Nevada History: On The GO! John C. Frémont’s Bumpy Path from Fame to Obscurity (Off-site, SVL)
October 3 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
John C. Frémont’s Bumpy Path from Fame to Obscurity
Special Nevada Day Program
October 3, 2026
1:00 to 2:30 pm
Nevada History – On The GO! Lecture 2026
The Nevada Historical Society’s building may be closed for an exciting remodel, but you can still enjoy their fascinating lectures at the Sierra View Library during their closure. NHS Nevada History – On The GO! Series is combining its three history programs that delve into Nevada History, Lake Tahoe, and the American Gaming Archives gambling and gaming history. Make sure to visit Sierra View Library on the first Saturday of every month to learn more about Nevada’s history through these engaging talks that are geared towards audiences of all ages.
Speaker: Dr. Eugene M. Hattori, retired, former Curator of Anthropology, NSM-CC
Title of Talk: John C. Frémont’s Bumpy Path from Fame to Obscurity
John C. Frémont’s Pyramid Lake (Nevada) Camp, January 1844.
Summary of Talk: The world-famous “Fremont Street Experience” and the UNR-UNLV “Fremont Cannon” football trophy, are namesakes of John C. Frémont– a mid-nineteenth-century explorer, scientist, soldier, and politician. Few realize these connections and his past fame. In 1844, Frémont and his faithful guide and friend, Kit Carson, traveled through what is now western Nevada, with cannon in tow. His official report, written with the assistance of his loyal and powerful wife Jesse, became a bestseller following its 1845 publication, and it launched his international recognition. Nevertheless, Frémont’s actions were shadowed by controversies, beginning with bringing a howitzer on a “peaceable” exploring expedition into a foreign county and then abandoning it there. By the end of the century, the West was settled, and John C. Frémont was sadly forgotten.
Gene and John C. Frémont’s Mountain Howitzer at the Nevada State Museum, Carson City.
Speaker Bio: Eugene M. Hattori is a Native Nevadan and Sparks High School graduate. He received a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Nevada, Reno and M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from Washington State University. His research specialties include historic and prehistoric archaeology, and Native American basketry. Gene retired as Curator of Anthropology from the Nevada State Museum in 2024, and he began his career in museums at the Nevada Historical Society from 1968-1973. He was also employed by the Desert Research Institute, Bechtel, Archeo-Tec Consulting, and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office.
We would like to thank our partner, the Washoe County Library System and the Sierra View Library for hosting our off-site lectures.
Sierra View Library has been serving communities from Midtown to South Reno since 1987. Located inside the Reno Town Mall, directly across from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, the library has two entrances. The front entrance allows visitors to stroll by shops and businesses in the mall, while the second entrance is accessible from the rear, south side of the mall. This back entrance has an ADA accessible lift. The address is 4001 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502.
