Robert A. Allen Papers

Robert A. Allen was born on May 16, 1886 in Pueblo, Colorado. He received his education there and also at the University of Nevada, Reno where he studied electrical engineering and graduated in 1915. He served as an assistant state engineer under J.G. Scrugham and was subsequently appointed by Governor Scrugham to the post of state engineer, 1923-1927. Following a period of private engineering practice in Carson City, Allen served as federal public works administrator from 1933 until 1935, then as a state highway engineer until 1947. He also served on the State Planning Board, 1935-1938 and was appointed state chairman of the State Public Service Commission in 1947.

In his various engineering positions, Allen was involved in many state water decisions and controversies. He represented the Upper Carson River water users in the United States verses Alpine Land and Reservoir case, 1925, and as state engineer, he filled the final order of determination for claimants to the waters of the Humboldt River, 1927, both leading to lengthy court proceedings. Allen was also a Nevada history enthusiast and collected information and material on Nevada History especially relating to the emigrant trails. Robert Allen's home was in Carson City, Nevada. He died there, after a long illness, in 1968.