Exploring the world. Nevada. US

Description

This introduction to the Reno and the Lake Tahoe area begins by exploring the famous ghost town "Virginia City." Located southeast of Reno, this historic mining town was the most important stop between Denver and San Francisco during the silver mining boom in the 1800's. Here we see Piper's Opera House; built in the 1880's, this vintage theater attracted famous actors, singers, and musicians such as Buffalo Bill Cody and the Wild West Review. Also we board the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, once an important short train for moving silver, but today used only as an excursion train that takes tourists into 6 Mile Canyon. Next we head to Gold Hill, population 100; home to the oldest hotel in the state of Nevada, the Gold Hill Hotel. At the Virginia City Mines we learn that in two decades $18 million of gold and silver was mined here, which helped finance the city of San Francisco and the Union during the Civil War. We visit the 4th Ward Schoolhouse, which was built in the 1800's during the mining boom; this architecturally advanced building once accommodated over 1,000 students. Then we visit Sparks, Nevada; named after Governor John Sparks, this city is known for many attractions on Victorian Square and some of the best food is served at The Nugget, a family operation established in 1955. Lastly, we visit Lake Tahoe, which borders California and Nevada; it is the largest alpine lake in North America.

Runtime

22 minutes

Series

Geography

Genre

Database

Alexander Street

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