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Original 1910 promotional postcard for Reno, Nevada, featuring the historically important early civic slogan “Reno, The Biggest Little City on the Map.”
Produced during the formative period of Reno’s famous booster campaign, the card predates the later and better-known “Biggest Little City in the World” wording. The globe design places Reno dramatically across North America while the accompanying text makes an exuberant case for the city’s climate, commerce, university, natural resources, and rapid growth.
Details
Title/Headline: Reno – The Biggest Little City on the Map
Place: Reno, Nevada
Date: 1910
Format: Illustrated promotional / civic booster postcard
Reverse: Unused divided postcard back
Dimensions: Approximately 3 1/4 × 5 1/2 inches
Additional Details
The card asks “Where is Reno?” and “What is Reno?” before presenting a remarkable series of civic claims, including:
Reno as the commercial center of Nevada
“The City of 365 Days Sunshine”
“The Healthiest City on the Map”
“The Ideal Summer Resort”
“The University City of the State”
“The Biggest Little City on the Map”
Especially useful for dating the piece is the claim that Reno had raised $117,000 in ten days for a YMCA, referring to the city’s highly publicized 1910 fundraising campaign.
The postcard captures Reno at the precise moment when local boosters were beginning to build the identity that would eventually become inseparable from the city. That makes it considerably more interesting than a conventional scenic Nevada postcard.
Condition
Good antique condition with substantial age toning and scattered staining. Noticeable discoloration appears along the upper-left portion of the front, with additional staining and handling wear to the reverse. Corners and edges show expected wear, rubbing, and small bends. Printing remains strong and fully legible, and the globe illustration retains good visual impact. Reverse is unused. Please review photographs for full condition.
Subject
Reno Nevada; Nevada History; Civic Advertising; Western Americana; Promotional Postcards; City Booster Ephemera
Topic
Biggest Little City on the Map; 1910 Reno; Nevada Tourism; Reno History; Western Promotion; Early City Advertising
