1. The first transcontinental telegraph was completed on March 15, 1861. This connected Nevada and the rest of the West Coast to the East Coast, allowing for faster communication and quicker news dissemination.

2. On March 15, 1933, Nevada became the first state to legalize gambling. This decision was made in response to the Great Depression, and allowed the state to generate revenue from tourism and the gaming industry.

3. The Hoover Dam, one of the largest engineering projects in American history, began construction on March 15, 1931. Located on the border between Nevada and Arizona, the dam provides electricity to several states and helps regulate the flow of the Colorado River.

4. On March 15, 1982, actress and singer Debbie Reynolds opened her hotel and casino, the Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino, in Las Vegas. The property was later sold and renamed, but Reynolds continued to perform in Las Vegas throughout her career.

5. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), was founded on March 15, 1957. Originally known as Nevada Southern University, the school has grown into a major public research university and is known for its hospitality, business, and law programs.