Nevada

Overview

When people think of Nevada, it is probably the extravagances of Las Vegas that come to mind. This desert state has a very low population in contrast to it neighbour California. The westward migrating peoples probably could find little reason to stop! Geographically it consists of a series of north/south trending mountain ranges with the occasional volcanic cone. Huge salt flats on old dried up lake beds attest to a wetter past.

At the southeast corner of the state the great Colorado River forms the border with Arizona and the Hoover Dam holds back the water to form Lake Mead. This national recreation area is a prime destination for boating and fishing. The Hoover dam itself is well worth a visit, as it is one of the highest concrete dams ever constructed.

Gambling is the heart of the state's economy and is the mainstay of Las Vegas and Reno, north of Lake Tahoe. This picture postcard lake lies high in the Sierra Nevada, on the California border, surrounded by higher mountains and the snows in winter make it an ideal place for skiing and other cold weather pursuits.

History

In 1826 the explorer and trader Jediah Smith became the first American to cross Nevada and enter Southern California. He had left Salt Lake City and discovered the Las Vegas valley. With the coming of the gold rush to California, in 1849, more people were traversing the area and using the pass north of Lake Tahoe. In 1859 gold was found in what was to become Virginia City, a thriving town of 35,000 residents. The dwindling population is now down to 1,500, but much has been done to restore the historic buildings to their 1870?s glory, and they are open to the public.

Las Vegas started as a Mormon mission in 1855, but it wasn?t until the legalised gambling began in 1931, that the casinos and grand hotels became established. During the Great Depression work had been created on the Hoover dam project and construction was completed in 1935.

Nevada has now become a rapidly expanding state with the lure of lower taxes and has fast growing retirement communities enjoying the summer heat and the dry climate.

When to Go

Essentials