Origins

In the mid-1800′s, Reno's growth was stimulated by the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad over the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the mining boom of the Comstock Lode. The news of a gold strike brought thousands of gold-rushers to and through the area. Lake's Crossing was the first name for the Reno area. Reno became a city in May of 1868 in honor of a Union officer of the Civil War, General Jesse Lee Reno. Source: Reno Visitors Bureau