Reno Nevada History

During the mid-nineteenth century, entrepreneur Charles Fuller built a log bridge over the Truckee River, charging a toll to cross it and providing room and board for prospectors on their way to Virginia City's gold and silver fields. Later, Myron Fuller expanded the little settlement, giving land to Charles Crocker to make sure his holdings were in the Central Pacific Railroad's path. Named after Civil War General Jesse Reno, the town of Reno was officially established on May 13, 1868.

Reno's fortunes rose and fell along with the Nevada mining industry. With several legal brothels and illegal gambling establishments, offering quick and easy divorces, Reno earned the title "Sin City."

The divorce trade continued into the twentieth century, with several boardinghouses built just to accommodate separating couples. After World War II, Reno continued to grow. Casino gambling was legalized in 1931 and in 1947 the Mapes Hotel opened, the first high-rise building to combine a hotel and casino.

Today, Reno is home to Harrah's Entertainment and International Game Technology, which manufactures most of the world's slot machines. However, Reno also encourages new industries. Rated number 4 in INC Magazine's top 50 small metropolitan areas to start and grow small businesses and number 22 in Forbes/Milliken's Best Places survey, Reno adds 6,000 new jobs per year.