Nevada Day revisited: 1943 & 1965

Editor’s Note: This continues a series featuring the Appeal’s coverage of past Nevada Days.

Reprinted from the Nov. 3, 1943, Carson City Daily Appeal:

Gov. E.P. Carville was the interesting guest speaker at the regular Lions Club meeting held on Admission Day at the French Hotel.

Choosing a speech appropriate to the occasion, Gov. Carville reviewed Nevada’s background bringing in with finesse the part Nevada has played in her war history.

He sketched briefly in his opening remarks the historical resume of Nevada, stating that as far as can be determined the first white person to cross this territory was a Franciscan monk named Francis Garcias in 1775. During this early period, a few trailblazers to California returned to this territory and settled.

Progressing to more important times, Gov. Carville said the Gold Rush in 1848 and 1849 to California brought many eastern travelers to the west, not only to California but also to Nevada and especially Genoa. Shortly following, the great mining boom in Virginia City began.

The second part of the Governor’s address dealt with the reasons for Nevada’s admission into the union. The state head revealed information gleaned from historical records concerning Charles A. Dana, assistant secretary of war during the Lincoln regime, who was called in by the President for conference centering around Nevada’s admission. It was said that unless President Lincoln’s wishes prevailed, the war would be extended involving more men and another million dollars. Dana was asked to organize a resolution which would admit Nevada to the union. After Congress had passed the resolution, it was interesting to note that his territory was reluctant as to accepting the invitation.

Gov. Carville emphasized that one of the early characteristics of Nevadans which insists today is that of individualism and neighborliness. He continued that they were produced in the beginning through hardships experienced by the early settlers, and they will always be a part of Nevada people.

Gov. Carville concluded that if people of this state retain the characteristics of Nevada’s forefathers, the future of the state will be assured. Especially at the present time is it necessary for each citizen to take an active part in his municipal, county and state government for the preservation of state rights, he added.