| Official name | Consolidated Municipality of Carson City |
| Type | Capital city |
| View of Carson City and the Sierra Nevada | |
| State | Nevada |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1858 |
| Population | 58,000 |
| Area (km²) | 403 |
| Time zone | Pacific (PST/PDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 89701–89721 |
| Area code(s) | 775 |
Carson City is the capital of Nevada and an independent city located in the western part of the state. Unlike most U.S. state capitals, Carson City is not part of any county — it is officially a consolidated city-county.
Overview
- Capital of Nevada since 1864
- Named after famed explorer Kit Carson
- Located near Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range
Landmarks and Attractions
- Nevada State Capitol – built in 1870 with native sandstone
- Nevada State Museum and Nevada State Railroad Museum
- Kit Carson Trail – a walking tour through historic homes
- Nearby Lake Tahoe for skiing, hiking, and boating
- Governor’s Mansion and historic downtown district
Economy
Carson City's economy includes:
- State government and public administration
- Tourism and recreation (proximity to Tahoe and Reno)
- Manufacturing and aerospace
- Health care and retail
Culture and Lifestyle
- Known for a slower pace and high quality of life
- Combines frontier history with access to modern recreation
- Hosts Nevada Day Parade and local rodeos
- A short drive from both desert and alpine environments
Education
- Western Nevada College
- Public school system overseen by Carson City School District
- Close access to University of Nevada, Reno (30 minutes away)
Transportation
- Carson City Airport (general aviation)
- Closest commercial flights via Reno–Tahoe International Airport
- U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 395 pass through the city
Fun Facts
- One of only a few U.S. capitals not served by Amtrak
- Formerly a hub for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad
- The capital was moved here from Genoa due to its central location and mining boom