Celebrating Nevada's 150th Birthday

Dear Fellow Nevadan,

On this day 150 years ago, our great state became the 36th to join the Union. Nevada Day provides a wonderful opportunity to study Nevada’s history and a chance to reflect on our state’s unique pioneer spirit, a spirit that continues to make it special today.

In 1864, as the Civil War dragged on, many in Congress were in a rush to grant statehood to Nevada and did not want to wait until the next session of Congress. A new state would help swing that year’s president election towards President Lincoln and provide crucial votes for passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.

On March 21, 1864, in the waning hours of the 38th Congress, Congress passed legislation allowing Nevada to join the Union once voters passed and President Lincoln approved a state constitution. It was not the normal course of business. Typically Congress would get the final word on admission of a new state to the Union, but as the country was in the midst of the Civil War, these were not normal times.

Nevada voters approved a state constitution on October 31, 1864, and President Lincoln proclaimed statehood.

Today, we acknowledge Nevada’s unique path to statehood on our state flag with the words “Battle Born.”

Throughout this year, we celebrated with events in every corner of the state. From my hometown of Searchlight to Virginia City to Elko, there was a 150th anniversary event to match every interest.

Let us cherish our past as we continue to look towards a future filled with innovation and continued economic success. I will continue to fight for the issues important to Nevadans and to make sure that everyone in the Silver State has a bright, promising future. Happy Nevada Day!

Thank you for taking the time to read this email. For more information and to learn more about my work in the Senate on behalf of Nevadans or to contact me, please visit reid.senate.gov, sign up for my e-newsletter, The Reid Report, or connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.

Sincerely,
HARRY REID
U.S. Senator for Nevada