NEVADA, “THE SILVER STATE”
BY CLAY
LARROY
After
working and studying hard all year long families across the United States will
be taking long awaited vacations. Family vacations and travel can be the most
rewarding experience. Families that take vacations together build memories that
will last a lifetime. Family
vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in
a stress free relaxed environment. When
you need to plan a trip contact me!
Nevada
Travel Guide
Nevada history,
language & culture
Archaeological evidence
suggests that the land we now know as Nevada was inhabited approximately 12,400
years ago, long before European settlers discovered the area. It wasn't until
the early 19th century
when Spanish friar Francisco Garcés became the first European to explore the
area, making his way up from New Mexico and recording the Native American
tribes he encountered. By 1851 the first villages and towns were being founded
by Mormons settlers on their way to work California's gold fields. Ten years
later, an Act of Congress established the Territory of Nevada, and President
Abraham Lincoln appointed James W. Nye as its Territorial Governor. On October
31, 1964 President Lincoln granted Nevada statehood to the US as the 36th state. Nevada was the first state to
give African American men the right to vote with the ratification of the 15thAmendment
in 1869.
By this time, Nevada's
economy had hit the jackpot with the discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859,
prompting a silver rush and an influx of labourers looking to mine the precious
metal. By 1882 over $300 million's worth of silver had been mined from the
lode.
In time Nevada's economic
stronghold became known as Las Vegas, meaning "the meadows" as named
by the first European to encounter the valley in 1829. Las Vegas became
connected to railroads in 1905 – bringing the city to life. During a period of
gambling prohibition from 1910 to 1931, illegal speakeasies and casinos cropped
up along with organized crime activity.
The construction of the
nearby Hoover Dam led to the appearance of casinos along Fremont Street, and by
1946 the first luxury resort was built. The 1950s marked an era of new resorts
funded by crime organizations; however by the late 1960s legitimate
corporations had begun to invest in Las Vegas. Over the past two decades, Las
Vegas, especially The Strip, has been revamped with massive resorts and influx
in tourism. The state also holds notorious ties to the Cold War as over
100 nuclear bombs were tested at the Nevada Test Site, northwest of Las Vegas.
Things
to see and do in Nevada
Nevada Historical Society Museum
Visit the Nevada Historical Society
Museum (www.nevadaculture.org) in Reno, excellent for those
wishing to learn about Nevada's history.
Reno
See where Reno was founded, where
Myron Lake's bridge crossed the Truckee River. A white-water park on the river
is a popular attraction with kayakers and thrill seekers; the park also
includes an amphitheater, picnic facilities and river access for boaters.
River Mountain Hiking
Trail
Hike the River Mountain Hiking Trail,
an 8km (5-mile) round-trip route with spectacular views of Lake Mead and Las
Vegas Valley.
Scotty's Castle
Stop at Scotty's Castle (www.nps.gov/deva/scottys1.htm),
a popular, if slightly odd, century-old desert guest ranch.
Sierra Nevada
Explore where the steep eastern slopes
of the Sierra Nevada rise up to contain Lake Tahoe (www.tahoe.com).
Carson City is only 14.4km (9 miles) away, but is nearly 500m (1,500ft) below.
The lake not only hangs over the state capital, but also the towns of Minden
and Gardnerville, which are almost directly below it.
Spring Mountains
Go on a backcountry adventure in the
Spring Mountains, while Mount Charleston (www.nevadawilderness.org/southern/charleston.htm)
is good for winter sports and is home to the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort
(www.skilasvegas.com).
Stratosphere Tower
View the Las Vegas skyline from one of
the observation decks of the Stratosphere Tower (www.stratospherehotel.com).
At 350m (1,149ft) high, it is said to be America's tallest freestanding tower.
Be sure to try one of the world's three highest thrill rides: Big Shot!, Insanity - the Ride,
or X Scream.
Valley of Fire State
Park
See the fascinating landscape of
naturally carved red sandstone in the Valley of Fire State Park (www.parks.nv.gov/vf.htm)
at the north of Lake Mead.
Western Folklife Center
Tour the Western Folklife Center in
Elko. It is dedicated to the preservation of Western ranch culture and known
for the Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
Region
Attractions in Nevada
Death Valley National
Park
Experience the famous Death Valley National Park (website: www.nps.gov/deva),
where visitors can witness unique geological features in the extremes of the
desert.
Las Vegas Strip
Gamble at one of the many casinos
lined up along the Las Vegas Strip (website: www.visitlasvegas.com).
The Strip is best seen at dusk when it is lit up in neon lights.
REFERENCE SITES:
“Love is like the weather in Nevada--you don't know what the
freak happens!”
Experience life travel with those you love!
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