What Is the History of Nevada?

This area was once inhabited by various Native American tribes until Spain claimed the land in the early 1800s. In the 1820s, trappers began to explore the land and its surroundings. With the discovery of gold in California in 1859, people began settling in Nevada in huge numbers.

In 1847, the Mormons made their trek to the Great Salt Lake. At the time, the Utah Territory encompassed most of Nevada. However, with the discovery of silver, the area saw an emergence of non-Mormons, especially in places like Virginia City.

Nevada became a state in 1864 even though it did not meet the population requirements for statehood. This state was dependent on its ore mines and ranches. However, many mines were closed by the1880s due to depleting supplies, and unusually hard winters killed many rancher's cattle.

In 1931, Nevada made gambling legal, and a new prosperity came to the state. This attracted the Italian mafia, which began opening casinos in the state.

In the 1950s Nevada was a site of several nuclear weapons testing. Tourism also began to flourish across the state at this time. Today Nevada is one of the most visited states in the United States.