“Golden State” is California’s nickname. So what about “Silver State” for which state in the US?
The US has 50 states, with the capital Washington DC – a special state district under Congress. In the course of history, each American state has one or more different nicknames.
Some nicknames are unofficial, while others are approved by the state government, including the nickname “Golden State” of California. So what about “Silver State” for which state?
The answer is Nevada.
Nevada is often referred to as the “Silver State,” the phrase dating back to the 19th century when people from all over the world flocked to Nevada for their fortune in the hills of Comstock. Today, Nevada is better known for its gold mining, but 8.9 million ounces of silver were produced in 2016 in Nevada, second only to the US state of Alaska.
“Welcome to Nevada – America’s Silver State”. (Photo: Mgsrefining).
This moniker was an important part of Nevada’s early history.
Nevada’s silver mining history begins before statehood. In 1858, gold prospectors working in western Nevada discovered rich deposits of silver ore at Comstock Lode , near present-day Virginia City.
At the time, Nevada was part of the Utah Territory, not a state. As news of the discovery of silver became more widely known, gold prospectors began to arrive in the area. Silver mining became one of Nevada’s largest industries, contributing to the region’s economy and the Union war effort during the American Civil War (1861-1865).
Nevada became a state in 1864, during the Civil War. Since becoming a state during the war, Nevada is sometimes referred to as the “Birth of War State” . This phrase appeared on the state flag and was used as the official nickname in the 20th century. People later used the nickname “Silver State” for Nevada.
Since the 19th century, people from all over the world have flocked to Nevada to find their fortune in the hills of Comstock. (Photo: News.thediggings.com).
In the 1980s, “Silver State” was imprinted in people’s minds when the silver mining industry boomed here. The phrase “Silver state” appears on state license plates, making it one of the most recognizable terms for Nevada. This means, “Silver State” has surpassed other monikers to become Nevada’s most prominent name.
After statehood, silver mining continued to play an important role in Nevada’s economy. The Comstock Lode mine was in decline around 1874 but new mines were opened in other parts of the state.
Silver mining continues to be an important industry in Nevada in the 21st century. The Coeur Rochester mine is currently Nevada’s largest silver producer, in addition to gold mining. The Coeur Rochester mine generated revenue of 6 million in 2022, the report said. Total gold and silver production for 2022 is 330,346 and 9.8 million ounces, respectively.
Silver mining continues to play an important role in Nevada’s economy. (Photo: Nevadamining.org).
Although “Silver State ” is closely associated with the state of Nevada, another US state has also used this moniker. The state of Colorado , which also has an important silver mining history, once used “Silver State” as a nickname. However, it is no longer in use. Colorado’s official nickname is “The Centennial State “, to commemorate Colorado’s entry to the Union in 1876, 100 years after signing the Declaration of Independence.
Nevada today is known as Las Vegas – the largest and most populous city in the state. Las Vegas is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World” , where the convergence of resorts, entertainment, casinos, famous cuisine.
Silver is used in electronics manufacturing because of its resistance to corrosion. (Photo: Internet)
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