10 Quirky Facts About Nevada That Sound Made Up, but Are 100% Accurate

Think you know just about everything there is to know about Nevada? Well, we have a handful of random facts about the state that even the biggest trivia buff may think we made up ourselves. But, you'll just have to trust us when we say it's all true. For instance, did you know that we have one of the largest sources of gold in the world? That’s a fact! Let’s see how many of these quirky facts about Nevada that you already know. Chances are, some will surprise you.

1. You Have to Go West to Get from L.A. to Reno

While Nevada is east of California, the city of Reno is actually west of Los Angeles and San Diego. In fact, due to the way the state curves towards the southern region, half of the state of California is west of the infamous city. Don't believe us? Take a look at the map!

2. The State Was Named After the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range

The Spanish gave Nevada its name in the 1800s, in reference to the mountains that border much of the state. Nevada comes from a Spanish word meaning "snow-covered," and Sierra means mountain range.

3. Nevada’s Nickname, “The Silver State,” Comes from a Discovery During the Gold Rush

In 1859, gold miners discovered a big lode of silver, eventually known as the Comstock Lode, in the mountains near Virginia City, one of the most haunted places in Nevada. Silver has been such a big part of Nevada's history that it was designated as the official state metal in 1977.

4. The Silver State Is One of the Largest Sources of Gold in the World

The gold rush may be over, but not for Nevada. The state is the largest producer of gold in the United States, responsible for approximately 75 percent of the gold production in the country. It is also one of the largest sources of gold in the entire world.

5. Nevada Has More Wild Horses Than Any Other State

Almost half of all the wild horses and burros in the country call Nevada home. That's more than any other state! As of writing this article, the Bureau of Land Management estimates the number to be about 42,580. That's a lot! If you want to spot these beautiful herds in the wild, head to the Virginia Range near Reno and Carson City. Seeing them running across the wide-open land is one of the most unique things to do in Nevada.

6. Nevada Has an Extraterrestrial Highway

State Route 375 coming out of Las Vegas is known as the Extraterrestrial Highway and is chock full of all things alien, from a UFO-themed bars and cafes, the Alien Research Center, giant alien statues, curio shops, the "Black Mailbox" where you can leave special messages, and more. Oh, and of course, Area 51.

7. You Could Pave a 16-Foot-Wide Highway from New York to San Francisco with the Concrete in the Hoover Dam

This massive feat of engineering is considered by most to be the biggest public works project in the United States. It is over 726 feet tall, weighs over 6.5 million tons, and contains over three million cubic yards of concrete. Yeah, that’s a lot.

8. Nevada Is The Driest State in the Country

Nevada takes being a desert to a whole new level. Only getting an average of 10 inches of rain each year, less than any other state in the country.

9. The Oldest Human Mummy Ever Found in the United States Was Discovered in Nevada

The remains of the earliest man, dating back to about 10,000 years ago, at the end of the Ice Age, were found right here in our state. The bones were discovered in the so-called "Spirit Cave," about 13 miles outside of the town of Fallon, one of our picks for a great destination for a day trip in Nevada. The mummy is said to have been a Native American man about 40 years old when he died.

10. The 175-Page Nevada constitution Was Submitted to Washington via Morse Code

Prior to being adopted as a state, Nevada had to send its official constitution to Washington, D.C in 1864. Time was of the essence with an election coming up, and mail would have taken too long, so the document was sent by Morse Code. Relaying the 16,500+ word message took a total of seven hours, making it one of the longest Morse Code messages ever sent.

Did you know all of the facts on our list? We're sure some of them surprised you. Share this article with some of your friends to test their knowledge on these quirky facts about Nevada. And if you're hungry for more, here are 10 things that Nevada did first.

Planning to explore this unique state soon? Visit the Travel Nevada website to find local restaurants, small towns, and attractions to craft your dream trip.