The Reno Arch

 

On the main thoroughfare in Reno, you will see the arch. On the corner of Virginia Street and Commercial Avenue, there it is, waiting to greet you. The current arch is silver and blue in honor of the University of Nevada, Reno, "Go Pack!" The Reno Arch has been a landmark here for as long as anyone can remember. What you might not know is that this is the third arch! THREE!! 

So why do we have the arch in the first place? Have a seat. You comfy? Okie doke, here we go. 

Remember how Reno got a kick start with the transcontinental railroad? Well, Reno got another kick with another transcontinental project, this one was the Transcontinental Highway, also called the Lincoln Highway .  It was the brainchild of automotive entrepreneur Carl Fisher; same guy made major investments in the Indianapolis Speedway. (The guy really likes cars!) He proposed the idea of a coast-to-coast highway for reasons of leisure and commerce. 

Prior to this project, most roads were "maintained" by their counties and rural roads were the responsibility of the people who lived on them. So it was a big deal when the initial section of the highway was dedicated on October31, 1913. The so-called "Main Street Across the Country" would cross the United States from Times Square, New York to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, California. 

"Great information, lady", I can hear you, "but why the Arch?"

The Arch is there because of the Transcontinental Highway! The first Arch was dedicated on October 23, 1926 to celebrate the completion of the nicknamed Lincoln Highway. Building a highway over 3,000 miles (over 4,800 kilometers) takes a while! The Arch was stationed to span Virginia Street at Commercial Avenue. 

The first version had torches! They weren't lit with actual flames, but the effect was still pretty cool.  Soon the torches were ditched for a more streamlined look. While this was supposed to be temporary, the city liked it so much, we kept it. The First Arch is now located on Lake Street just south of the Truckee River. 

In 1963, Arch Number Two was erected. This one was wider to span Virginia Street more easily. The now famous rotating star was added. When the third and current installation of the Arch was dedicated on August 8, 1987, the second version was donated as another gateway. It's in Willits, California and has the banner "The Gateway to the Redwoods".  I've traveled through Willits and thought the arch looked vaguely familiar. Now I know why. RECYCLING!! Love it. 

So that is a very short history of the Reno Arch welcoming you all to the Biggest Little City in the World.