1. On December 18, 1864, Nevada was admitted as the 36th state of the United States. The state was originally part of the Utah Territory, but its growth and increasing population led to its recognition as a separate state.

2. In 1935, the Hoover Dam was completed on December 18, after five years of construction. This massive project was key in bringing electricity, jobs, and water to the southwestern United States.

3. December 18, 1984 saw a tragic event in the history of Nevada. A devastating fire broke out at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, killing 85 people and injuring over 700 others. The fire is still remembered as one of the deadliest hotel fires in United States history.

4. On December 18, 1986, singer Frank Sinatra performed his final concert in Las Vegas. Sinatra was an iconic performer who had a special relationship with Las Vegas, where he performed regularly throughout his career.

5. In 2003, Nevada became the first state to legalize online poker on December 18. This move was seen as a way to attract more visitors to the state's tourism industry and generate revenue for the state. Since then, other states have followed suit and online gambling has become more widely accepted across the country.