Nevada's heart beats here in the capital city. Carson City prides itself on preserving and celebrating its past, a big reason why the editors of True West magazine  named it the “Best Western Historical Site.” When visiting Nevada, Carson City is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of Nevada’s rich and colorful history. The city’s origins are closely linked to the creation of the state of Nevada. In 1861, when the Nevada Territory was established, Carson City was named the capital of the territorial government. Three years later, when statehood was bestowed, Carson City was designated the official state capital.