5 Facts About Nevada's Capital: How Well Do You Know Carson City?

Carson City, Nevada’s capital, shares in the historical heritage of the Silver State. While it is one of the smallest capitals in the United States, Carson City is rich with culture and odd facts.

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Here are five facts you may not know about Carson City:

1. One of Two

Carson City is one of only two capital cities in the United States that borders another state (Carson City borders California); the other is Trenton, New Jersey (bordering Pennsylvania). Alaska's capital city, Juneau, borders British Columbia, Canada.

2. Big Capitol, Small City

While Carson City may be a big shot in Nevada, the U.S. Census Bureau doesn’t agree. Carson City is the smallest of the United States' 366 Metropolitan Statistical Areas.

3. The Old Trees

Carson River runs through Fort Churchill, Dayton, and, of course, Carson City. Residents are no stranger to the towering, beautiful cottonwood trees that border the riverbanks. Anglers will find the river stocked with rainbow trout, but they’ll also discover large- and smallmouth bass, catfish, and bullhead catfish, the Nevada Department of Wildlife said.

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4. There’s Not Gold in These Hills

Carson City started its history as a waystation for white settlers seeking to make it rich at the Gold Rush. However, in 1859, gold prospectors hit silver in the hills east of the city, according to the Carson City website. The Comstock Lode, as it was called, was the largest silver find in world history. Tens of thousands of miners poured into Carson City and Virginia City.

5. Rain or Snow, Sleet or Sun, the Pony Express Always Runs

In the 1860s, Carson City was a station on the Pony Express and the Overland mail under both Butterfield and Wells, Fargo and Co. In 1861, the major shipping and delivery area helped make history; Carson City became the capital of the Nevada Territory. A 10-foot by 10-foot silhouette of a Pony Express rider sits on Highway 50 on the city’s outskirts, according to the Pony Express Home Station.

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