Nevada Constitution Sent By Telegraph

In 1864, while Nevada was trying to become a U.S. state, territorial governor James W. Nye grew frustrated that earlier attempts to send the state constitution to Washington by land and sea had failed. On October 26, he ordered the full text sent by telegraph at a cost of $4,303.27 (equivalent to $86,514.04 in 2024). The costly transmission finally put the constitution in federal hands and cleared the way for Nevada’s admission as a state at the end of October 1864.

Previous Fact Next Fact