Visit Nevada and discover all the Silver State has to offer. Made famous (or infamous) in 1859 by the discovery of The Comstock Lode, the silver deposit changed the nation, heck the world, and secured Nevada’s place in American History.
So much more than the glimmering lights, gambling, and entertainment of Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada boasts a rich mining history, ranching legacies, outdoor recreational delights, even bands of wild horses!
Truly Nevada loves its history and honors it in the lifestyles of the people today. Travel back in time with us and learn all you need to know to plan a visit to Nevada!
Nevada Natural History
There are a number of incredible Natural Attractions worth taking the time to visit in Nevada.
Lake Tahoe
Pyramid Lake
Valley of Fire, Overton
Cathedral Gorge
Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas
Lehman Caves
Lunar Crater
The Comstock Lode
Native Nevada
According to the Washoe, they have been here since time began. That may very well be true as science can place them in Nevada for at least 9,000 years. Together with the Northern and Southern Paiutes and the Western Shoshone the Native history of Nevada is varied and very much alive.
There are a total of 32 reservations and colonies in the state of Nevada. Some have museums and visitor centers and others do not so they are not all necessarily open to visit. But…there are a great number of pow wows held throughout the summer months. These types of gatherings are always open to visitors and a great way to experience some Native culture without being inadvertently disrespectful or tracing into people’s private lives.
Everything You Need to Know to Go to a Pow Wow
Places to visit to experience Native Nevada
Stewart Indian School, Carson City
Wa She She It Deh/ Tallac Historic Site
Lost City Museum
Please remember, when taking a visit to another culture, there are often different customs. Take the time to research first so you make friends as well as memories.
Nevada Nicknames
You can learn a lot in a person’s nickname. They are, after all, given as terms of endearment or in jest, familiar for sure. The same can be said for state nicknames. Nevada really has three and they all reveal the history and the personality of the state. Commit them to memory and be the life of the next party you attend.
Silver State: This is pretty obvious. The Comstock Lode put Nevada on the map, and specifically, Virgina City. Everyone was getting rich there! To date, the Comstock Lode was and is the biggest silver deposit ever found anywhere, ever.
VisitVirgin City
Battle Born State: Nevada became a state during the Civil War. Halloween of 1864!!! This was a big deal because Lincoln really wanted Nevada to come into the Union as an anti-slavery state. It did, Lincoln won re-election, and ‘Battle Born’ was put on the flag.
Sagebrush State: Sagebrush is native to Nevada and it is EVERYWHERE. Sagebrush has its own long history of being a helpful plan in treating headaches, colds, and more. Nevada has the perfect dry climate for sagebrush to thrive so it’s no wonder sagebrush is the state flower, is in the state flag, and the state song!
Visit Dog Friendly Virginia City
Early Historic Nevada
The earliest explorers of Nevada were Spanish. Surprise! These early visitors named the Sierra Nevada mountains and gave the region its name ‘Nevada’ which means ‘snowy’. At first it was part of New Spain’s territory that turned into Mexico in 1821. After the Mexican American War, the US annexed the area and it became part of the Utah Territory. Then…. they found silver!
1800’s Nevada
It should be noted that Nevada was relatively untouched for a long time. for example,
Rafael Rivera scouted the area in 1821 as part of an expedition to open up a trade route (the Old Spanish Trail).
The first white man entered the Reno area in the 1840’s.
Genoa is the oldest Non-Native settlement in Nevada and it is not to be missed!
Take a Walking Tour of Nevada’s Oldest Town, Genoa
But it wasn’t really until that event in 1859 that Nevada was on anyone’s radar.
In 1859 silver was found at The Comstock Lode and not just some silver, a LOT! This changed everything. The population boom that ensued caused Nevada to break from the Utah Territory and become its own territory in 1861. Three years later, Nevada became a state.
Visit Virginia City/Comstock Lode
Nevada truly was ‘born’ in the late 1800’s. Between the mining and the ranching, the state developed its personality and it has stuck to this day.
Visit Carson Valley
Naughty Nevada
You might call the 1900’s the era where Nevada got naughty. Nevada is the only state in the United States where prostitution is legal, gambling is legal, and marriage and divorce laws are rather lenient.
Vegas really began in 1911. It didn’t take long for organized crime to settle in with speakers and such. Hoover Dam began construction in 1931. Hotel/casino combos began in 1941 giving birth to the famous (or infamous) ‘Las Vegas Strip’. The first ones really embraced Nevada’s Old West themes.
The famous Vegas wedding chapels began in 1942 and an industry of quick marriages (and divorces) added to the city of vices.
Bugsy Segal opened the Flamingo and went more the Glitz and Glam route than Old West. Las Vegas never looked back. Sin City was born.
A new history begins…
Modern Nevada
Even modern Nevada lives an Old West lifestyle. Some folks legit walk around in old times clothes, mine in the mountains, or live that cowboy ranching life. Living history as it were… But that’s not what I’m talking about…
Modern Nevada truly embraces their history and the very ideas of Old West freedoms. Sure there are the vices of gambling, prostitution, gangsters, and racketeering…
But there are also living with the land, ranch life, protecting wild horses, and genuinely living free.
Today, Nevada is the fourth largest producer of gold in the world and is responsible for 3/4 of all gold mined in the United States! Most land is owned by the government (85%) so there are a lot of factors…and space… that allow that free old timey living.
Plus, there are a great many dining establishments and watering holes that are straight out of the 1800’s and early 1900’s so it’s pretty easy to see Nevada history as a living breathing entity and part of every day life.
Nevada’s True Treasures
Most people visit Nevada in search of the things mentioned earlier…silver, gold, the vices of Sin City…or a getaway vacation at a lake to fish or ski.
I would argue that while all those hold allure and are treasures in their own right, Nevada’s true treasure is their people. We have visited
Virginia City
Carson Valley
Garderville
Genoa
Minden
and in every single case, what made the trip memorable was the experience…and what made those experiences special were the people.
In planning your visit to Nevada, This Family strongly encourages you to mingle. The people of Nevada truly love their state. They are the keepers of the stories and protectors of the legacies. They are humble and they are a treasure trove if one is willing to talk and listen.
There is a beauty to oral history and a connection to the past and present that can only be made in this way. Museums are great! Experiences are better! But connecting with the people, who hold the history in their daily lives, that is priceless.
We made some lifelong friends for sure. Nevada may be young as far as written history goes, but it is as old as the hills themselves. When you visit, find time to connect with the land and the people for they both will share lifetimes with you.
Pin It to Plan It
Not ready to visit Nevada just yet? No worries at all! We will be here when you are. Pin this goodness to your favorite Pinterest Board. With so many things to explore in Nevada, you can bet this will be updated with links and more info to make planning your visit even easier!
More Resources to Visit Nevada
We had an outstanding time exploring parts of Nevada and our visit would not have been the same without the guidance from all the extraordinary people we met there who know and live the history every day. Nevada is rich in history and other resources, but their finest resource truly is their people. We highly encourage you to connect with the following places. The good folks there will make your trip even more personalized and special.
Nevada Travel
Visit Carson Valley
VisitVirgin City
A few books to bring for roadside history moments or stories in the car. History is everywhere!!!! Just have to know where to look, or have a guide book to whip out. 😉
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