Reno, << REE noh >> (pop. 264,165; met. area pop. 549,831), is a tourist center and the third largest city in Nevada. Only Las Vegas and Henderson have more people. Reno lies in western Nevada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. The Truckee River flows through the downtown area of the city.
Reno’s attractions include gambling casinos; skiing, hiking, and other recreational activities; and such annual events as air races, a balloon race, and a classic car celebration. The city is the home of the University of Nevada, Reno. Reno-Tahoe International Airport serves the area.
Reno was established as a station on the Central Pacific Railroad in 1868, at what had been called Lake’s Crossing. Railroad officials named it for Jesse Lee Reno, a Union general killed in the American Civil War (1861-1865). Reno was incorporated as a city in 1903. It grew rapidly after Nevada legalized gambling in 1931.
Reno has a council-manager form of government. It is the county seat of Washoe County.
