Nevada organized as a United States territory

Background. Prior to its organization, the area known as Washoe was part of western Utah Territory. The separation from Utah was significant to the federal government due to political leanings, while local residents sought separation due to animosity and sometimes violence between non-Mormons in Nevada and Mormons from the rest of the Utah Territory.

Initial Boundary Definition. At its organization, the eastern boundary of Nevada Territory was defined as the 39th meridian west from Washington. Later boundary changes — a shift east to the 38th meridian in 1862 and further adjustments in 1866 — occurred after the 1861 organization and fall outside this event's scope.

Territorial Duration. The Territory of Nevada existed as an organized incorporated territory from March 2, 1861, until October 31, 1864, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Nevada. This period occurred during the American Civil War, three years after its territorial formation.