Page "Nevada" Paragraph 2

The name Nevada is derived from the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, which means " snow-capped mountain range " in Spanish.

The land comprising the modern state was inhabited by Native Americans of the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe tribes prior to European contact.

It was subsequently claimed by Spain as a part of Alta California until the Mexican War of Independence brought it under Mexican control.

The United States gained the territory in 1848 following its victory in the Mexican-American War and the area was eventually incorporated as part of Utah Territory in 1850.

The discovery of silver at the Comstock Lode in 1859 led to a population boom that was an impetus to the creation of Nevada Territory out of western Utah Territory in 1861.

Nevada became the 36th state on October 31, 1864.