In 1859, the Comstock Lode silver strike was discovered, sparking the first major wave of emigration into the area that is now known as Douglas County. In 1860, the community of Carson City was established and named after the Carson River. In addition, in 1861, the Nevada Territory was formed and Carson City became its capital. Nevada became the 36th State of the United States on October 31st, 1864. Of the 17 counties in Nevada, only Carson City and Virginia City have remained county seats since the beginning of statehood.

The capitol building in Carson City was constructed in 1870 and today, 130 years later, the capitol Building is still used. Today other buildings surround the Capitol forming the Capital Complex in the City. Nevertheless, the capitol building, constructed of native sandstone, holds the special designation of the second oldest capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Other buildings here include the Legislative Building, Supreme Court, and the State Library and Archives.

The dusty, sometimes muddy, town with occasional boardwalks is now a thriving, evolving community of over 50,000 residents. 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. For a community its size, Carson City boasts a relatively large number of museums and historic exhibits.

There is much to see and much to do in Carson City, making a vacation to this wonderful part of the West, a trip well worth its while!