Economy
Reno Just Wants to Be Normal
The city has been a haven for gold rushers, divorce-seekers and gamblers. Now it's making a bid for the pleasant city market.
Throughout its history, Reno, Nevada, has paid the price for sticking with one thing too long.
The city first came into existence as a place for gold seekers to rest, eat and restock their supplies, only to see gold mining dry up. Then, it became known as the nation’s divorce capital, as well as for its brothels. As states loosened their divorce laws, and sexual mores changed, Reno shifted its emphasis to casino gambling, only to see gaming embraced all over the country.