Sparks

Related Category: U.S. Political Geography

city (1990 pop. 53,367), Washoe co., W Nev., just E of Reno; inc. 1905. The Southern Pacific RR was the major employer until the dieselization of engines forced the closing (1957) of the railroad shops there. The city still has railroad, distribution, and warehousing activities. Tourism is a major industry, and light manufacturing is prevalent. In the Reno metropolitan area marked by rapid residential growth, Sparks doubled in population between 1970 and 1990. Points of interest include a planetarium and a monument honoring the Chinese who built the railroad.