The Battle Born State. This nickname is the official state slogan of Nevada. It recalls that Nevada was admitted to the union in 1864, during the Civil War. This slogan also appears on the Nevada State Flag. Walker Lake & Mt. Grant, Wassuk Range The Silver State. Nevada is referred to as The Silver State because of its rich silver resources. Silver was the primary mineral mined in Nevada when it was admitted to the union in 1864. Nevada produced about 30% of all the silver mined in the United States in 1999.