Skip to ContentSparks was built by Southern Pacific in 1903 for railroad workers moved from Wadsworth. Victorian Square is its downtown event venue.
Checked November 2, 2026. Dates, prices and hours change; the official page wins.
- 1903lots drawn for Wadsworth workers
- 50×140foot lot size
- 67lots changed title at $1
- 1905incorporated (Wikipedia)
A Railroad Town
The City of Sparks says that in 1902 the area was swampland and ranches four miles east of Reno. Southern Pacific, which had taken over the mainline from Central Pacific, straightened the route and bypassed Wadsworth. In summer 1903 it offered Wadsworth employees a new town beside a new roundhouse: a 50-by-140-foot lot with a clear deed, with the railroad moving their houses for free. A drawing assigned the lots, and 67 lots changed title at $1 each. Wikipedia (secondary) adds that Sparks was founded in 1904 and incorporated March 15, 1905, was first named Harriman and then renamed for Governor John Sparks, and is nicknamed the Rail City.
Victorian Square
The city lists Victorian Square as the venue for annual events including the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, Hot August Nights and Sparks Hometowne Christmas. Wikipedia says redevelopment of the square began in the early 1980s with a plaza and movie complex opening in 1996; the city page gives no founding date. See Hot August Nights.
- City of Sparks431 Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89431; 775-353-5555
- Getting thereAbout 10 minutes from downtown Reno (our estimate, no live traffic)
What We Could Not Confirm
These items were not read on an official page when we checked, so we do not state them as fact. Who can confirm each one is named.
- Founding and renaming dates (Wikipedia only; City of Sparks or the Sparks Heritage Museum can confirm).
- Dates of the rib cook-off and Hometowne Christmas (organizers).
- Sparks Heritage Museum hours (not read).
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sparks built?
Southern Pacific built the town in 1903 for workers moving from Wadsworth after it straightened its mainline.
Sources
Cite this page: It’s Reno editorial team, “Sparks Victorian Square and Rail History,” itsreno.com, checked November 2, 2026.