Fundamentals of Nevada History

Fundamentals of Nevada History

Nevada has a rich history tough background, pro-government, self reliance, yielding to none. When the going gets tough Nevadan’s pull up their boot straps for the long haul. Nevada has a much different outlook today than the early 1800s, vast entertainment centers and communities nestled in its valleys. The state is home to many residents from across the country, California, Arizona, Washington State, and Florida. Nevada has continued to attract a diverse group of individuals regardless of the harsh economic times, faced by individuals across the country.

Nevada adapted its Constitution in 1864 during a period that brought perspective growth to the state from outside interest. There were several issues at hand that threaten to derail the process as the failed 1863 convention had experienced. One issue that was of major concern to the parties was mine taxation, and colonization. With the establishment of a mining taxation their taxes would be derived on their net proceeds rather than their assessed value. Some member viewed this as favoritism to mine owners and called for the Nevada Constitution to be amended, to allow farms, and sawmills, and other property to be taxed under the same principle. Also colonization was an issue as out of state companies quickly invested in the mining industries and moved precious mineral wealth to their states for profit (Bowers, 2006).

Another significant difference between the two constitutions of 1863 and 1864 was in the election of Nevada’s first state’s officers. The vote for the ratification of Nevada’s Constitution, and the election would take place on two different occasions; on September 7th, and the election of state officers on November 8th. President Abraham Lincoln also would be running for re-election and needed the support of Nevadan’s three electoral votes to retain the presidency which he could have succeeded in doing had he not been assassinated April 14, 1865 (Bowers, 2006).

Nevada treatment of minorities as with any other state has room for improvement; changes to policy and enforcement of the laws to protect individuals, continue to improve the lives of minorities in the state of Nevada. Historical speaking Nevada has a poor record of protecting the rights of minorities. The newly ratified Nevada Constitution did not provide for the equal treatment of minorities, following in suite to the United States Constitution. Minorities were not allowed to vote or perform skilled labor jobs, many taking dangerous positions such as mining. The minorities were not allowed to testify against Caucasians in a court of law (Bowers, 2006). Eventually some rights were granted to minorities allowing for African Americans to attend schools in their own areas, and pay visits to medical facilities as well (Bowers, 2006).

The facilities were underfunded, and there was no adequate housing available for minorities.