The founders of Carson City set aside a 10-acre parcel of land (called “the Plaza”) in the center of town for the future state capitol, which was not to be constructed for another decade. The building was made of locally quarried sandstone in a Neoclassical Italianate style between 1870 and 1871. It is the second oldest capitol west of the Mississippi River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
By the early 20th century, the legislature had outgrown the capitol building and it was expanded. For more than 50 years, all three parts of the state government were housed in the Capitol. The Supreme Court was relocated in 1937, as was the Nevada Legislature in 1971.
(part of the grounds of the capitol)
Today the capitol continues as the office for the governor and his staff. A historical exhibit is on display on the building’s second floor.
(New state legislative building adjoins the old state capitol)
