1. Nevada became a state - On July 1, 1864, Nevada officially becomes the 36th state in the United States. The state was admitted into the Union during the Civil War and its rapid growth made it a valuable resource for the north.

2. The first casino opened - On July 1, 1941, the El Rancho Vegas Hotel and Casino opened in Las Vegas. This was the first casino to offer a full-length show and helped set the stage for the industry to take off in the years to come.

3. Nevada legalized gambling - On July 1, 1931, Nevada became the first state to legalize gambling. This allowed casinos to open and operate legally which created a massive industry that has become a major part of the state's economy.

4. The Hoover Dam dedicated - On July 1, 1935, the Hoover Dam was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The dam was built during the Great Depression and provided jobs for thousands of people. The project was a major accomplishment and helped to shape the growth of the American west.

5. Nevada becomes a popular filming location - On July 1, 1954, the movie "A Star is Born" starring Judy Garland began filming at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This helped to establish Nevada as a popular location for movies and television shows and has led to many memorable moments being captured on screen.