Nevada, nicknamed the “Silver State” due to its significant silver deposits, is full of interesting and fun facts. Here are a few to pique your curiosity:
- Statehood: Nevada was admitted to the Union on October 31, 1864, making it the 36th state. It is also known as the “Battle Born State” because it achieved statehood during the Civil War.
- Largest city: Las Vegas, often referred to as “Sin City,” is the largest city in Nevada and an internationally renowned major resort city known for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife.
- Area 51: This top-secret military base is located in southern Nevada and is believed to be the testing ground for experimental aircraft and weaponry. The secretive nature of the facility has led to many conspiracy theories and UFO sightings.
- Hoover Dam: Constructed during the Great Depression, this massive dam on the Colorado River provides hydroelectric power and water supply to much of the southwestern United States. It was initially called Boulder Dam but was later renamed after President Herbert Hoover.
- Legalized gambling: Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, making it one of the few states in the U.S. where casino-style gambling is legal.
- Divorce haven: In the early 20th century, Nevada became famous for its lenient divorce laws, attracting people from all over the country who wanted a quick and easy end to their marriages. It had a residency requirement of only six weeks to qualify for a divorce.
- State symbols: Nevada’s state animal is the desert bighorn sheep, the state bird is the mountain bluebird, and the state flower is the sagebrush.
- Extraterrestrial Highway: Nevada State Route 375 was designated as the Extraterrestrial Highway due to the numerous UFO sightings reported in the area. This has made it a popular tourist attraction for those interested in the paranormal.
- Largest gold-producing state: Nevada is the largest gold-producing state in the United States and ranks among the top producers in the world.
- Lunar landscape: The landscape in Nevada is so diverse and unique that it was used by Apollo astronauts as a training ground to prepare for their moon landings.