Nevada History By madric Jan 1, 1776 Spainish explorers enter Nevada region Feb 2, 1848 U.S. gains control of Nevada Region by winning the Mexican-American War. Jan 1, 1859 Discovery of the Comstock Lode - the largest silver mine in the United States Jan 1, 1861 Nevada supports the Northern states in the Civil War. A large factor in Nevada becoming a state. Oct 31, 1864 Nevada becomes the 36th state in the United States Jan 1, 1869 Central Pacific Railroad connects Nevada to the rest of the United States Apr 6, 1917 U.S. enters World War 1. Nevada provides lead and copper for the military. Jul 7, 1930 Construction begins on the Hoover Dam Mar 19, 1931 Nevada makes gambling legal. Dec 8, 1941 U.S. enters World War II. Nevada would provide a lot of the metal and beef for the military.