Sears-Ferris House

The Sears-Ferris House on West Third Street displays symmetrical facades with classical proportions in the Georgian style, typical of residential architecture from this era. The design combines colonial influences with local building practices of the 1860s.

Gregory A Sears built the house in 1863, and George Washington Gale Ferris Sr. purchased it in 1868 and held ownership for two decades. The property transferred to the next generation through family succession, reflecting local patterns of property development.

The house connects to George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., who spent his childhood here before inventing the first Ferris wheel for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. His family's presence shaped local history and left marks on the city's development.

The house sits near the Nevada State Capitol grounds in downtown Carson City and is easy to locate on West Third Street. Visitors can appreciate the exterior architecture and its setting within the historic neighborhood.

George Washington Gale Ferris Sr. introduced Eastern plant species to Carson City, and some of his original trees still grow on the State Capitol grounds today. These trees stand as living reminders of the family's contributions to shaping the local landscape.

Location: Nevada

Architectural style: Georgian architecture

GPS coordinates: 39.16240,-119.76900

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22