A Closer Look at Francis Newlands
April 28, 2021 7:30 p.m.
Join historian and author William Rowley, Emeritus Professor of history at the University of Nevada-Reno, for a review of the life of Francis G. Newlands, a US Congressman and Senator from Nevada and a visionary real estate developer in the late 19th century. Newlands had the foresight to see how farmland on the outskirts of the nation’s capital could become a bucolic residential community thanks to the newly-invented electric streetcar. Named Chevy Chase, his “street car suburb” was among the first in the nation and embodied the new suburban ideal that changed American life forever.
Though progressive on most issues, Newlands also held and espoused racist views and beliefs that we find repugnant today. As the nation and our community examine historic and systemic racism, Rowley will describe both the accomplishments and the disturbing racism reflected in Newlands’ complex life.
The lecture is free and open to the public. It will be held via Zoom and registration is required. On the day of the lecture, those registered will be emailed the link to view the program, which will begin at 7:30 PM. For questions, contact CCHS at info@chevychasehistory.org.
You can view the recording of the lecture on the CCHS YouTube Channel and read additional questions and answers compiled by CCHS.
