FRANCIS G. NEWLANDS
Namesake of the Old Southwest Most area residents refer to our treasured corner of Reno as the “Old Southwest.” However, its proper name is actually the Newlands neighborhood, named for Francis G. Newlands, the visionary who helped establish what was Reno’s first suburb. But who exactly was Francis G. Newlands, and how did one of Reno’s most historic neighborhoods take on his name? Francis G. Newlands was born in Natchez, Mississippi, grew up in Illinois and Washington, D.C., but settled in San Francisco, California after attending law school. San Francisco is where he met his first wife, Clara Adelaide Sharon. During their short time together, the couple had three daughters. Following Clara’s untimely death in 1888, Newlands moved to Reno. Clara was the daughter of wealthy mining and banking magnate William Sharon, one of the richest men in the West. A well-educated attorney, Newlands had been appointed trustee of William Sharon’s estate which included extensive holdings in Nevada. By 1889, Newlands had become a prominent figure in Reno and began construction of a large home perched on the bluff above the south bank of the Truckee River.
was also elected to represent Nevada in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. He helped pass the Reclamation Act of 1902, also called the Newlands Act, which created what would become the federal Bureau of Reclamation. However, Newlands had other aspirations as a land developer and progressive city planner. He is noted to have been a staunch proponent of City Beautiful ideals, which sought to
During his time in Nevada, Newlands is probably best known for his political accomplishments. In addition to time in the State Legislature, Newlands 1916 photo of Francis G. Newlands
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HERITAGE
