Tag: Washoe County

Governor Emmet Derby Boyle

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Governor Emmet Derby Boyle (1879-1926), the first native-born governor of Nevada, serving from 1915-1923.  He is honored with Nevada State Historic Marker number 265.

Governor Emmet Derby Boyle (July 26, 1879 – January 3, 1926)
Governor Emmet Derby Boyle (July 26, 1879 – January 3, 1926)

Boyle was born on July 26, 1879, in Gold Hill, Nevada. After graduating the University of Nevada in 1889 he worked as a mining engineer. Emmet Boyle is elected to the governors office at the young age of thirty-five. As such, he is the youngest elected to the office, the first elected born in Nevada, and the first graduate from the University of Nevada. As governor and a strong supporter of women’s rights, Boyle called the Nevada Legislature into special session in 1920 to ratify the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote.

Nevada State Historic Marker 265 Text

Eight grave sites to the north rests Emmet Derby Boyle (1879-1926), the first native-born governor of Nevada, serving from 1915-1923.  Born in Goldhill, Boyle was also the first graduate of the University of Nevada to become governor.  At thirty-five, he was the youngest person to hold the state’s highest office.

Governor Emmet Boyle worked on Nevada’s water laws and introduced the state’s first executive budget.  A strong supporter of women’s rights, Boyle called the Nevada Legislature into special session in 1920 to ratify the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote.

Emmet Boyle died on January 3, 1926 and is buried next to his wife Vida McClure Boyle who he married in 1903.

NEVADA STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 265
NEVADA STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
CHRIS DRIGGS, NEVADA STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES
TOM SWART, HISTORY ADVOCATE
RENO LODGE, NO. 13 F. & A.M.

Nevada State Historic Marker 265 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 265 Summary

NameGovernor Emmet Derby Boyle
LocationWashoe County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.5253, -119.8449
Nevada State Historic Marker265

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

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps

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Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps ( June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969 ) was Nevada’s premier architect during his life, and honored as the subject of Nevada State Historic Marker 245.

Biography

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps - June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969 - [UNRS-P1989-09-115] Special Collections and University Archives Department, University of Nevada, Reno
Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps – June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969 – [UNRS-P1989-09-115] Special Collections and University Archives Department, University of Nevada, Reno

Born on February 2, 1882, in Nevada City, California, Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps would emerge as one of the most influential architects in the history of Nevada. His remarkable career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of the American West.

Early Life and Education

Frederick DeLongchamps was the son of French immigrant parents who settled in California during the Gold Rush era. Raised in a family with a deep appreciation for art and culture, young Frederick exhibited a keen interest in architecture from an early age. He pursued his passion by studying architectural drafting and design, eventually enrolling in the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France, where he honed his skills under the guidance of renowned architects.

Architectural Career

Upon returning to the United States, DeLongchamps settled in Nevada, where he would establish himself as a preeminent architect. His early projects showcased a mastery of diverse architectural styles, ranging from Beaux-Arts to Spanish Revival, reflecting his eclectic sensibilities and adaptability.

DeLongchamps’ career reached new heights in the early 20th century when he was commissioned to design several iconic buildings that would come to define the architectural identity of Nevada. Among his most notable works is the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City, a majestic edifice that blends classical design elements with modern functionality. Completed in 1915, the Capitol remains a testament to DeLongchamps’ vision and skill.

In addition to the Capitol, DeLongchamps left his mark on numerous other landmarks across Nevada, including courthouses, schools, and commercial buildings. His portfolio includes the Riverside Hotel in Reno, the Washoe County Courthouse, and the historic Reno Arch, an enduring symbol of the city’s vibrant spirit.

Legacy and Influence

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps’ contributions to the architectural heritage of Nevada are immeasurable. His designs not only captured the essence of their time but also laid the groundwork for future generations of architects. DeLongchamps’ legacy extends beyond his architectural achievements; he was also a passionate advocate for historic preservation and urban planning.

Throughout his career, DeLongchamps remained committed to his craft, embracing innovation while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the American West. His legacy continues to inspire architects and enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the transformative power of architecture to shape communities and evoke a sense of place.

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps passed away on February 20, 1969, leaving behind a legacy that endures through the timeless beauty of his architectural creations. Today, his buildings stand as monuments to his vision and serve as a lasting tribute to his enduring influence on the architectural landscape of Nevada.

Nevada State Historic Marker 245

Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps was Nevada’s foremost architect of his time.  Statewide, he was prolific in the number of buildings he designed.  From this point, one can see a group of structures that stand, collectively, as a monument to DeLongchamps:  the United State Post Office, the Riverside Hotel, the Washoe County Courthouse and the Reno National Bank Building.  The Northern Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, dedicated to excellence in architecture, honors the memory of Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps

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STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 245
DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION & ARCHEOLOGY
NORTHERN CHAPTER: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

Nevada State Historic Marker 245 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 245 Summary

NameFrederic Joseph DeLongchamps
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.5251, -119.8124
Nevada State Historic Marker245

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

Virginia and Truckee Railroad Right-of-Way

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The Virginia and Truckee Railway, affectionately known as the V&T, holds a storied history deeply intertwined with the development of the American West in the 19th century. Established in Virginia City, Nevada, in 1869, the railway quickly became a vital link between the bustling mining communities of Virginia City, Gold Hill, and Carson City, facilitating the transportation of silver and gold ore to processing facilities and connecting these remote towns to the broader economy. Initially built to serve the booming Comstock Lode mining operations, the V&T Railway later expanded its operations to cater to passenger traffic and freight transport, playing a pivotal role in the economic growth of Nevada.

Built in 1872, the Virginia & Truckee No. 11, the "Reno" was the V&T's first true passenger engine. It was the pride of the fleet, and was assigned to the pull the "Lightning Express," the V&T's premier train in the 1800s. The engine was damaged by a fire in 1995, and is currently undergoing restoration by the V&T.
Built in 1872, the Virginia & Truckee No. 11, the “Reno” was the V&T’s first true passenger engine. It was the pride of the fleet, and was assigned to the pull the “Lightning Express,” the V&T’s premier train in the 1800s. The engine was damaged by a fire in 1995, and is currently undergoing restoration by the V&T.

Throughout its existence, the Virginia and Truckee Railway experienced both triumphs and challenges. It weathered the economic downturns of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, adapted to changing transportation needs, and even survived a devastating fire in 1875 that destroyed much of its infrastructure. Despite facing competition from emerging modes of transportation such as automobiles and trucks, the V&T managed to remain operational until 1950 when declining profits led to its closure. However, spurred by nostalgia and historical significance, efforts to preserve and restore sections of the V&T began in the latter part of the 20th century. Today, the Virginia and Truckee Railway operates as a heritage railroad, offering scenic rides through the picturesque landscapes of Nevada, preserving the legacy of one of the West’s most iconic railways.

Nevada State Historic Marker Text

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad was built between 1868 and 1872 to connect the mining and milling communities of the Comstock to the Central Pacific Railroad that ran through Reno.

The line first connected Virginia City to Carson City in 1869, but work to run the railroad north moved quickly. Soon after Chinese laborers graded this section during the summer of 1871, track gangs commenced laying rail south, reaching Steamboat Springs by late October.  Nine months later, Superintendent Henry M. Yerington drove the last spike a mile west of Carson City on August 24, 1872, connecting Virginia City with Reno by rail.  Although regularly scheduled passenger service didn’t begin until October 1, the first through train traversed the 52 mile route on September 1, 1872 – the last passed by here on May 31, 1950.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO. 248
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
CITY OF RENO

Nevada State Historic Marker Summary

Nevada State Historic Marker 248 was located at the intersection of South Center and East Taylor Streets, Reno, Nevada.

NameVirginia and Truckee Railroad Right-of-Way
LocationWashoe County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.5163, -119.8064
Nevada State Historic Marker248

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.

Map

References

Virginia and Truckee Railroad

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The Virginia and Truckee Railroad is a historic railway in Nevada, renowned for its role in transporting ore during the Comstock Lode mining boom of the late 19th century. The railroad connects Reno to Carson City and up to Virginia City and the mines of the Comstock Load, and down to the city of Minden, Nevada. The standard gauge rail consisted of about 60 miles and track. Today, much of the track is removed with a small railway offering passengers a historic experience between Carson City and Virginia City.

Built in 1872, the Virginia & Truckee No. 11, the “Reno” was the V&T’s first true passenger engine. It was the pride of the fleet, and was assigned to the pull the “Lightning Express,” the V&T’s premier train in the 1800s. The engine was damaged by a fire in 1995, and is currently undergoing restoration by the V&T.

History

Established in 1869, the V&T initially served as a means to transport silver ore from the mines of the Comstock Lode, located near Virginia City, to stamp mills in Carson City for processing. Its construction was driven by the need for efficient transportation of the abundant ore extracted from the rich silver mines of the region.

Under the direction of engineers like William Sharon and Theodore Judah, the V&T rapidly expanded its operations, stretching its lines to reach other mining towns such as Gold Hill and Dayton. The railroad’s success not only facilitated the transport of precious ore but also stimulated the growth of settlements along its route and provided essential passenger and freight services to the burgeoning communities of the Comstock.

The Crown Point Trestle crossed the Crown Point Ravine in Gold Hill. It was finished in November 1869, and stayed up until 1936. Here a Virginia City-bound train crosses the trestle in the 1880s.
The Crown Point Trestle crossed the Crown Point Ravine in Gold Hill. It was finished in November 1869, and stayed up until 1936. Here a Virginia City-bound train crosses the trestle in the 1880s.

The V&T gained renown for its engineering feats, including its crossing of the daunting Carson Range via the scenic and challenging Carson Pass route. The railroad’s iconic trestles, such as the 75-foot-high Crown Point Trestle, became symbols of the daring construction projects undertaken to connect Nevada’s mining districts.

Throughout its operational years, the V&T weathered various challenges, including economic downturns, labor disputes, and the decline of mining activities in the area. However, it continued to adapt and diversify its services, expanding into tourism and freight transportation beyond the mining industry.

The railroad faced a significant setback with the decline of the Comstock Lode and the subsequent closure of many mines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it found new life through tourism, offering scenic excursions through the picturesque landscapes of the Carson River Canyon and the Virginia City foothills.

In the mid-20th century, the V&T ceased its regular operations due to changing economic conditions and the rise of automobile travel. However, its legacy was preserved through the efforts of preservationists and enthusiasts who worked tirelessly to restore and maintain its historic routes, locomotives, and rolling stock.

The Railroad Today

Today, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad stands as a beloved historic attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Nevada’s rich mining heritage and the golden age of railroading in the American West. Its meticulously restored steam locomotives, vintage passenger cars, and scenic journeys continue to captivate passengers, preserving the spirit of adventure and enterprise that defined the railroad’s illustrious past.

Virginia and Truckee Historic Route

Railroad Summary

NameVirginia and Truckee Railroad
LocationWashoe County,
Carson City,
Douglas County
LengthApproximately 60 miles
GaugeStandard Gauge – 4 feet 8.5 inches (1,435 mm)
Years of Operation1870 – 1950
1976 – Current

References