Nevada's admission to the Union wasn't primarily driven by its mineral wealth, contrary to popular belief. While silver and gold discoveries in 1859 influenced its territorial status, the real reason for statehood was political strategy.

President Abraham Lincoln sought Nevada's statehood in 1864 for two crucial reasons:

1. Electoral Support: Lincoln needed additional electoral votes for his re-election campaign against Democrat George B. McClellan
2. Constitutional Reform: Nevada's vote was vital for passing the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery

The territory became a state on October 31, 1864, just eight days before the presidential election. While Nevada's mineral wealth benefited the Union during the Civil War through taxes and bullion purchases, the war was nearly over when statehood was granted.

Common misconceptions about Nevada's statehood include:

• The TV show "Bonanza" incorrectly portrayed the 1864 constitutional convention as a debate about joining the Confederacy
• Nevada's motto "Battle Born" isn't official; the state's actual motto is "All For Our Country"
• Claims about illegal admission due to low population (35K-40K residents) are false, as the Northwest Ordinance included exceptions

Ultimately, Lincoln won the election decisively with 212 electoral votes to McClellan's 21, and Nevada's Representative Henry G. Worthington provided one of the crucial votes needed to pass the 13th Amendment.

The slogan "Battle Born" was created by future Congressman Thomas Finch during the 1864 constitutional convention, replacing the territorial motto "Volens et Potens" (Willing and Able).

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