The Silver State: Nevada's Heritage Reinterpreted

Wilbur S. Shepperson Series in Nevada History

by James W. Hulse

Nevada has changed dramatically over the past quarter century, and in this third edition of The Silver State , renowned historian James W. Hulse recounts the major events—historical, political, and social—that have shaped our state. Hulse’s cohesive approach offers students and general readers an accessible account of Nevada’s colorful history. The new edition highlights the social and political changes that have occurred since the original publication of The Silver State in 1991. Hulse discusses the impact of a growing population; changes in the economy and education system; expanding roles of women; recent developments in state politics, including the 2003 legislative session; the influence of Nevada’s growing ethnic population and increasingly divergent demographic groups; and the impact of federal policies, including President George W. Bush’s 2002 decision to authorize the opening of a nuclear-waste depository at Yucca Mountain. In addition, all the recommended reading lists have been updated. The Silver State explores many dimensions of the Nevada experience and its peoples. This book will inspire readers to take another look at the rich cultural heritage and eventful history of Nevada, the Silver State.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

392 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 1991

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty years ago I was hired to teach two classes at Las Vegas College, US Constitution and Nevada History. The first, I already had experience teaching and was well-prepped; but Nevada History? I had taught general US History and was versed in Western History as a sub-set of that, but Nevada History is much more specific yet, and I had to get up to speed fast. So with the help of the superb librarians at the great Clark County Library - simply a first-class institution - I laid in just about every book available on the subject and read and took notes deep into the night, every night, while I was teaching the course. I had to give two-hour lectures twice a day, afternoons and evenings, Monday through Thursday, for six weeks! The students in each section got 48 hours of nothing but Nevada. It was intense! And naturally, I came to LOVE Nevada History. This Hulse volume was one of the bedrocks of my lecture materials, really an excellent state history and a joy to read.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nevada is often associated with neon lights, shady casinos, and risk-taking addicts. This popular image is of course thanks to a single, notorious city that has dominated the cultural and economic landscape of the state since WWII. Mr. Hulse is well familiar with these stereotypes and discusses them in his book, yet always the flashing signs and nefarious reputation of Vegas takes a backseat to the state's larger, much more diverse history that is more colorful than any neon-lit strip of casinos.

If you're interested in learning about the prehistoric natives, colonial Spaniards, or stubbornly brave pioneers, then this book will provide a good starting point into those topics. For a further analysis, though, Id recommend choosing from his selected readings at the end of each chapter. Mr. Hulse's main focus is on the gold bonanza, railroad, and early twentieth century eras. In this temporal region, the historian exceeds many expectations and brings the smoke-filled, whiskey spilling, card dealing saloons to life.

The only drawbacks are towards the present day, when the historian gets a little winded talking about the numerous societal ills that have accrued as the the states two main metro areas, Vegas and Reno, explode in population and money. These are important topics to discuss when reviewing Nevada's tumultuous boom-and-bust history, but at times each section feels more like a Wikipedia overview than an engaging narrative. Nonethless, this is a recommended read to anyone interested in the history of the Western Great Basin.

[Lindsey Geddes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the other Nevada History book I got from my Grandmother Whipple. Both Nevada history books I have in my list were from her also both books are written by notable Nevada Historians. I read the 2nd edition of this book I assume the new addition goes in to the millennium and such. I liked his organization and a more in-depth look at Nevada’s discrimination problems. He goes in depth less on Nevada politics and focuses on Nevada culture and why we are the way we are #vegasborn

[Travis Bow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A textbook overview of Nevada history. Often dry, and a little bit dated (it's clear where the updates for the latest edition were made), with poor maps, but with a very thorough overview by someone who obviously knows Nevada's history well.

[Adrian Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that comes from the mind of a man who has devoted his life and career to studying and watching the history of the state where he was born, grew up, and now teaches. He tells the history of the state of Nevada from the point of view of one who is familiar with the terrain of which he speaks.
Nevada’s history as a state, or even a territory, has been relatively brief when compared with that of the other states in the Union. This is mainly because of the desert terrain that makes up most of the state’s topography. The barren sagebrush covered, waterless areas that Nevada is famous for are the main reasons why most of the westward immigration of the 19th century viewed it as simply an obstacle to be overcome. Had there not been valuable minerals, such as the Comstock Lode of silver, found in Nevada’s hard rock, there might have been little change in that attitude.
The history of Nevada, though brief, is full of colorful characters and episodes that make for a dramatic tapestry of the western frontier. The stereotype of the old western towns, with their gunfighters, masked bandits, and cattle drives, is taken from the reality of Nevada, and its neighboring states of Arizona and Utah. To this day, there are still reminders of that reality, alive in the rodeos, candy dances, and stock auctions that still take place in the cities that dot the state. These things, along with its history of making a business of activities that are regarded by some as unsavory, has enabled Nevada to make its mark on the American consciousness as much as, if not more, than any other state. This book take you on a tour of them, and opens your eyes to its many hidden treasures. Extremely readable, this is a book that makes it possible for one to understand the independent, stubborn, and sometimes unforgiving nature of the 36th state of the US.