United States. Renowned for its vast deserts and striking mountain ranges, the state boasts a diverse landscape that includes the arid Mojave Desert in the south and the forested Sierra Nevada mountains in the west. The state is famously home to Las Vegas, a vibrant city known for its bustling casinos, entertainment venues, and nightlife. Beyond the glitz of Las Vegas, Nevada offers rich history in its ghost towns, a legacy of the 19th-century mining boom. The state also features significant natural attractions, such as Lake Tahoe and Great Basin National Park, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Nevada’s economy is driven by tourism, mining, and, increasingly, technology, making it a dynamic state with a blend of natural beauty and modern attractions.

Charles W Friend House, Observatory, and Weather Station

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Charles W Friend was a scientist and astronomer who resided in Carson City, Nevada for forty years. The site of his home honors Friend with Nevada State Historical Marker number 258.

Charles W. Friend built an observatory into his house on Stewart Street, between Carson and Musser. Here you can see the V&T Railroad tracks running along Stewart Street in the foreground.
Charles W. Friend built an observatory into his house on Stewart Street, between Carson and Musser. Here you can see the V&T Railroad tracks running along Stewart Street in the foreground.
Charles W Friend was an early weatherman in Carson City. Here he is posing inside the observatory he built at the corner of King and Stewart Streets. He is posing next to his telescope.
Charles W Friend was an early weatherman in Carson City. Here he is posing inside the observatory he built at the corner of King and Stewart Streets. He is posing next to his telescope.

Born in Prussia on July 7th 1835, Charles Friend migrated from the old county to Folsome, California with his father during the California gold rush. Friend apprenticed as a jeweler and optician before moving to Carson City in 1867.

Between 1875 and 1876, Friend constructed the first Observatory in Nevada at his house on Stewart street, in Carson City. Utilizing the help of Nevada’s U.S. Senator William Stewart, Friend obtained a six-inch equatorial mount telescope and other instruments from the U. S Naval Academy.

Friend outfitted his observatory with a series of weather observations instruments, including rain gauges, thermometers, barometers an anemometer to measure wind speed. He took great care to ensure that all of his scientific instruments were properly calibrated and that his observations were as accurate as possible.

“All the thermometers are placed in an instrument shelter, made of lattice blinds and projecting 20 inches from a large pane of glass in the north wall of the observatory, 12 inches from the window and at the height of the eye of the observer. The thermometers are placed on wooden bars one inch square, and while there is free access of air to the shelter, all radiant heat and rain or snow are effectually excluded.”

Friend recorded observational readings from his instruments daily at 7 am, 2 pm and 9 pm to compile a climate record of Carson City.  His observations were forwarded to the U. S. Army’s Signal Office.

Nevada State Historic Marker 259 Text

Charles W. Friend House, Observatory, and Weather Station

This is the site of the house and observatory of Nevada’s first weatherman, astronomer, and seismologist, Charles William Friend.  Born in Prussia in 1835, Friend immigrated by way of South America to California during the 1849 Gold Rush.  In 1867, he moved from Folsom to Carson City where he set up his own jewelery and optical store.

Friend built Nevada’s first observatory located southwest of his house and east of the Nevada State Capitol.  Nevada’s U.S. Senator William Stewart helped him obtain the use of a six-inch equatorial mount telescope and other instruments from the federal government.

Charles Friend also established Nevada’s first weather service.  In 1887, the Nevada Legislature passed authorization for a weather service station in Carson City.  Friend became its director and created volunteer weather stations throughout the state.  He compiled the data into reports that are still referenced today.

Charles W. Friend died in 1907.  Since his death, the Association of Weather Services has recognized him as a pioneer in weather service west of the Rockies.

STATE HISTORIC MARKER No. 258
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE, NEVADA STATE MUSEUM, THE BRETZLAFF FOUNDATION,
NEVADA STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES, THE CARSON CITY HERITAGE COALITION
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

Nevada State Historic Marker 259 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 259 Summary

NameCharles W. Friend House, Observatory, and Weather Station
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.1642, -119.7637
Nevada State Historic Marker258

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

California Goldfields ( Lasthenia californica )

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Lasthenia californica, commonly known as California goldfields, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to California and is particularly prominent in the coastal ranges and valleys. This species is well-known for its vibrant yellow blooms that contribute significantly to the wildflower displays in California during the spring.

California Goldfields ( Lasthenia californica )
California Goldfields ( Lasthenia californica )

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Clade: Asterids
  • Order: Asterales
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Genus: Lasthenia
  • Species: L. californica

Morphology

Lasthenia californica is characterized by its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. The plant typically reaches heights of 10-50 cm. Key morphological features include:

  • Stems: Erect, slender, and often branched.
  • Leaves: Basal leaves are linear to narrowly oblanceolate, often covered with fine hairs.
  • Flowers: Inflorescences are capitula, composed of numerous yellow ray and disk florets.
  • Fruit: Achene, with each achene being topped with a pappus aiding in wind dispersal.

Habitat and Distribution

Lasthenia californica is commonly found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, coastal prairies, and open woodlands. It thrives in areas with well-drained soils and full sunlight. The plant’s distribution is largely concentrated in California, though it can also be found in parts of Oregon, Nevada, and Baja California.

Ecology

California goldfields play a significant role in their ecosystems. They provide nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. The plant’s early blooming period helps sustain pollinator populations before other wildflowers and crops bloom.

Reproduction

Lasthenia californica reproduces sexually through seed production. The flowering period extends from February to May, during which pollination occurs primarily via insects. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed by wind and gravity. The seeds have a dormancy period that allows them to germinate under favorable conditions in the following year.

Conservation Status

Lasthenia californica is not currently listed as endangered or threatened. However, its habitats are often threatened by urban development, agriculture, and invasive species. Conservation efforts focus on preserving native habitats and controlling invasive species to ensure the continued survival of this and other native wildflower species.

Cultural and Economic Importance

California goldfields are valued for their aesthetic contributions to natural landscapes and wildflower displays. They are also studied for their ecological interactions and adaptability to various environmental conditions. Additionally, they are used in restoration projects aimed at re-establishing native plant communities.

Lasthenia californica is a vibrant and ecologically significant wildflower native to California. Its bright yellow blooms are a hallmark of the spring season in many regions, contributing to the biodiversity and aesthetic value of the areas they inhabit. Understanding the biology, ecology, and conservation needs of this species is essential for preserving its role in native ecosystems.

References

Eagle Valley – Nevada State Historic Marker 76

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Eagle Valley, Nevada, nestled within the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada mountains, boasts a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. From indigenous peoples to European settlers, the valley has been witness to significant cultural and economic developments over the centuries.

This seems to be a drawing or a woodcutting showing Carson Street. On the right in the rear is the U.S. Mint.
This seems to be a drawing or a woodcutting showing Carson Street. On the right in the rear is the U.S. Mint.

Native Inhabitants


The earliest known inhabitants of Eagle Valley were indigenous peoples, including the Washoe and Northern Paiute tribes. These Native American communities lived sustainably off the land, hunting, gathering, and cultivating plants for food, clothing, and shelter. The valley’s abundant natural resources, including water from the Carson River and surrounding forests, provided for their needs and supported vibrant cultures.

Exploration and Settlement (19th Century)

The arrival of European explorers and settlers in the 19th century marked a significant turning point in the history of Eagle Valley. In the early 1800s, trappers and fur traders from the Hudson’s Bay Company and later the American Fur Company ventured into the region in search of pelts, establishing trading posts along the Carson River.

In the 1850s, the discovery of silver in the nearby Comstock Lode sparked a mining boom that transformed Eagle Valley and the surrounding area. Prospectors, miners, and entrepreneurs flooded into the region, seeking their fortunes in the silver mines of Virginia City and Gold Hill. Eagle Valley became a vital stopping point along the Emigrant Trail, serving as a supply center and rest stop for travelers heading to and from the mines.

Founding of Carson City

Christopher 'Kit' Carson (1809-1868), American explorer - Photograph byMathew Brady or Levin C. Handy - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cwpbh.00514.
Christopher ‘Kit’ Carson (1809-1868), American explorer – Photograph by Mathew Brady or Levin C. Handy – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cwpbh.00514.

In 1858, Abraham Curry, a prominent entrepreneur and landowner, recognized the strategic importance of Eagle Valley as a crossroads for trade and transportation. He founded the town of Carson City, named after the nearby Carson River and Kit Carson, the legendary frontiersman. Carson City quickly grew into a bustling hub of commerce, government, and culture, serving as the capital of the newly established Nevada Territory in 1861.

Development and Growth

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Eagle Valley and Carson City continued to prosper and grow. The construction of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in the 1870s further facilitated trade and transportation, connecting Carson City to the mines of the Comstock Lode and the markets of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Eagle Valley became known for its agricultural bounty, with fertile soils supporting crops such as alfalfa, grains, and fruits. Ranching also thrived in the surrounding hills and valleys, with cattle and sheep grazing on the abundant grasslands.


Today, Eagle Valley and Carson City retain echoes of their storied past while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the modern era. The region’s rich history is celebrated through historic sites, museums, and cultural events, preserving the legacy of the indigenous peoples, pioneers, and settlers who shaped its identity. As Carson City continues to evolve as the capital of Nevada, Eagle Valley remains a picturesque and vibrant community, rooted in its natural beauty and enduring heritage.

Nevada State Historic Marker 76 Text

Eagle Valley

Centrally located between one of the first Nevada settlements at Genoa and the gold and silver of the Comstock Lode, Eagle Valley, site of present Carson City, was a vital link inland communications.

One of the key California emigrant routes, the Carson branch of the California Emigrant Trail crossed the Sierra Nevada at Kit Carson Pass and came through Eagle Valley roughly along Sage Drive, a block east of this point.

The first overland telegraph, colloquially known as Fred Bees “Grapevine” was completed from Placerville to Carson City in 1859.  In this area, the line followed what is now highway U.S. 395.  The Pony Express (1860-1861) and the Butterfield-Wells Fargo Overland Stages (1862-1868) followed the same route.

The Virginia & Truckee Railway in its extension to Carson Valley and Minden in 1906 used the route about six blocks east of Bigelow Drive.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO. 76
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
OVERLAND ACRES ASSOCIATION

Nevada State Historic Marker 76 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 76 Summary

NameEagle Valley
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.1250, -119.7664
Nevada State Historic Marker76

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

Federal Government Building (1888-1970)

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The Federal Government Building in Carson City, Nevada, stands as a symbol of federal presence and governance in the state’s capital. Its history reflects the evolving role of the federal government in the region and the architectural styles of its time.
The construction of the Federal Government Building in Carson City dates back to the late 19th century, a period marked by the consolidation of federal authority in the American West. Completed in 1891, the building was designed by architect Mifflin E. Bell in the Renaissance Revival style, characterized by its grandiose facades, classical motifs, and ornate detailing.

U. S. Post Office, North Carson Street, Carson City, Carson City, NV
U. S. Post Office, North Carson Street, Carson City, Carson City, NV

Originally serving as a U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, the building played a pivotal role in the administration of justice and the facilitation of federal services in the burgeoning city. Its prominent location in downtown Carson City underscored the federal government’s commitment to providing stability, security, and infrastructure in the region.

Over the course of the 20th century, the Federal Government Building underwent several expansions and adaptations to accommodate the growing needs of the federal government and the community. Additional wings were added to the original structure, reflecting changes in architectural preferences and functional requirements.

Throughout this period, the building continued to house various federal agencies and departments, including the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Postal Service, and offices of the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration. Its role as a hub of federal activity in Carson City remained central to the city’s civic identity.

In the late 20th century and into the present day, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the Federal Government Building as a historic landmark and architectural treasure. Recognized for its significance in both local and national history, the building has undergone renovations to maintain its structural integrity and historical character.

Today, the Federal Government Building in Carson City continues to serve as a focal point for federal operations and civic life in the city. While the functions and occupants of the building may have changed over time, its iconic presence and historical significance endure as a testament to the enduring legacy of federal governance in Nevada’s capital.

Nevada State Historic Marker 75 Text

Federal Government Building (1888-1970)

This imposing public structure, the former United States Post Office and Courthouse, represents the first federal office building constructed in the State of Nevada.  Construction began in late 1888 and was completed in 1891 at a cost of $134,605.53.

Designed by Mifflin E. Bell, Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department, the building incorporates many elements of the Romanesque Revival style.  Subsequent interior designs were made by Bell’s successors, Will Frost and James Windrum.

Thomas P. Hawley was the first United States District Judge to preside in Carson City.  The last federal judge to officiate here was Bruce R. Thompson whose court was moved to Reno, August 1965.

This building ceased to serve as a post office in 1970 with William E. Dunfield as Postmaster.  Deeded to the State in 1971 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, the Government Building continues to serve the public.


STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 75
State Historic Preservation Office
Carson City Historical Commission

Nevada State Historic Marker 75 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 75 Summary

NameFederal Government Building (1888-1970)
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.1666, -119.7660
Nevada State Historic Marker75

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

Nevada State Children’s Home

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The Nevada State Children’s Home, located in Carson City, Nevada, has a rich history spanning over a century, dedicated to the care and welfare of orphaned, neglected, and dependent children. Its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century when concerns arose about the welfare of vulnerable children in the state.

Nevada State Orphanage, Carson City, Carson City, NV
Nevada State Orphanage, Carson City, Carson City, NV

Founding and Early Years (1899-1930s):
The Nevada State Children’s Home was established in 1899 through legislation passed by the Nevada State Legislature. The home was founded with the primary mission of providing shelter, care, and education to orphaned and abandoned children across the state. Initially, it operated under the oversight of the Nevada State Board of Control.

In its early years, the home faced challenges common to institutions of its kind, including limited resources and overcrowding. Despite these challenges, dedicated staff members worked tirelessly to provide for the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the children under their care.

During the mid-20th century, the Nevada State Children’s Home underwent significant expansion and development. With the passage of new legislation and increased public awareness of child welfare issues, the home received additional funding and support.

This period saw improvements in infrastructure, facilities, and programming to better serve the needs of the children. The home expanded its services to include not only residential care but also counseling, educational support, and vocational training to prepare the children for independent living.


In the late 20th century and into the 21st century, the Nevada State Children’s Home continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community and the children it served. Emphasis shifted towards family reunification, foster care, and adoption services, reflecting a broader national trend towards promoting family-based care for children in need.

The home also embraced advancements in child welfare practices, incorporating trauma-informed care, evidence-based interventions, and community partnerships to enhance outcomes for the children and families it served.

Today, the Nevada State Children’s Home remains committed to its founding mission while adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the field of child welfare. Through its dedicated staff, supportive community, and collaborative partnerships, it continues to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children in need, helping them build brighter futures.

Nevada State Historic Marker 72 Text

Nevada State Children’s Home

The Nevada Orphans’ Asylum, a privately funded institution, was opened in Virginia City in 1864 by the Daughters of Charity.  By 1870, most of its functions were taken over by the Nevada State Orphans’ Home at Carson City, authorized in 1869 by the legislature and constructed on this site.  The first child was admitted October 28, 1870.

In 1903, the first building gave way to a larger one, constructed of sandstone from the state prison quarry east of Carson City.  This edifice served until 1963 as Nevada’s home for dependent and neglected children.  In 1951, its name was changed to the Nevada State Children’s Home. 

The stone building was in turn replaced in 1963, in accordance with the modern concept of family-sized groups housed in cottages.  The facility closed in 1992.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO.  72
COMMEMORATING A CENTURY OF STATE SERVICE TO THE
CHILDREN OF NEVADA
CARSON CITY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

Nevada State Historic Marker 72 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 72 Summary

NameNevada State Children’s Home
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.1598, -119.7638
Nevada State Historic Marker72

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