Unit Study Supplement: Nevada Facts, U.S. 36th State

The rich history and diverse geography in Nevada creates a great study and wonderful visiting destination. Nevada is more famously known for its extravagant hotels and casinos in the city of Las Vegas. However, in this study, you will discover transitions Nevada experienced before entering the United States, reasons for statehood and familiarize yourself with the various areas of lands and activities Nevada contains.

In this unit study supplement, you will learn fun facts about Nevada, geography, educational field trip opportunities, free printable downloads, and more that will enhance your study of the state.

You can also download our list of PreK-12 interactive lessons that align with your study of interesting facts about Nevada.

Nevada Fast Facts

Historical Facts About Nevada

Modern day “Nevada” was inhabited long before Europeans arrived on set. Several Native American tribes lived in this land many years before. These tribes included the Shoshone, Paiute, Washoe, and Mohave tribes. Francisco Garces, a Spanish explorer and missionary was the first European to enter Nevada. Afterwards, Europeans continued to trickle in throughout the 1800’s. In 1827, an explorer named Jedediah Smith primarily mapped out the area for later travelers.

At first, Nevada was a part of Spain, until Mexico claimed it during their War of Independence. In 1821, Mexico won their independence from Spain, and officially owned Nevada as a part of their territory of Alta California. However, The United States soon acquired Nevada and much more land in the Mexican-American War through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. America gained over 525,000 square miles of land in exchange for $15,000,000.

As official territory of the U.S.,  Nevada was included in the Mexican Cession Territory until it combined with the territory of Utah in 1850. Mormons created a settlement along the future border of Nevada and Utah, but conflict quickly arose between them and residents of Nevada. Federal troops were sent to the territory after receiving complaints regarding the Mormons. As a result, the Mormons left, then non-mormons took over and launched a separate statehood. On March 2, 1861 Nevada split from Utah and became its own territory. During this time, many people passed through Nevada on their way to the California gold mines amid the Gold Rush from 1848 -1855. Nevada’s population was later boosted when large amounts of silver were found within the territory in 1859.

Despite Nevada’s small population that disqualified their admittance into the union, they were accepted eagerly and urgently as a state. Nevada was one of two states that was accepted into the Union during the Civil War (hence the nickname: Battle Born State). Abraham Lincoln’s reelection was falling short and he required the support of an additional state in order to be elected again and incorporate his Pro-Northern ideas into the constitution and end the war. Urgently, Nevada requested statehood, sending a 16,543 word telegram, costing $4,303.27 (equivalent to $67,332 in 2017) to assure timely acceptance. On October 31, 1864 Nevada was admitted into the United States as the 36th state, just 8 days before the 1864 presidential election. Nevada then, supported Lincoln through the end of the war.

TimeLine

Bring history and geography to life with Time4Learning’s interactive online social studies curriculum for grades 2-12.

Geographical Facts About Nevada

Nevada geography contains deserts, rivers, lakes, and mountains; within its beauty is diversity and extremity. The State holds 17 counties with a population of 2,998,039 (as of 2017).  It is 33rd largest in population, but 7th largest in land area. Nevada posses 150 mountain ranges, making it the most mountainous state. 30 of her mountains exceed 11,000 feet and the highest (Boundary Peak) reaches 13,140 ft.

Furthermore, Nevada is also the driest state in the U.S., holding many deserts like The Great Basin Desert, Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert and Smoke Creek Desert. Ironically, Nevada also includes many bodies of water such as Lake Tahoe, Colorado River, Lake Mead, Pyramid Lake and more. Indeed, the land of Nevada carries many diversities in land, from mountains to deserts to lakes.

Below are some interesting facts about Nevada’s geography:

• Nevada was named for its snowy mountains in the winter. “Nevada” means “snow covered” in Spanish.
• Nevada is the largest gold-producing state in the nation and second in the world behind South Africa.
• Nevada once held a destination that tested nuclear weapons. 928 nuclear tests took place between 1951 to 1992. The destination was located in the southeastern Nye County, Nevada desert about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
• The Hoover Dam was built during the Great Depression in 1931. It is located between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. It increases electric power, helps flood control and controls river regulation. The construction was completed in 1936.
• Nevada contains the second lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, 282 ft below sea level.
• Las Vegas, located in southern Nevada,  holds more hotel rooms than any other place in the world.
• 85% of Nevada is owned by the federal government.

Activities for Children in Nevada

One of the many perks of homeschooling is that you can take the learning outside. Do you currently homeschool in Nevada or plan to visit the state in the near future? If so, there are a plethora of educational opportunities, even some free ones, all around the state. Below are just a few ideas to get you started:

• The Hoover Dam – Try visiting the Hoover Dam to observe the massive structure and learn it’s key purposes. It is the Nation’s 3rd largest dam standing at 726 ft. The Hoover Dam has many purposes including providing a strong hydroelectric power, protecting areas from floods, and supplying a reliable source of water. Learn more about the dam’s benefits through tours and more when you visit it.
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area  – This national recreation area follows along the the Arizona-Nevada border which spans over 1.5 million acres and is 110 miles long. Depending on what time of the year you visit, temperatures can hit a high of 120º Fahrenheit in the summer months and drop well below freezing during the winter. Whether you are looking to hike, canoe, kayak, or swim, Lake Mead National Recreation area offers something for everyone.
• Pony Express National Historic Trail – This trail stretches from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento California and a portion of it lies in Nevada. It is known for its highly productive mail delivery route in early U.S. History. On the Pony Express Trail in Nevada, you can hike, ride a horse and visit 5 past Pony Express stations. Take time to enjoy the nature and history along the trail route.
• National Atomic Testing Museum – Receive a deeper understanding of the history of past nuclear tests in Nevada and its importance. This museum works through educational and scientific programs to develop insight to the atomic bomb testing. Find exhibits that explain the possibility of the testing, how to survive the impact of an atomic bomb and more.
• Nevada State Museum – Discover unending and enduring Nevada state facts in the official Nevada State Museum. Study Native American tribes from Nevada, early settlers, minors, hear more about the Hoover Dam and Atomic Bomb testing sights along with the rise of Las Vegas’ popularity. This museum will enrich your knowledge of Nevada in all topics. It is free for Nevada residents, along with children 18 years and younger, but a cost of $20 is required for out of state residents.
• Springs Preserve –  Located approximately 3 miles west of downtown Las Vegas, the Springs Preserve consists of 180 acres. You can walk, bike, or ride the train through the 3.5 mile long preserve to get a sense of where Las Vegas began. Cost of admission ranges between $4.95 – $18.95 depending on if you are a NV resident and ages of your children/guest.

Nevada Freebies and Deals for Homeschoolers

• Great Basin National Park – Experience the beauty found in Nevada at The Great Basin National Park. Visit for a day or camp for a week. Watch the night sky light up or explore intricately designed caves. This National Park is free to visit but costs to camp.
• 7 Magic Mountains – Driving along the Interstate 15, you will see neon-stacked boulders against the desert scenery. This is Land Art displayed in Nevada created by Ugo Rondinone and provided by the Art Production Fund and the Nevada Museum of Art. If desired, you may visit this piece of art for free.
• Tree House & Play Zone at the Container Park – Container Park located in downtown Las Vegas holds enjoyable activities for everyone. From shops and meals to large and exciting playgrounds. Everyone will find something to enjoy in the Container Park.
• Galena Creek Regional Park – Located in Reno, Nevada, Galena Creek Regional Park is filled with natural and cultural history. You can roam around the park and identify the different wildlife you might come across while exploring the park. Also, Galena Creek Regional Park organizes homeschool program days for homeschool groups and students, where they can perform outdoor science-based field study activities. (Cost is $5.00 per child)

Nevada Learning Games for Children

Take your kid’s online learning experience a bit further with these resources to assess your child’s knowledge about Nevada and learn even more about the Silver State.