Explorer John C Fremont’s 1844/5 expedition with legendary scout Kit Carson opened up the region called Nevada, previously part of Mexico. The name ‘Nevada’, meaning ‘snow-capped’ in Spanish, was adopted in 1861 when the territory was established.

The state has since been sectioned off into ‘territories'. The Cowboy Country, found along the I-80 corridor across northern Nevada, was once the main trail across the state, used by thousands of pioneers on horseback and in covered wagons. The Reno-Tahoe Territory, situated on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, contains many of Nevada’s most scenic and historic sights. The Pony Express Territory, named after the famous riders, offers one of the last opportunities to experience the Old West. In the Pioneer Territory, which encompasses south central Nevada, visitors can trace the story of Nevada’s rich mining history.

Las Vegas, Nevada’s largest city, is one of the major gambling and entertainment centres of the world. Las Vegas is probably the easiest place in the world in which to get married. Around 230 marriage licences are issued per day.

Reno, another entertainment and casino city, is known for its quiet residential areas, and surrounding historic and natural attractions.