The famous lighted arch went up in 1926 to celebrate the completion of the Transcontinental Highway through Reno. In 1929 the city held a contest to give the city a motto; henceforth Reno became known as “The Biggest Little City In The World.”
Three different arches have stood in this location, the last erected in 1987. The Old Reno Arch that was built in 1964 is now by the National Automobile Museum on Lake Street in Reno. Claim is that this landmark is one of the most photographed structures in the world.