Communities : Carson Valley

Carson Valley History

First settled by ranchers in 1851, Carson City has been the Nevada capital since the Nevada Territory was established in 1861. With statehood in 1864, Carson City was confirmed as Nevada's permanent capital. While it doesn't have the size or reputation of Reno or Las Vegas, Carson City and the surrounding valley provides many points of interest and enjoyment to visitors through its frontier architecture and historical attractions.

Early Carson City was a classic frontier town. Writer Mark Twain, who arrived in the community in August 1861 on a stagecoach, wrote: "visibly our new home was a desert, walled in by barren, snow-clad mountains. There was not a tree in sight. There was no vegetation but the endless sagebrush and greasewood. All nature was gray with it."

Today, the best way to explore Carson City’s historic sites is with a stroll or drive on the Kit Carson Trail. The 2.5-mile tour, which is marked with a bright blue line, passes more than 60 of the community’s most historic buildings and homes, many constructed in the 1860s and 1870s.

Carson City
Nevada's capital offers more than you might think from its rustic beginnings as a frontier town, this beautiful city holds an important position on Nevada’s history. Carson City boasts one of the largest historic residential districts in the West. Carson City serves as the hub for sightseers and adventure-seekers, endless entertainment, world-class golf, and scenic Lake Tahoe just minutes away. Carson City neighborhoods offer a wide-range of housing from affordable to affluent. Homes in Carson City include single family, multi-family, condos, horse property, acreage, and investment property. The area also features golf course and retirement communities, plus historic Victorian Homes.

Dayton
Dayton is known for its beautiful high-desert setting and its rich historical heritage. It is in close proximity to all of Northern Nevada. The beautiful Carson River wanders leisurely through downtown. Only minutes away from Carson City, Reno, and Lake Tahoe, Dayton offers a wonderful place to live and play. The area is experiencing dynamic growth due to the relocation of many industries. Homes in Dayton include single family, multi-family, condos, farming and horse property, riverfront, and investment property. The area has several golf course communities and historic Victorian homes.

Genoa
Historic Genoa was Nevada’s first permanent settlement, founded in 1851. This attractive community is situated at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada on the west side of Carson Valley, just minutes from Carson City. Genoa boasts two championship golf courses, and is home to one of the world’s finest hot springs resorts. Lake Tahoe is just 18 miles away; you’ll find land of unparallel beauty, and unending recreational opportunities. Genoa’s real estate includes single family, farm and horse property, riverfront, investment property, golf course communities, and historic Victorian homes.

Minden
This charming old railroad town is a vibrant and interesting place to live, work and play. Minden offers a superb quality of life, with the perfect blend of civilization and the ability to escape from it in a few moments. Whatever your activity -- golfing, skiing, hiking or camping -- you’ll find it here. Homes in Minden include single family, multi-family, condos, townhouses, farm and horse property, golf course and retirement communities, and historic homes.

Gardnerville
The promise of a simpler lifestyle beckons those who chance upon the growing community of Gardnerville. Originally, one of the earliest-settled of the state’s agricultural regions, Gardnerville still embodies its rich rural heritage, yet it is only minutes from Reno, Carson City, and Lake Tahoe. Gardnerville is known for its natural beauty, small town friendliness, and appealing quality of life. Homes in Gardnerville include single family, multi-family, condos, townhouses, farm and horse property, golf course and retirement communities, and historic homes.

Smith Valley
As a rural farm and ranching community, many people find Smith Valley is everything they ever wanted. Not too far from the urban areas, but still isolated enough to allow solitude and relaxation. Homes in Smith Valley include single family, modular, farm and horse property, riverfront, and historic homes.

Historical info is from the website of Carson City Visitors Bureau and Carson City: History and Description.