“Stewart Indian School, Carson City, Nevada” by Ken Lund, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from original

Located just three miles southeast of Carson City, NV and spanning across 110 acres with more than 80 historic masonry buildings, Stewart Indian School operated from 1890-1980 and served as an off-reservation, military-style boarding school for Native American youth from different states across the West. It was named after William M. Stewart, Nevada’s first senator. The school has also been known by other names: Stewart Institute, Carson Industrial School, and Carson Indian School.

More than 33,000 students attended the school during its 90-year span (source). Assimilation policies early on prohibited speaking native languages and practicing native customs. Students were taught basic educational classes (reading, writing, and arithmetic) as well as vocational training. Male students learned about agriculture, ranching, carpentry, masonry, and mechanics while female students learned about baking, cooking, sewing, and nursing. With the enactment of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, federal policy towards Native Americans changed and students were then encouraged to speak their native languages and learn more about their native culture and customs (source).

The school’s superintendent from 1919-1934, Frederick Snyder, was responsible for beginning the use of colored native stone for campus buildings, and much of the masonry was the work of student apprentices (source). Stewart Indian School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, and today, it is maintained and owned by the State of Nevada. The State of Nevada Indian Commission and other Nevada State agencies use many of the buildings on campus as office space and training centers.

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Image Courtesy of Representative for Filming Location Listing

Gov. Brian Sandoval recently gave his support to the school during his State of the State address on January 17, 2017. He “included $4.5 million to restore the two buildings on the campus for the welcome and cultural centers, and an investment of $1.2 million to begin restoration of the ‘old gym,'” which was known as the heart of the school (source). The establishment of the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Welcome Center will help tell the story of the Stewart Indian School, celebrate cultural arts, highlight the alumni who attended the school, and display historical memorabilia and interpretive exhibits. The restoration of the gym will help host future cultural events.

Copyright © Stewart Indian School
Image Courtesy of Representative for Filming Location Listing

If you are looking for a historic filming location in Nevada as it relates to the American West and Native American culture, be sure to visit the Stewart Indian School. For more pictures and information, you can view the full Stewart Indian School filming location details here and don’t forget to register your project!

Currently, a self-guided 0.6-mile walking tour through the Stewart Indian School Trail is also available where visitors can use their cell phones to call an audio tour and listen to recorded messages from alumni about their experiences at the school. You can also access a VR tour of the Stewart Indian School here: AllAroundNevada.com.

A documentary called “Stewart Indian School: Home of the Braves” featuring Stewart alumni is soon to be released as well. You can follow the Stewart Indian School Facebook page for more information.

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