The Kit Carson Trail is a defined walking path that takes audiences all across the historic district of Carson City, Nevada. Featuring a variety of individual landmarks, the experience has enabled engagement with residents and visitors in ways that celebrate the history of the area while actively supporting the culture and economy of the city.
The History of Carson City
Kit Carson was an American frontiersman in the late 19th century. His stop in the Nevada region during a journey to map the west during the 1840s left a major impression on residents. Those residents hey would name the city that was founded in 1858 after him. In 1864, Carson City was confirmed as Nevada’s permanent capital.
The 2.5 mile Kit Carson Trail tells the story of how this city grew and thrived over the following decades. Various 1800s-era Victorian-style homes, museums and churches are showcased, with nearly 50 landmarks along the Kit Carson Trail. Carriage stone markers identify each historic landmark across the trail, with numbers that correspond to a stop on the map.
Audiences can customize the Kit Carson Trail by taking different or alternate routes, allowing them to experience this history in multiple ways. It also directly brings them to restaurants and other establishments that define modern Carson City, becoming as notable of an attraction as other activities and landmarks.
In telling the story of the capital city’s history in such a defined but unique way, the Kit Carson Trail has ensured cultural and economic connections will continue to be made across eras and audiences.
“Follow the Blue Line”
Audiences are told to “follow the blue line” to experience the Kit Carson Trail in a way that brings history to life. Doing so highlights what it means to make important connections from the past to the present that can meaningfully benefit the culture and economy of a community.
