Nevada Map | NV State Map

Nevada known also as the Silver State, is a state of contrasts and interesting history. Nevada is one of the western states of the United States, as illustrated on the nevada map with barren landscapes, more lively cities, and extended areas of protected wilderness. The state is perhaps most famous for the city of Las Vegas (visible on the nevada map) which is famous worldwide as the entertainment capital. Nonetheless, if someone goes in for less popular tourist attractions and looks beyond the vibrant cities of Nevada, one will find a great deal of wonder and richness. Carson City (visible on the nevada map) which is the capital of the state and other cities such as Reno and Henderson perfectly complement the state and add energy to it.

History

Nevada can be labeled as having a history of exploration, mining rushes, and changes. Earlier in pre-European colonization, Nevada was home to Native American tribes such as Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe. These tribes succeeded in surviving within the competitive and harsh climate conditions with unique features of survival tactics and cultural values.

Nevada was first discovered by Spanish explorers during the 18th century by traders and missionaries who were the first to settle in Nevada. Still, it wasn’t until the mid-half of the 1800s that Nevada started gaining any clue of the attention it receives today. The single fabulous treasure i.e. silver deposits, discovered in the Comstock Lode in 1859, attracted a great group of people interested in mining it. This silver boom resulted in the fast development of towns and the establishment of many forms of infrastructure that affected the economy and society of this state.

Nevada became the 36th state of the US in 1864, but the Civil War time was going on in the US. Its statehood was partly influenced by the need to strengthen the Union regime in the West and to ensure Lincoln’s victory in the forthcoming presidential elections. For the same reason, the state motto ‘Battle Born’ inscribed on the flag of Nevada alludes to its admission to the Union during the war.

The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries marked continued mining in Nevada — gold and other metallic minerals helped add to the state’s prosperity. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s brought economic challenges due to which the government responded and decided to legalize gambling in 1931 to boost tourism and revenue. This decision allowed for the development of Las Vegas as a major entertainment hub during that time.

The other major phenomenon that impacted the region was the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930’s. It brought the benefits of water supply and hydroelectric supplies that stimulated the economic development of the area. The 1940s kicked off development and growth for Nevada’s cities especially Las Vegas city and Reno due to the increased population of the newcomers who engaged in other economic activities apart from mining.

Culture

It may be attributed to the fact that Nevada holds a combination of frontier historical background, entertainment industry, and multiculturalism. The state is liberally identified for its independence and innovation in events, arts, and community.

Las Vegas is undoubtedly the cultural paradise of Nevada providing entertainment, art, and food. The city is also popular for the shows, and the audience can watch the shows by popular musicians and magicians or acrobat artists. More so, Las Vegas offers many art galleries and museums like the Neon Museum – a collection of iconic signs of the past of Las Vegas, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

It is also important to note that Reno is popularly referred to as ‘The Biggest Little City in the World’ and has a rich cultural calendar. The city is home to the National Championship Air Races held every year which brings together airplane lovers from all over the world. Besides, there is the Reno River Festival and another festival is known as the Artown Festival which is an event in art, music, and spirit.

Cultural Festivals of Nevada capture the cultural diversity of the state. The annual Basque festival held in Elko is recognized for the richness of the Basque heritage contribution to the state with a display of music, dance, and food. The Chinese New Year in Las Vegas celebrates the traditions of the Chinese-American spirit with parades, various performances, and tasting of exquisite Chinese dishes.

Native Americans have been living in Nevada and their traditions are influential in the state. The state now has several tribal nations, and they always conduct their powwows, annual festivals, and display of tribal arts. The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum located in Carson City (visible on the nevada map) are already well-recognized facilities that document Native American history in Nevada.

The dining in Nevada is as varied as the state’s residents. The restaurant opportunities defined in Las Vegas (visible on the nevada map) vary from exclusive and luxurious gourmet restaurants and fine dining restaurants to street food joints, and other types of gastronomic offerings. There is also a strong indication of the state’s past and present involvement in livestock farming, including local meats, beef, and game on many cuisine offers. This Nevada Food & Drink Trail specifically covers breweries, distilleries, and wineries, and that introduces travelers to the best of Nevada’s artisanal food and drinks.

Language

As with other states in America, the language that people use mainly is English. However, there are other languages incorporated into the linguistic landscape of Nevada, especially Spanish.

Interestingly, a good number of Spanish speakers can be found in the state thanks to the large Hispano/Latino community. This community plays a deep impact on the cultural and linguistic division of the state, and Spanish media, shops, and events are part of the state’s culture. It is used in homes, among friends, and families, in educational facilities, and in the workplace since many neighborhoods and companies provide bi-lingual interpretations, translations, and communication.

Geography

Nevada’s climate pattern is as interesting as its terrain; the state is home to barren deserts, towering mountain ranges, and beautiful lakes. The geographical characteristics of the state are rather diverse; therefore, people can choose the location for both the urban environment and countryside adventures.

Low altitude desert known as the Great Basin Desert covers most of Nevada giving the state distinctive geological structures. This impressively large desert is divided by mountain chains; the Sierra Nevada to the west and the Snake Range to the east. Boundary Peak, the highest in the state at 13,140 feet (4,005 meters), is in the White Mountains of the California boundary.

The state has also a number of large water sources on its list. There are many lakes; one of the most famous lies in both California and Nevada. Calm and crystal waters and a vividly beautiful mountain range make Lake Tahoe a great area for boating, fishing, and skiing. The Pyramid Lake is another rightful water body located just off the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation and is also famed for the tufa formations and is respected amongst the Paiute folklore.

Colorado River flows in the southmost part of Nevada which is hugely significant when discussing Water needed for Nevada. The Hoover Dam built a reservoir on the Colorado River and created Lake Mead. The activities that the areas within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area offer include boating, fishing, and even hiking and camping among many others.

The climate in the state differs from one region to another within the state. The climate in the state is primarily desert-like; however, the areas in the southern part of the state have hot summers and mild winters while the northern part has extremely cold winters with heavy snowfall in hilly areas. The area’s diverse climate makes it home to various types of plants and animals; desert, sagebrush, Joshua trees, alpine meadows, and forests.

This is also clear from the fact that geographical location influences the growth of the economy within the state and the pattern of life. Mining, which was extremely vital during the early period in Nevada's history, is vital even today because the state remains a producer of gold, silver as well as other deposits. Adding to that it is blessed with natural beauty, culture, history, and archeological importance which make Nevada worth a visit.

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