The Red Light District Era (1900s–1942)

In the early 20th century, Reno's approach to vice was pragmatic and tolerant. While progressive reformers across the country were cracking down on red-light districts, Reno took a different path. The city's red-light district emerged on the industrial east side along the Truckee River and was largely left alone by authorities.

The pivotal moment came in 1923. While Mayor Harry Stewart initially ordered the district closed, his successor, the "freewheeling" Mayor Edwin E. Roberts, championed a different philosophy. Roberts pushed through an amendment that effectively sanctioned brothels as long as they were located at least 250 feet from public streets. This unique legal framework allowed Reno's adult entertainment scene to flourish openly during the late 1920s and 1930s.

The Notorious Stockade

During this golden era of tolerance, three major houses of prostitution dominated the landscape: The Green Lantern, The Mohawk, and the most famous of all, The Stockade.

Located on the site of what is now Greater Nevada Field (home of the Reno Aces), The Stockade was named for the tall wooden fence that surrounded it. Inside, it resembled a small village with two rows of "cribs"—small rooms where women lived and worked. At its peak, it featured 50 cribs and a dance hall. The operation was surprisingly regulated for its time: women worked in shifts, registered with the local police department, and underwent regular medical screenings to ensure health and safety.

World War II and the Crackdown

The era of open tolerance came to an abrupt end with the onset of World War II. In 1942, the federal government established the Reno Army Air Base (now Stead Airport) north of the city. Military officials were concerned about the health and discipline of the servicemen and issued a stark ultimatum: close the brothels, or the entire city of Reno would be declared "off-limits" to military personnel.

Faced with the economic threat of losing the military's business, city officials capitulated. The Stockade and other brothels were forced to close their doors within months, driving the industry underground or out of the city limits.

The Legal Battles & The Rise of Mustang Ranch

The post-war era saw continued legal struggles. In 1949, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that while prostitution wasn't strictly illegal under state law, cities had the right to outlaw brothels as "public nuisances." This effectively banned brothels within Reno city limits (Washoe County).

However, the demand didn't disappear; it just moved next door. In 1971, Joe Conforte, a colorful and controversial figure, secured a license from the Storey County Commission to operate the Mustang Ranch legally. This made Mustang Ranch the first legally licensed brothel in Nevada and the United States.

That same year, state law was updated to prohibit brothels in counties with populations over 700,000 (specifically targeting Clark County/Las Vegas), while leaving the decision to smaller counties. This created the unique landscape we see today: prostitution remains illegal in Reno (Washoe County) and Las Vegas (Clark County), but legal brothels like Mustang Ranch operate openly in neighboring Storey County, just a short drive east of Reno.

Modern Adult Entertainment in Reno

Today, Reno's adult entertainment scene has evolved into a mix of upscale gentlemen's clubs within the city and legal brothels just outside the county line. Venues like the Men's Club of Reno and Peppermint Hippo offer high-end topless entertainment, fine dining, and luxury experiences within the city, operating strictly as cabaret clubs. Meanwhile, Mustang Ranch continues to operate as a full-service legal brothel and resort in Sparks, bridging the gap between the city's colorful past and its modern nightlife.