Nevada, one of the Rocky Mountain states of the United States. A
stark and arid land, Nevada is a region of rugged, snow-capped
peaks, desert valleys green with sage, and sparsely populated
expanses that still retain the vestiges of the Old West. But the
state is also known for its glittering cities, where luxurious
casinos draw visitors from around the world. Carson City is
Nevada’s capital. Las Vegas is the largest city.
Nevada entered the Union on October 31, 1864, as the 36th state.
The state’s name is taken from the Sierra Nevada, a mountain
range shared by Nevada and California; nevada is Spanish for
“snow covered.” Nevada is called the Silver State for its many
silver mines, the Sagebrush State for its abundant sagebrush,
and the Battle Born State because it was admitted to the Union
during the American Civil War (1861-1865).
