Peleg Brown Ranch, Historic building in Nevada, United States

Peleg Brown Ranch is a property with five buildings spread across four acres near Reno. The main house, built in 1864, features Greek Revival style with white columns and balanced proportions, while a smaller Craftsman-style structure served as a playhouse from around 1900 onward.

The Brown brothers established this ranch in 1857 after arriving from Rhode Island and began growing alfalfa, a crop that was new to the Truckee Meadows region. The main house was built in 1864 and has defined the property ever since.

The property reflects how farming families organized their daily work and production in the 1800s through the arrangement of buildings and work areas. Visitors can see how the spaces were designed to support both household and agricultural activities.

The ranch is located on Old Virginia Road outside Reno and can be viewed from the surrounding area. Visitors should check ahead on access conditions, as it remains a private property with restrictions on entry.

The ranch served as a stagecoach stop and supplier for the Comstock Lode silver mining operations, connecting agricultural life to the broader mining economy. This dual role meant the farm supported a fast-moving economy beyond simple farming.