A century ago, Nevada was a frontier state. Wealth came from the ground in the form of gold and silver.
Later, Nevada marketed the legal right to gamble.
In some ways we’ve come a great distance since those early Frontier days. But even in 2015, Nevada still moves with the tide of gamblers, and miners.
As the state celebrates its 150 birthday Dr. Michael Green explores the state’s history in his new book “Nevada: A History of the Silver State.”
The book documents the changes we’ve seen in politics. It also tracks the shift in power north to south.
"It has been so long since we had a full history of the state," Green explained. "We really need a book that tries to put the whole state in perspective."
The book covers everything from the origins of the state and its importance to President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War to Las Vegas' origins and how the town became the city during World War II.
"This is part of the book too, trying to put Nevada and Las Vegas in the perspective of the American West," Green said. "In the 40s, you have this combination of the federal government and tourism. And both of these are really shaping the growth of Las Vegas."
Green also explores the politicians who shaped the state through policy and personality from Senator Pat McCarran to Governor Grant Sawyer.
Michael Green, author, "Nevada: A History of the Silver State"