How Nevada Became a State

The history of Nevada is a fascinating one, full of interesting stories and events that ultimately led to its statehood. From its first inhabitants to its role in the American Civil War, Nevada has a unique and varied past. The reasons for its statehood are complex, but can be traced back to the discovery of gold and silver in the mid-19th century. This discovery sparked a population boom and an influx of settlers, leading to the eventual formation of the Nevada Territory in 1861. The state of Nevada was officially admitted to the Union in 1864, becoming the 36th state in the United States.

Pre-Statehood History

Pre-European Settlement

Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the area, Nevada was inhabited by numerous Native American tribes, including the Paiute, Washoe, and Shoshone. These tribes had been living in the area for centuries, and had developed a unique culture and lifestyle that revolved around the harsh desert environment. They hunted and gathered food, and also developed sophisticated irrigation systems to help them grow crops. In addition, they had a complex trading system that allowed them to trade goods and services with other tribes.

Early European Exploration

The first Europeans to explore the area were Spanish missionaries, who arrived in the late 1700s. They were followed by fur traders, who were looking to make a profit by trading with the Native Americans. In the early 1800s, the area was explored by American trappers and traders, who were looking for beaver pelts and other furs. These explorers also mapped out the area, giving it its current name, Nevada. In 1848, the area was annexed by the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War. After the treaty was signed, the area was opened up to American settlers, who began to move into the area and establish farms and ranches.

Statehood Movement

Political and Economic Factors

The push for Nevada to become a state was largely driven by political and economic factors. Nevada had been a territory since 1861, and the population had grown significantly since then. With a population of over 40,000, Nevada was ready to become a state. The discovery of silver and gold in the area had also been a major factor in the push for statehood. The population had grown significantly due to the influx of miners and other people looking to make money from the silver and gold. This influx of people meant that Nevada had the population and resources to become a state.

Role of the Mormon Church

The Mormon Church played an important role in the push for Nevada to become a state. The Church had a large presence in the area, and many of the people living in Nevada were members of the Church. The Church was also very influential in the political process, and they were able to convince Congress to pass the Nevada Statehood Act. The Church also provided financial support to the statehood movement, which was instrumental in getting the Act passed.

Passage of the Nevada Statehood Act

The Nevada Statehood Act was passed in 1864, and it officially made Nevada a state. The Act was passed by Congress after a long and contentious debate. The Act was supported by both Republicans and Democrats, and it was finally passed with a majority vote. The Act was a major victory for the statehood movement, and it was a major step forward in the process of making Nevada a state. The Act officially made Nevada the 36th state in the Union.

Post-Statehood Development

Population Growth

Since becoming a state in 1864, Nevada's population has grown exponentially. In the first census taken in 1870, the population was just under 6,000. By the turn of the century in 1900, the population had grown to over 42,000. The population continued to grow steadily throughout the 20th century, reaching over 1 million in the 2000 census. The population has continued to grow since then, reaching an estimated 3 million in 2020. This population growth has been driven by a variety of factors, including the development of the gambling industry and the growth of the tech industry in the state.

Economic Development

The economic development of Nevada has been closely linked to its population growth. The state's economy has been driven by the development of the gambling industry, which has been a major source of income since the early 20th century. The state has also seen a significant growth in the tech industry, with many tech companies setting up shop in the state. Additionally, the state has seen a growth in the tourism industry, with many people visiting the state for its natural beauty and recreational activities.

Cultural Developments

The population growth and economic development of Nevada has also led to a number of cultural developments. The state has seen an influx of people from all over the world, leading to a diverse population and culture. This has led to a vibrant arts and music scene, with many artists and musicians from around the world making their home in the state. Additionally, the state has seen a growth in the culinary scene, with many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from around the world. The state has also seen a growth in the craft beer industry, with many craft breweries popping up throughout the state.