1. In 1861, the Nevada Territory was officially recognized by the United States government. This paved the way for Nevada's eventual statehood in 1864.

2. In 1910, the famous Las Vegas Strip was born when the first hotel and casino, the Hotel Nevada (now the Golden Gate Casino), opened on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas.

3. In 1952, the Nevada Test Site saw its first above-ground nuclear test, code-named Tumbler-Snapper. This was part of the United States' efforts to develop more powerful atomic bombs during the Cold War.

4. In 1996, Steve Wynn's luxurious new resort, the Bellagio, opened on the Las Vegas Strip. The iconic fountain show in front of the hotel has become a popular attraction for tourists.

5. In 2013, Nevada became the third state in the United States to legalize online poker. This move paved the way for other states to consider similar legislation and opened up new opportunities for the state's gaming industry.