1. In 1849, the California Gold Rush brought an influx of settlers to Nevada, then a part of California. This marked the beginning of Nevada's mining industry.

2. In 1850, the federal government established the Utah Territory, which included present-day Nevada. Nevada was a part of the Utah Territory until 1861, when it became its own territory.

3. On September 19, 1864, Nevada became the 36th state in the United States. This was during the Civil War, and Nevada's quick admission was in part due to its support of the Union.

4. In 1908, the first automobile race was held in Nevada, between Reno and Ely. It took three days to complete the race, with the winning car averaging just 6.8 miles per hour.

5. On September 19, 1931, gambling was legalized in the state of Nevada. This led to the development of the Las Vegas Strip and the rise of Nevada as a major tourist destination for gambling and entertainment.