1. Nevada officially became the 36th state on October 31, 1864, but its path to statehood began on August 8, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Enabling Act that authorized the formation of the Nevada Territory.

2. On August 8, 1931, the Northern Club in Reno was granted Nevada's first-ever gaming license under a newly established legalized gambling system. This event marked the beginning of Nevada's rise to becoming the gambling capital of the world.

3. In 1963, on August 8, the famous Mustang Ranch brothel opened its doors in Storey County, Nevada. It became the first legal brothel in the state and operated until it was closed down by the federal government in 1999.

4. August 8, 1978, was designated as "Nevada Day" by the state legislature, commemorating the official admission of Nevada as a state in 1864. It is celebrated on the last Friday in October each year.

5. On August 8, 1985, a tragic plane crash occurred in Reno that killed all 70 people on board. The incident, which became known as the "British Airtours Flight 28M disaster," was caused by a malfunctioning engine and led to significant changes in safety regulations for air travel.