Sparks, Nevada

Ferris Wheel in Scheels, in Sparks, Nevada
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scheels_Ferris_Wheel.jpg
Author: Little Mountain 5


Sparks is a city in Washoe County, Nevada, to the east of Reno. Covering 24 sq mi (62.1 sq km), it has a population of 90,000 people (2011 estimate). Due to its proximity to Reno, the two cities are often twinned as Reno-Sparks.

The history of Sparks goes back to the early 1850s. Until then, it was inhabited by the Washoe people. The early European-American settlers in the area established cattle ranches. Population was low until 1904, when the Southern Pacific Railroad was built. Originally named Harriman, the city was renamed Sparks in honor of John Sparks, the Governor of Nevada.

The growth of Sparks only began earnestly in the 1950s, much of it a spillover effect from the economic boom of Reno. This being Nevada, Sparks has one casino, the John Ascuaga's Nugget, opened in 1984. At Sparks is the largest sports store in the world, called Scheels.

Visiting Sparks

Interstate 80 connects Sparks with Reno and the rest of the country.

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