150 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501

Powning Veterans Memorial Park

Park Description:

Powning Veterans Memorial Park is a 0.27-acre Reno park without restrooms.

Park Amenities:

Tables and benches.

Park Contact Information:

City of Reno - Parks & Facilities (775) 334-2417

Park Highlights

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Park History

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Powning Memorial Park

Powning Park is located in the heart of Downtown Reno, surrounded by small businesses and iconic sights in the Truckee Meadows such as the Reno Court House, Pioneer Art Center, and the Virginia Street Bridge. Pedestrians and drivers pass this park with little notice of the tall statue and monuments scattered throughout. Despite its minor size, Powning Veteran Memorial Park holds a special meaning to those who served the United States stretching back to the American Civil War.
Image Credit: Michael Misanik

The Powning Family

Christopher Columbus Powning also known as C.C. is a little known, but no less important figure in early Reno History. His story in Reno begins in 1868 at the age of sixteen. At this point in his life C.C. was recently orphaned and had made the long journey with his grandmother and brother Thomas from Jefferson, Wisconsin. At this point in Reno’s history the fledgling stop over of Reno was becoming more connected to the rest of the U.S.
In 1871 Powning became the owner and editor of the Nevada State Journal newspaper, who also served as the primary force behind its development from 1871 to 1891, and also served as president of the Reno Water, Land and Light Co., the main utility provider for the community at the time. C.C. sadly passed away in 1898 at the age of 46 however he would not be the only Powning to leave his mark in the Truckee Meadows. C.C. 's cousin, Charles Gundry or C.G Powning was born in Silver City Nevada in 1879 and served the community of Verdi Nevada as a Justice of the Peace for 38 years. It is from C.G. side of the Family that there are still some living Pownings in the Truckee Meadows today.
Image Credit: Historic Reno Preservation Society