Reno History & Culture
In the 1850s, gold was discovered right outside of the Reno area near Virginia City. This led to the discovery of Silver, which then led to the Comstock Lode, the mining rush that brought in thousands of immigrants hoping to find a fortune. Although Nevada is considered the “Silver State,” it accounts for about 78% of total US gold production and 5% of the world's gold production. The Reno area is also known for cultivation, and with its fertile soil, agriculture and livestock are among its most important industries along with gaming and tourism. Of late, the city has reinvented itself as a business-friendly metropolis becoming an important site for major corporate development, particularly for the tech industry. Even with Reno’s development and growth, it’s still one of roughly six places in the nation where you can still spot wild horses roaming through its neighborhoods. With its close proximity to Lake Tahoe, which is the largest Alpine lake in North America, Reno truly shines in the outdoors. Residents are close to more than a dozen great ski resorts, countless hiking and biking trails, and rivers and lakes for water sports. The beautiful Truckee River that flows directly through downtown bolsters many family fun events including Reno River Festival and Artown, a citywide, monthlong free art festival. Between the desert and the mountains — and between an Old West past and a high-tech future — Reno couldn’t be better positioned.