Nevada

The American state now known as Nevada joined the Union in 1864. What timing, right in the middle of the Civil War. Perhaps the mineral reserves had something to do with it. But what to call the place? Sierra Nevada? Washoe? Carson? Eastern Slope? (Descriptive if a bit prosaic.) Humboldt? Esmeralda? Sierra Plata? Oro Plata? Bullion? All were variously in use. In the end, a Spanish word was chosen for this desertish state, its name ironically meaning "snow-covered".
122901

[Next][Previous]