Welcome back to our weeklong tour through America’s most iconic city nicknames! Today, we’re heading west—farther west than Los Angeles, in fact—to explore Reno, Nevada, famously known as “The Biggest Little City in the World.” It’s a nickname with a surprising backstory, one that perfectly captures Reno’s blend of small-town charm and big-city ambition.
From River Crossing to Railroad Hub
Reno’s origins go back to the mid-1800s, when it emerged as a key crossing point for travelers heading over the Truckee River. Its growth took off thanks to two major forces: the nearby Comstock Lode silver mine and the arrival of the transcontinental railroad. Before long, Reno had become the principal settlement on the rail line between Sacramento and Salt Lake City—a lively hub for business, agriculture, and travelers moving west.
The Birth of a Bold Nickname
In 1926, Reno erected a downtown arch to celebrate the Nevada Transcontinental Highway Exposition, marking the completion of the Lincoln and Victory Highways. The arch was supposed to be temporary—just another piece of fanfare—but residents loved it. The city council decided to keep it as a permanent gateway and invited the public to submit a slogan worthy of the new landmark.
That call for creativity didn’t get far until the city offered a $100 prize. On March 14, 1929, G.A. Burns of Sacramento submitted the winning phrase: “Reno, the Biggest Little City in the World.”
Interestingly, the slogan wasn’t entirely unique—other towns like Wichita and Sioux Falls had used it decades earlier to attract settlers. But Reno made it famous. And once Nevada legalized gambling and quick divorces in 1931, the slogan became undeniably Reno’s alone.
Reno: The Divorce Capital of the World
In the early 20th century, Nevada took a radically different approach to divorce than most other states. While others imposed strict rules and long waiting periods, Nevada steadily reduced its residency requirement—from six months down to a mere six weeks by 1931. Reno embraced the change, marketing itself as the “Divorce Capital of the World.”
From the 1930s through the 1960s, thousands flocked to Reno each year for what became known as “the six-week cure.” Hotels, boardinghouses, and even “divorce ranches” catered to temporary residents awaiting their court date. Ordinary folks came for a fresh start—but so did the rich and famous. Among the many celebrities who ended marriages in Reno: Rita Hayworth, General Douglas MacArthur, and Vice President Nelson Rockefeller.
The boom eventually faded as other states eased their divorce laws, especially with the adoption of no-fault divorce in the 1970s. But by then, Reno’s next big industry was already on the rise.
A Gambling Pioneer—Before Las Vegas Took Over
Nevada legalized open gambling in 1931, and Reno was first out of the gate. Harold’s Club received the state’s first gaming license, helping turn the city into the gambling capital of America. Reno thrived for decades before Las Vegas grew into the entertainment powerhouse we know today.
Where Sunshine Meets the Sierra Nevada
Beyond its colorful history, Reno’s geography is worth celebrating. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains and just 22 miles from sparkling Lake Tahoe, the city is surrounded by natural beauty. It boasts the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America and ranks as one of the top 10 sunniest cities in the U.S., with over 300 days of sunshine a year.
And because the first pair of blue jeans was created in Reno in 1871…