On this day 150 years ago, our great state became the 36th to join the Union. Nevada Day provides a wonderful opportunity to study Nevada’s history and a chance to reflect on our state’s unique pioneer spirit, a spirit that continues to make it special today. In 1864, as the Civil War dragged on, many in Congress were in a rush to grant statehood to Nevada and did not want to wait until the next session of Congress. A new state would help swing that year’s president election towards President Lincoln and provide crucial votes for passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. On March 21, 1864, in the waning hours of the 38th Congress, Congress passed legislation allowing Nevada to join the Union once voters passed and President Lincoln approved a state constitution. It was not the normal course of business. Typically Congress would get the final word on admission of a new state to the Union, but as the country was in the midst of the Civil War, these were not normal times. Nevada voters approved a state constitution on October 31, 1864, and President Lincoln proclaimed statehood. Today, we acknowledge Nevada’s unique path to statehood on our state flag with the words “Battle Born.”
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 21:45:46 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015