1. November 16, 1861: Nevada Joins the Union
On this day in 1861, Nevada became the 36th state to join the Union. Its entry was expedited due to the Civil War, and it became known as the "Battle Born" state due to its quick entry into the Union.

2. The MGM Grand Fire
On November 16, 1980, the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas caught fire, resulting in the deaths of 85 people and injuring over 700. The tragedy led to a number of changes in hotel safety procedures and building codes in the city.

3. First Licensed Casino in the United States
The Northern Club in Ely, Nevada was the first licensed casino in the United States in 1931. It was established as a place for miners and railroad workers to come and gamble after work.

4. Atomic Testing
On November 16, 1950, the U.S. government conducted its first atomic bomb test at the Nevada Test Site. Over the course of several decades, over 900 nuclear tests were conducted at the site, making it the most heavily bombed place on earth.

5. Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam, one of the largest dams in the world, was completed on November 16, 1935. The dam is located on the Nevada-Arizona border and generates electricity for millions of people in the surrounding areas.