At that time, Reno was heavily segregated and widely known as "the Mississippi of the West" with most businesses and casinos displaying "Whites Only" signs at eye level near their entrances. Civil Rights leaders recognized this critical opportunity to push for dramatic change, which ultimately led to the successful passage of the Nevada Civil Rights Act in 1965.
Images courtesy of UNR Special Collections.

1960 Winter Olympic Rings

Raising the Olympic Rings during construction

Reno, Gateway to the 1960 Winter Olympics sign in Reno near the Riverside Hotel