Party like it’s 1864

A long time ago - 148 years to be precise - the country was at war with itself. Riven by the issue of slavery and the nature of the constitutional union, armies fought a savage and bitter conflict on faraway battlefields.

Nevada was to play its own role in that history, but first, it had to overcome struggles that were political in nature rather than military. An initial constitution for the state had been rejected by voters in early 1864, in part because it was deemed insufficiently protective of mine owners.

A new effort began in the Congress, and legislation provided that if the would-be state wrote a constitution acceptable to President Abraham Lincoln, Nevada could be admitted to the Union. Efforts began in earnest on Independence Day 1864. A revised constitution was written, providing that the new state of Nevada would outlaw slavery, give its paramount allegiance to the federal government and allow Washington, D.C., to control vast quantities of public lands. A provision that allowed only the taxation of the net proceeds of mining was added.

The constitution was approved in a lopsided vote on Sept. 7, 1864. It was transmitted to Washington via telegraph and approved by President Lincoln on Oct. 31, 1864. Days later, the new "Battle Born" state of Nevada helped Lincoln win his second and final term.

Nevada soon will turn 150 years old, and it will mark its sesquicentennial with a yearlong celebration, starting in October and ending on Nevada Day 2014. Officials are looking for businesses to help tout a proud century and a half. The privately funded sesquicentennial committee is seeking proposals from Nevada-based businesses to raise money and awareness and develop merchandise commemorating the state's 150th birthday. Statewide work experience is ideal, but regional businesses can band together to make proposals if they wish. (Full disclosure: Review-Journal Publisher Bob Brown is co-chairman of the sesquicentennial committee.)

A copy of the request for proposal can be downloaded at www.Nevada150.org, and proposals are due at the close of business Jan. 22. Nevada has invented plenty of reasons to party over the past 150 years, but the state's birth is a real, live historical moment. We strongly encourage Nevada businesses to get involved in celebration of 150 years of history.