State Web Site

HENRY G. BLASDEL, the first elected governor of Nevada, was born near Lawrenceburg, Indiana on January 29, 1825. His education was limited and attained in the common schools of his native state. Before moving to Nevada in 1861, Blasdel worked various jobs, such as a miner, farmer, merchant, and riverboat captain. He first entered politics as the recorder of Storey County, a position to which he was appointed in 1861. He also served on the National Union League Committee that notified President Lincoln of his renomination. Blasdel next secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in 1864. He was reelected to a second term in 1866. During his tenure, the state government was organized; construction plans were initiated for the first state capitol building; additional land was ceded to the state; and an Indian insurgence was dealt with. After leaving the governorship, Blasdel retired from political life. Governor Henry G. Blasdel passed away on July 26, 1900, and was buried in the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, California.

Sources:

Guide to American Historical Manuscripts in the Huntington Library. San Marino, CA: Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery, 1979.

Nevada State Archives: Henry Goode Blasdel 1864-1870

Nevada State Library and Archives: Nevada Governors' Biographical Information

The Political Graveyard

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

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