Sparks History & Culture
Briefly called "East Reno" and subsequently Harriman, after New York railroad baron E.H. Harriman, the City of Sparks would never have existed if the Southern Pacific hadn't decided to straighten its winding route east of the Truckee River, laid down in haste during the rush to drive the Golden Spike. The area afforded ample real estate to construct their sprawling maintenance facilities, and neighboring parcels were awarded to roundhouse workers, who drew their lot numbers from an undoubtedly greasy hat — the company furthered the incentive by offering to haul employee's houses, from the old hub at Wadsworth, free of charge. While Sparks is hardly the one-track town it once was, it's still possible connect with this past at Victorian Square, where the past and present intertwine with exciting shopping, dining, and historic exhibits.