1. Nevada Becomes a State:
On January 4, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation admitting Nevada as the 36th state of the United States. The state's admission was rushed through Congress due to the need for additional states to support the Union effort during the Civil War.

2. Hoover Dam Groundbreaking:
On January 4, 1931, the groundbreaking ceremony for Hoover Dam was held on the border between Nevada and Arizona. The construction of the dam created thousands of jobs and provided electricity and water for millions of Americans.

3. Marilyn Monroe Divorces for the First Time:
On January 4, 1946, Marilyn Monroe got a quickie divorce from her first husband, James Dougherty, in Nevada. Their marriage had been strained due to Monroe's burgeoning career in Hollywood.

4. First Legalized Casino Opens:
On January 4, 1936, the Northern Club opened in Reno, becoming the first casino to operate legally in the United States after the repeal of Prohibition. The Northern Club paved the way for the development of the modern casino industry in Nevada.

5. Bill Harrah Buys Lake Tahoe Property:
On January 4, 1957, Bill Harrah, the founder of Harrah's Entertainment (now Caesars Entertainment), purchased the property that would become Harrah's Lake Tahoe. The hotel and casino became one of Harrah's most successful properties, attracting tourists and gamblers from around the world.