The River and the Railroad: An Archaeological History of Reno (Shepperson Series in Nevada History)

When the City of Reno decided at the beginning of this century to create a trench to lower the railroad tracks that ran through its center, archaeologists associated with the ReTRAC (Reno Transportation Rail Access Corridor) project had a unique opportunity to explore the evidence of thousands of years of human history locked beneath downtown's busy streets. The River and the Railroad traces the people and events that shaped the city, incorporating archaeological findings to add a more tangible physical dimension to the known history. It offers fascinating insights into the lives of many different people from Reno's past and helps to correct some common misperceptions about the history of the American West. Beginning in 2001 the city of Reno Nevada began a project to lower its inner-city railroad line into a thirty foot deep trench, creating an opportunity for archaeological study rarely available. This volume documents many of the discoveries and outlines new information about the nearly 5000 years of continuous human habitation along the Truckee River in Western Nevada A Brief History Of Reno -- Occupants Of The Daylight Site -- Reno And The Railroad -- City Infrastructure And Everyday Life -- The Story In Broken Bottles -- African American-owned Business In The Lake-evans Block. Mary Ringhoff And Edward J. Stoner. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.