Silver Statecelebrates its149th birthday

Thousands of people “officially” celebrated Nevada’s statehood on Saturday with a big parade and other activities in Carson City, while thousands more remained in Reno to attend the annual in-state rivalry between the University of Nevada and UNLV.

Nevada’s “official” day of becoming the nation’s 36th state, however, occurred 149 years ago Thursday when, in 1864, President Lincoln signed a bill to admit the Battle Born state into the Union. Because of Nevada’s admittance into the United States, the Silver State and its valuable ore contributed to the war effort that allowed the Union to eventually win the Civil War less than a year later.

Since that October day in 1864, Nevada has been a colorful state with an interesting past and a promising future after struggling through the Great Recession that plunged this state and the rest of the country into an economic downfall. Slowly, gains in many economic sectors have improved, and the housing market, which struggled with thousands of foreclosures, appears to be on the rise in many parts of the state. Gaming revenue and taxable sales are also making a comeback, a slow procession to which many longtime Nevadans are unaccustomed.

Next year, the state hits a milestone as it will celebrate its 150th birthday or its sesquicentennial in which many activities are in the planning stage. Those old enough to remember Nevada’s centennial in 1964 will remember the numerous activities that showcased the Battle Born state to the rest of the country.

Gov. Brian Sandoval said next year’s festivities will be important for all Nevadans.

“Nevada’s 150th anniversary celebration is an opportunity for us to share our history, our culture and our future with each other and with people from around the world,” said the governor. “Nevada’s best days are here to come and together we will make this an anniversary we will cherish and remember forever.”

The Nevada State Society began the sesquicentennial celebration on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., as the event also recognized Nevada’s congressional delegation.

Fallon’s committee to honor the state’s sesquicentennial has been formed and conducted its first meeting two weeks ago. The Mayor’s NV 150 Commission begins Fallon’s foray into honoring the state on Thursday with the official lighting of the historic Lariat Motel sign that has been restored and reinstalled at the Churchill Arts Center. Cliff Van Woert and Scott Payne are providing the music, and refreshments will be served. This is the inaugural event of the Mayor’s NV 150 Commission, a year–long series of events in celebration of Nevada’s 150 years as a state.

As with the centennial celebration, the sesquicentennial is also encouraging residents and visitors alike to learn more about Nevada’s culture and rich history.

Editorials appearing in the Wednesday LVN are written by the newspaper’s Editorial Board.