36-Star Flag (1865)

Nevada was recognized as a Territory in 1861.  Between then and its admittance into the Union in 1864 Congress was trying to ratify the Constitutional amendment outlawing slavery.  Nevada's population was far less than the required 127,381 needed to become a state.  But, President Lincoln needed Nevada as a state to support his anti-slavery amendments.  An agreement was struck whereby the population requirement was waived in exchange for Nevada's promise to vote against slavery.  Nevada was admitted into the Union on October 31, 1864, becoming the 36th state.  On January 31, 1865 the proposal to abolish slavery was presented to Congress.  On December 6, 1865 the bill was passed into law, making it the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States.