The admission of Nevada as the 36th U.S. state was primarily driven by an influx of settlers due to the discovery of silver in the Comstock Lode. This boom resulted in a dramatic population increase, making it feasible for Nevada to achieve statehood in a relatively short time. By 1864, the population had soared to over 40,000, and the need for a formal government structure became apparent. The Nevada Territorial Legislature took steps to draft a state constitution, which was ultimately ratified by the citizens of Nevada. On October 31, 1864, the U.S. Congress officially approved Nevada's admission, making it the third state added during the Civil War. This timing was highly strategic; by bringing in Nevada, the Lincoln administration aimed to secure additional electoral votes for his re-election in the upcoming presidential election.The process of Nevada's statehood was emblematic of the broader patterns of westward expansion in the United States, coupled with the economic motivations driven by mining. The discovery of silver was not simply an economic factor; it was also a catalyst for the rapid social and political developments in the region. The constitution that Nevada adopted emphasized civil liberties, an essential aspect that would appeal to both local residents and national ideals regarding governance and rights. Furthermore, the new state was expected to contribute to the Union's war efforts by supplying troops and resources, thus entrenching its importance during a pivotal time in American history.