European Settlers In Nevada During The 19th Century

During the 19th century when European settlers came to Nevada, they changed it significantly from a mostly barren and undeveloped land to an industrialized state, while Native Americans were unable to stop them due to a variety of factors. The differences in culture between the different tribes made it harder to communicate and come all together; the decrease in land and resources as white settlers took more for themselves; and their belief in Manifest Destiny were a few of the biggest contributing factors.

When European travelers first started setting foot in Nevada, the land was difficult to travel across because of the many mountain ranges and the issue of water. During that time, sailing was the most usual form of transportation, and in Nevada, the water did not empty into the ocean, meaning travelers could not
Over time, certain areas grew to be more urban as more foreigners settled in. Industrialization also had a significant impact on it, as railroads allowed more people to come in and out of the state along with transporting goods. leading to a higher increase in population and more people trying their luck in the growing mining industry as news of some making great profits and the discovery of more mines had others rushing to join in. The discovery of Comstock Lode in 1859 was especially important to the state’s history because of how it contributed to the economy and made Nevada more culturally diverse. Bringing in more Irish, Chinese, and African Americans among other groups and adding to the community. The money gained from the work leads to more lavish spending and gives cities such as Virginia a reputation for being lively but also hubs for vices because of the gambling, brothels, and opium dens. This new influx of residents also contributed to the displacement of indigenous groups by taking their land and causing deforestation and water pollution because of mining