By Savannah McDade Posted June 1, 2011
My great, great grandparents boarded ocean liners, cattle boats, and trains. They endured weeks of travel, leaving behind their relatives and friends for a country that did not understand or accept their language or customs. Despite the struggles and racial ostracism that they suffered, they moved to Nevada and worked diligently, without complaint, in order to improve life for their family. As a result of hard work, unity, and pride in ranching, my family prospered. I reflect upon this whenever I hear malicious comments being made toward Nevada. I cannot help but think, “What would my ancestors say?”
Nevada is a state that has been exploited by the media as well as by arrogant means of publicity which have promoted people to regard the beautiful state as nothing more than a playground and a “dump site” for nuclear waste.
An important factor that many do not realize is that Nevada is not Las Vegas and vice versa. Beyond the Las Vegas strip, Nevada is rich in culture, history, and beauty. Nevada is well known for being home to unique ethnic groups such as the French and Spanish Basques, as well as being a culture rich with Native American influences. “I think our historical significance is very strong – everyone wants to know about the cowboys and miners that populated our state in the early years […] Also the physical beauty of the state with its desert landscape and mountainous terrain is very unique,” said Janet Geary, publisher of “Nevada Magazine”.
Nevada is very geographically privileged offering picturesque sunsets, clear views, and extensive weather patterns. Esteemed Photographer Peg Buckner of “Picture This! Studio & Gallery” located in Fallon, Nevada, attests, “Here in Nevada I have gotten the most beautiful colors in my photography. Some of my peers [of the same field] in California are jealous.”
Hundreds of very eminent movies have been filmed in Nevada due to the favorable scenery. Such films include, “Top Gun” (1986), “The Shootist” (1976), and “Into the Wild” (2006) travelnevada.biz.
Each state encompasses unique attributes, however, one of the most unique and important characteristics attributed to Nevada is hospitality. “Nevada’s main industry is tourism. Over 30% of the jobs in Nevada come directly from the tourism industry,” said Geary. In order to maintain this important aspect of Nevada’s economy, Nevadans need to encompass passion and zeal in order to promote, as well as enjoy, the wonderful and natural resources that Nevada offers.
