NV History Kittie Wilkins: The Remarkable Life of the West’s Premier Horse Breeder and Businesswoman
Schedule
Sat Feb 07 2026 at 01:00 pm to 02:30 pm
UTC-08:00Location
Sierra View Library 4001 S Virginia St Reno NV 89502 | Reno, NV
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Nevada History - On The GO! Series 2026Guest speaker, Richard Dorman will talk about Kittie Wilkins: The Remarkable Life of the West’s Premier Horse Breeder and Businesswoman.
Kittie Wilkins was an extraordinary woman whose life defied the conventions of her time. Born in the American West, she received a consistent education despite her family’s frequent relocations to various boomtowns, where her father, J.R. Wilkins, established businesses aimed at serving mining communities. After devastating fires destroyed their ventures in Boise, Idaho and Tuscarora, Nevada, the Wilkins family settled in the Bruneau Valley along the Snake River. There, they established a ranch where they raised cattle and horses, including capturing and domesticating wild horses from the nearby Jarbidge range.
Following her graduation, Kittie embarked on an extensive tour of the United States, broadening her perspective and refining her ambitions. Upon her return, her father entrusted her with full authority over the ranch’s horse breeding, training, and sales operations. She became the most prominent horse breeder and stock saleswoman in the West, amassing a fortune and earning widespread recognition.
This presentation explores the compelling story of Kittie Wilkins—a trailblazing entrepreneur whose legacy continues to inspire.
Richard H. Dorman is a man of many passions, including history, music, theater, and geology—interests he enthusiastically shares with others. His deep fascination with the history of Jarbidge, Nevada and the last stagecoach mail robbery in 1916 led him to uncover and revive the stories of several women whose contributions had long been overlooked or forgotten.
We want to thank our community partner, Sierra View Library for hosting this free series at 4001 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502.
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Where is it happening?
Sierra View Library 4001 S Virginia St Reno NV 89502, 4001 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502-6019, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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