1. Nevada officially became a state: On October 6, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln declared Nevada the 36th state in the United States. Nevada's statehood was primarily due to its rich silver deposits, which were necessary for financing the Union's war efforts during the Civil War.

2. The Great Balloon Race: The Great Balloon Race, which is held annually in Reno, Nevada, has its roots in an event held on October 6, 1982. That day, 13 balloonists flew across the state line from California, and the event has since grown into an international competition that attracts participants from all over the world.

3. Actor and director Nick Nolte is born: On October 6, 1941, Nick Nolte was born in Omaha, Nebraska. The actor is best known for his roles in movies like "The Prince of Tides" and "Cape Fear," and has also worked as a director, with his film "The Thin Red Line" receiving critical acclaim.

4. Las Vegas' Landmark Hotel and Casino imploded: On October 6, 1995, the Landmark Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas was imploded after being closed for several years. The hotel had been a popular destination for celebrities and high rollers in the 1960s and 1970s, but had fallen on hard times after the rise of mega-resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

5. Aviation pioneer Howard Hughes moves to Las Vegas: On October 6, 1966, billionaire industrialist and aviator Howard Hughes began living full-time at the Desert Inn hotel in Las Vegas. Hughes, who was known for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle, had purchased the hotel as well as several others in the city. His presence in Las Vegas helped to transform the city into a major tourist destination.