1. Nevada Becomes a State - December 5, 1864, marks one of the most significant dates in Nevada's history. The state was admitted to the United States as the 36th state, just eight days before the end of the Civil War.

2. The Virginia City Fire - On December 5, 1875, Virginia City was devastated by a massive fire that destroyed 100 businesses and homes in just three hours. The fire was believed to have started in a cabinet shop, and strong winds helped spread the flames rapidly.

3. The Discovery of Carlin Trend - On December 5, 1961, a geologist named John Livermore discovered a massive gold deposit in the Carlin Trend area of Elko County. This discovery led to several mining operations, which eventually made Nevada the top gold-producing state in the country.

4. Sandy Valley Becomes a Hotspot - In 1923, the first oil well in the Sandy Valley region of Nevada was drilled, leading to a frenzy of oil prospecting in the area. In the subsequent years, Sandy Valley became a hotspot for oil exploration and production.

5. The Death of Gaming Pioneer Benny Binion - Legendary casino owner Benny Binion passed away on December 5, 1989. Binion is best remembered for founding the World Series of Poker, which he hosted at his famous Horseshoe Casino in downtown Las Vegas.