Nevada is named from
the Spanish, meaning snow-capped. It is one of several states
carved out of the Utah Territory, which was itself formed as a
result of the Missouri Compromise of 1850. The Territory of
Nevada was created in 1861, three years before it became the
State of Nevada, in 1864.
In 1851 the first two permanent settlements in Nevada were
established, one by Mormons at Mormon Station, now the town of
Genoa, and the other by miners and traders at Gold Canyon, now
called Dayton. Both Genoa and Dayton lay claim to being the
first settlement; neither town will capitulate and the issue is
still in question.
The area of Nevada, 110,540 square miles, makes it the seventh
largest state. Each resident has lots of room to spread out (18
square miles per person) because Nevada's population is one of
the smallest of all the states. The Census 2000 population count
was 1,998,257.
Nevada's capital has always been Carson City, first as the
territorial capital and later as the state capital. The largest
city is Las Vegas, enjoy an international reputation as gaming
centers. Away from the neon lights of the city, Nevada is a
starkly beautiful state—its arid midsection contrasting with the
snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range on its western flank.
Natural wonders such as Gypsum Cave, Lunar Crater, Mouse's Tank,
Lake Tahoe and the scenic Truckee River are jaw-droppers. State
parks and recreation areas are interspersed throughout the state
and include Washoe Lake State Park, Wild Horse State Recreation
Area, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Parkand Valley of Fire
State Park. A "must see" is the state's only National Park,
Great Basin National Park. For those who enjoy soaking in a hot
or warm spring, the "Silver State" has over 300, the most in the
nation.
Nevada is home to several colleges and universities including
the University of Nevada Reno and the University of Nevada-Las
Vegas. In addition, a bit of style and culture are manifested in
the Guggenheim Museum and Kings Tut's Tomb and Museum.
.
Las Vegas - Reno - Carson City
