1. Battle Born Day: May 2 marks Nevada's "Battle Born Day," the anniversary of the state's admission to the Union as the 36th state in 1864. The state's motto "Battle Born" reflects the fact that Nevada's entry into the Union during the Civil War was instrumental in securing passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishing slavery.

2. Virginia City Fire: On May 2, 1875, a devastating fire broke out in Virginia City, Nevada, destroying much of the town and causing millions of dollars in damage. Despite the destruction, the town was quickly rebuilt, and many of its historic buildings still stand today as a testament to Virginia City's rich history.

3. Las Vegas Strip: The first casino on the Las Vegas Strip, the El Rancho Vegas, opened on May 2, 1941. The strip would go on to become one of the world's most famous entertainment destinations, featuring some of the largest and most lavish resort hotels in the world.

4. Hoover Dam: On May 2, 1931, construction of the Hoover Dam was completed after five years of work. The dam, which spans the Colorado River on the border between Nevada and Arizona, is one of the largest concrete structures in the world and a major source of hydroelectric power for the region.

5. University of Nevada, Las Vegas: On May 2, 1957, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) was founded as a branch campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. Today, UNLV is a major research university with more than 30,000 students and a wide range of academic programs, including acclaimed programs in hospitality and gaming management.