Lake's Crossing, a growing community along the Truckee River in Northern Nevada, was parceled into a proper town site by the Central Pacific Railroad. The railroad named the town Reno,
to Honor
Major General Jesse Lee Reno.
Born April 20, 1823 in Wheeling, Virginia, Reno graduated 8th in his class of 59 at West point. He served in the Battles of Vera Cruz, El Telegrafo, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Mexico City and Chapultepec in the Mexican War, during which he was twice promoted for his bravery and leadership.
In 1853 he married Mary Bradley Beanes Cross. The couple had four sons and one daughter.
During the U.S. Civil War, General Reno and his troops defended our nation's capital, possibly saving it from invasion by confederate force.
On September 14, 1862 Reno commanded the IX Corps at the Battle of South Mountain. Astride his horse, leading his troops in battle, Reno was fatally shot by confederate sharpshooters, at the Battle of Antietam three days later, his troop's battle cry was
"Remember Reno
!"
"For his high character and the kindly qualities of his heart in private life, as well as for his military genius and personal daring, which marked him as a soldier, his loss will be deployed by all who knew that."
General Ambrose Burnside
This bronze monument: Dedicated in 2006, is supported by a granite boulder that was extracted from the rail trench, the City of Reno's largest civic project. The rail trench was dedicated in 2005.
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