Inquiry Question: "What information would you use to support Nevada statehood in the 1860s?"

Artifact Title: Henry G. Blasdel to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, February 17, 1865 (Telegram reporting ratification of 13th Amendment)

Artifact Description: This document is a telegraph message from Nevada's first governor Henry G. Blasdel to Abraham Lincoln announcing Nevada's passing of the 13th amendment.

Describe the Artifact:

1. To where was the message sent?
2. Where did the telegraph message originate?
3. When was it sent?
4. There are several cross outs, why?
5. What entity was responsible for transmitting this telegraph messages, private business or the federal government?

Thinking about the artifact: Why do you think this message was so short?

Using Your Imagination: Write a newspaper article from the perspective of a Nevada resident who just received this message.
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Artifact Title: D. E. Edgar to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, February 03, 1863 (Conspiracy to form a separate republic in the West)

Artifact Description: [Describe in detail; Include historical context]

Describe the Artifact: [List questions readily answerable from the artifact]

Thinking about the Artifact: [Ask questions requiring inference related to the artifact]

Using Your Imagination: [Outline an activity that will engage the learner with the artifact content]
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "What information would you use to support Nevada statehood in the 1860s?"

Artifact Title: Henry G. Blasdel to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, February 17, 1865 (Telegram reporting ratification of 13th Amendment)

Artifact Description: This document is a telegraph message from Nevada's first governor Henry G. Blasdel to Abraham Lincoln announcing Nevada's passing of the 13th amendment.

Describe the Artifact:

1. To where was the message sent?
2. Where did the telegraph message originate?
3. When was it sent?
4. There are several cross outs, why?
5. What entity was responsible for transmitting this telegraph messages, private business or the federal government?

Thinking about the artifact: Why do you think this message was so short?

Using Your Imagination: Write a newspaper article from the perspective of a Nevada resident who just received this message.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: D. E. Edgar to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, February 03, 1863 (Conspiracy to form a separate republic in the West)

Artifact Description: [Describe in detail; Include historical context]

Describe the Artifact: [List questions readily answerable from the artifact]

Thinking about the Artifact: [Ask questions requiring inference related to the artifact]

Using Your Imagination: [Outline an activity that will engage the learner with the artifact content]
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "What role did the geographic theme of movement play in the relationship between Lincoln and Nevada?"

Artifact Title: Leland Stanford to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, September 29, 1862

Artifact Description: A letter from California Governor, Leland Stanford, to Abraham Lincoln in regards to location of the Transcontinental Railroad in the Sierra Nevadas from California into the Nevada Territory.

Describe the Artifact

1. To where was the message sent?
2. Where did the telegraph message originate
3. When was it sent?
4. Who was Leland Stanford?
5. What is the Transcontinental Railroad?
6. What is the tone of the letter to Lincoln from Stanford?

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. How important was it for Lincoln to have a Transcontinental Railroad built to the western coast during the Civil War?
2. Why would a positive relationship between Lincoln and Stanford during this time period be significant for Lincoln?
3. Describe the impact the building of the Transcontinental Railroad on the economy of the Nevada Territory.
4. What would have happen if the South had gained control of the Western states and territories. Would the outcome of the war have been different.

Using Your Imagination:

• Bell Ringer: Students will use the letter as an introduction activity on the role of the Western Territories during the Civil War. Students will use the "thinking about" questions as a spring board into the importance of the Western states and territories remaining loyal to the union.
• Annotated Map: Students will create a map of the Western half of the US during the Civil War. (Example: Battle of Glorietta) Students will add Civil War battles fought in the Western half of the US and include a brief description of Confederate and Union movements during the war.
• Closure: Students will write a brief description predicting the outcome of the Civil War if the South had gained control of the Western States and Territories.

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Artifact Title: Naval and Military Map of the US

Artifact Description: Map created for the US Military showing the Pony Express, roads and canals being built. Map focuses on the Western half of the country.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What territories still exists int his map?
2. What symbols do you see on this map?
3. What is the title of this map?
4. What is the Pony Express?
5. Why is this an important map for the Lincoln to have?

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. Why is communication important to the union in the Civil War?
2. What impact did the Pony Express have on the communication for Lincoln?
3. Compare the communication of Civil War to today.

Using Your Imagination:

• Starter: Analyze the map.
• Class Discussion: Compare the communication of the Civil War to communication methods used in the Persian Gulf War.
• Written Response: Answer an exit question on the importance of communication during the Civil War.

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Artifact Title: Nevada: Making of America

Artifact Description: This article was part of a monthly installment for Harper's new monthly magazine, Volume 31, Issue 183, August, 1865.

Describe the Artifact: Identify the various types of terrain that a person would see traveling through Nevada.

Thinking about the Artifact: Analyze the risks of traveling through this region of the country.

Using Your Imagination: Create a diary entry from the perspective of someone traveling through the region in 1865.
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Artifact Title: Virginia City

Artifact Description: This is an 1861 illustration of Virginia City by Grafton T. Brown. There is a "bird's-eye" view of Virginia City and 30 views of local residences and commercial establishments.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Describe the physical geography of Virginia City.
2. What types of businesses are represented?
3. What building materials were used?

Thinking about the Artifact: What are the benefits and challenges of living in Virginia City?

Using Your Imagination: Create an advertisement to encourage new residents to settle in Virginia City.
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "What role did the geographic theme of movement play in the relationship between Lincoln and Nevada?"

Artifact Title: Leland Stanford to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, September 29, 1862

Artifact Description: A letter from California Governor, Leland Stanford, to Abraham Lincoln in regards to location of the Transcontinental Railroad in the Sierra Nevadas from California into the Nevada Territory.

Describe the Artifact

1. To where was the message sent?
2. Where did the telegraph message originate
3. When was it sent?
4. Who was Leland Stanford?
5. What is the Transcontinental Railroad?
6. What is the tone of the letter to Lincoln from Stanford?

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. How important was it for Lincoln to have a Transcontinental Railroad built to the western coast during the Civil War?
2. Why would a positive relationship between Lincoln and Stanford during this time period be significant for Lincoln?
3. Describe the impact the building of the Transcontinental Railroad on the economy of the Nevada Territory.
4. What would have happen if the South had gained control of the Western states and territories. Would the outcome of the war have been different.

Using Your Imagination:

• Bell Ringer: Students will use the letter as an introduction activity on the role of the Western Territories during the Civil War. Students will use the "thinking about" questions as a spring board into the importance of the Western states and territories remaining loyal to the union.
• Annotated Map: Students will create a map of the Western half of the US during the Civil War. (Example: Battle of Glorietta) Students will add Civil War battles fought in the Western half of the US and include a brief description of Confederate and Union movements during the war.
• Closure: Students will write a brief description predicting the outcome of the Civil War if the South had gained control of the Western States and Territories.

______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Naval and Military Map of the US

Artifact Description: Map created for the US Military showing the Pony Express, roads and canals being built. Map focuses on the Western half of the country.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What territories still exists int his map?
2. What symbols do you see on this map?
3. What is the title of this map?
4. What is the Pony Express?
5. Why is this an important map for the Lincoln to have?

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. Why is communication important to the union in the Civil War?
2. What impact did the Pony Express have on the communication for Lincoln?
3. Compare the communication of Civil War to today.

Using Your Imagination:

• Starter: Analyze the map.
• Class Discussion: Compare the communication of the Civil War to communication methods used in the Persian Gulf War.
• Written Response: Answer an exit question on the importance of communication during the Civil War.

______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Nevada: Making of America

Artifact Description: This article was part of a monthly installment for Harper's new monthly magazine, Volume 31, Issue 183, August, 1865.

Describe the Artifact: Identify the various types of terrain that a person would see traveling through Nevada.

Thinking about the Artifact: Analyze the risks of traveling through this region of the country.

Using Your Imagination: Create a diary entry from the perspective of someone traveling through the region in 1865.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Virginia City

Artifact Description: This is an 1861 illustration of Virginia City by Grafton T. Brown. There is a "bird's-eye" view of Virginia City and 30 views of local residences and commercial establishments.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Describe the physical geography of Virginia City.
2. What types of businesses are represented?
3. What building materials were used?

Thinking about the Artifact: What are the benefits and challenges of living in Virginia City?

Using Your Imagination: Create an advertisement to encourage new residents to settle in Virginia City.
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "What would you recommend to Lincoln if he asked you to suggest ways to assist in growing Nevada's 1860's economy?"

Artifact Title: New Consolidated mill, Goldfield, Nev.

Artifact Description: View of the New Consolidated mill building, Goldfield, Nevada

Describe the Artifact:

1. According to this picture, is this a productive mine?
2. Where is Goldfield, Nevada in relation to Las Vegas, Nevada?

Thinking about the Artifact: Does the picture of this mine lead you to believe that President Lincoln would be interested in making Nevada a union state as soon as possible?

Using Your Imagination:

• You are an independent, first time miner working alone. In your journal log your prospecting results in your first two weeks of mining. Be as detailed as possible.

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Inquiry Question: "What would you recommend to Lincoln if he asked you to suggest ways to assist in growing Nevada's 1860's economy?"

Artifact Title: New Consolidated mill, Goldfield, Nev.

Artifact Description: View of the New Consolidated mill building, Goldfield, Nevada

Describe the Artifact:

1. According to this picture, is this a productive mine?
2. Where is Goldfield, Nevada in relation to Las Vegas, Nevada?

Thinking about the Artifact: Does the picture of this mine lead you to believe that President Lincoln would be interested in making Nevada a union state as soon as possible?

Using Your Imagination:

• You are an independent, first time miner working alone. In your journal log your prospecting results in your first two weeks of mining. Be as detailed as possible.

______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "How would you justify moving to Nevada during the time of Abraham Lincoln's presidency?"

Artifact Title:William E. Goodridge to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, January 11, 1864 (Mines in Nevada)

Artifact Description: A letter from William Goodridge to Abraham Lincoln requesting that he look at the tax proposal on mining.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Who is William E. Goodridge?
2. What role did William E. Goodridge play in passing a tax on mining? Why was this important to Nevadans?

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. What were the details of the tax law passed on mining in 1864?
2. How did the passing of this law impact the economy in Nevada and influence others to move to Nevada?

Using Your Imagination:
Pretend you and your family are looking to join the westward movement.

1. What do you need to do to plan for your journey?
   
2. Where is your final destination?
   
3. How will your family prepare for a new life in Nevada?
   
4. How will life be different for you and your family in Nevada verse your current location in the Midwest?

______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Miners' Union Hall, West side B Street, between Union & Sutton Streets, Virginia City, Storey County, NV

Artifact Description: The website has pictures of the Union Hall where the Miners Protective Association meet and where they agreed that if miners would go underground they would receive $4 a day. It talks about the union that they created and how it helped the workers who went into the mines.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was the Miners Protective Association created?
2. How much did the minors receive before the union decided on $4.
   

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. What other unions were created to help workers?
2. How many people came to Nevada to work in the mines?
   

Using Your Imagination: The students will write about a day in the life of a miner. They will have to incorporate what the conditions were while mining and what the miners life was like.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Timothy G. Phelps to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, July 13, 1863 (New Almaden mine)

Artifact Description: This is a letter from Timothy G. Phelps to Abraham Lincoln discussing the New Almaden mine.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What is Timothy G. Phelps wanting to do with the mine?
2. Who wants to claim the mine?
   

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. How many mines were used while Lincoln was president?
2. How many mines were located in Nevada?
   

Using Your Imagination: Students will pretend that they are miners and mine for chocolate chips. The students will dig for the chocolate chips using toothpicks. They will talk about the difficulties of mining. They can add water and see what happens.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Overland to the Pacific: Shoshone beggars at the railway station, Carlin, Nevada (Hyde)

Artifact Description: This is a typical picture of a rail station in Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What is your first thought when you look at this picture?
   
2. How would you describe this picture in your own words?
   
3. Why was this an important picture to be put on a New York paper?

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. How does this compare to a modern day rail station?
   
2. When looking at this picture what does it show you regards to that era of that time? Notice the clothing and the gestures and the setting.

Using Your Imagination: Write down your thoughts of each of the people on the cover and describe what might be going on with in their minds? Does it look like anything you might see today?
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "Why did Lincoln choose the people he did to fill particular governmental offices in Nevada?"

Artifact Title: Salmon P. Chase to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, August 29, 1862 (Nevada appointment)

Artifact Description: This document is from the Secretary of the Treasury requesting that the President consider appointments for the positions of Collector and Assessor for the Territory of Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was this letter written?
2. Who was it from?
3. What reasons were given for the recommendation?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: What is your opinion about this process to choose people to serve in government?

Using Your Imagination: Write your own letter of recommendation. Choose an office in Nevada and explain why you believe the person you are recommending would be good for that job.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Leland Stanford to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, September 07, 1863 (Telegram concerning judicial appointment for Nevada)

Artifact Description: This telegram details the Governor of California's desire to withhold the final appointment of a judicial appointment in the territory of Nevada. The significance of this telegram is illustrated with the clear importance of this governmental position.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was this telegram written?
2. Who was the sender of this telegram?
3. What was this telegram about?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: What inferences can you draw about why the governor would want to withhold the appointment?

Using Your Imagination: Interview a local judge. Find out through your interview the qualities a judge should have. Then, provide a copy of the telegram to the judge and record his opinion to the letter. Respond in paragraph form, your conclusion to the judge's response and the letter.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Gordon N. Mott to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, February 06, 1864 (Seeks promotion for his brother)

Artifact Description: Gordon Mott, Delegate from Nevada, recommends his brother to an appointed office.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was this letter written?
2. What is the main idea of the letter?
3. Who was being recommended?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: How is this letter different from the previous two artifacts listed in this section?

Using Your Imagination: How would you evaluate this request if you were President Lincoln?
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "How would you justify moving to Nevada during the time of Abraham Lincoln's presidency?"

Artifact Title:William E. Goodridge to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, January 11, 1864 (Mines in Nevada)

Artifact Description: A letter from William Goodridge to Abraham Lincoln requesting that he look at the tax proposal on mining.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Who is William E. Goodridge?
2. What role did William E. Goodridge play in passing a tax on mining? Why was this important to Nevadans?

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. What were the details of the tax law passed on mining in 1864?
2. How did the passing of this law impact the economy in Nevada and influence others to move to Nevada?

Using Your Imagination:
Pretend you and your family are looking to join the westward movement.

1. What do you need to do to plan for your journey?
   
2. Where is your final destination?
   
3. How will your family prepare for a new life in Nevada?
   
4. How will life be different for you and your family in Nevada verse your current location in the Midwest?

______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Miners' Union Hall, West side B Street, between Union & Sutton Streets, Virginia City, Storey County, NV

Artifact Description: The website has pictures of the Union Hall where the Miners Protective Association meet and where they agreed that if miners would go underground they would receive $4 a day. It talks about the union that they created and how it helped the workers who went into the mines.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was the Miners Protective Association created?
2. How much did the minors receive before the union decided on $4.
   

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. What other unions were created to help workers?
2. How many people came to Nevada to work in the mines?
   

Using Your Imagination: The students will write about a day in the life of a miner. They will have to incorporate what the conditions were while mining and what the miners life was like.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Timothy G. Phelps to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, July 13, 1863 (New Almaden mine)

Artifact Description: This is a letter from Timothy G. Phelps to Abraham Lincoln discussing the New Almaden mine.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What is Timothy G. Phelps wanting to do with the mine?
2. Who wants to claim the mine?
   

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. How many mines were used while Lincoln was president?
2. How many mines were located in Nevada?
   

Using Your Imagination: Students will pretend that they are miners and mine for chocolate chips. The students will dig for the chocolate chips using toothpicks. They will talk about the difficulties of mining. They can add water and see what happens.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Overland to the Pacific: Shoshone beggars at the railway station, Carlin, Nevada (Hyde)

Artifact Description: This is a typical picture of a rail station in Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What is your first thought when you look at this picture?
   
2. How would you describe this picture in your own words?
   
3. Why was this an important picture to be put on a New York paper?

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. How does this compare to a modern day rail station?
   
2. When looking at this picture what does it show you regards to that era of that time? Notice the clothing and the gestures and the setting.

Using Your Imagination: Write down your thoughts of each of the people on the cover and describe what might be going on with in their minds? Does it look like anything you might see today?
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "Why did Lincoln choose the people he did to fill particular governmental offices in Nevada?"

Artifact Title: Salmon P. Chase to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, August 29, 1862 (Nevada appointment)

Artifact Description: This document is from the Secretary of the Treasury requesting that the President consider appointments for the positions of Collector and Assessor for the Territory of Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was this letter written?
2. Who was it from?
3. What reasons were given for the recommendation?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: What is your opinion about this process to choose people to serve in government?

Using Your Imagination: Write your own letter of recommendation. Choose an office in Nevada and explain why you believe the person you are recommending would be good for that job.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Leland Stanford to Abraham Lincoln, Monday, September 07, 1863 (Telegram concerning judicial appointment for Nevada)

Artifact Description: This telegram details the Governor of California's desire to withhold the final appointment of a judicial appointment in the territory of Nevada. The significance of this telegram is illustrated with the clear importance of this governmental position.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was this telegram written?
2. Who was the sender of this telegram?
3. What was this telegram about?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: What inferences can you draw about why the governor would want to withhold the appointment?

Using Your Imagination: Interview a local judge. Find out through your interview the qualities a judge should have. Then, provide a copy of the telegram to the judge and record his opinion to the letter. Respond in paragraph form, your conclusion to the judge's response and the letter.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Gordon N. Mott to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, February 06, 1864 (Seeks promotion for his brother)

Artifact Description: Gordon Mott, Delegate from Nevada, recommends his brother to an appointed office.

Describe the Artifact:

1. When was this letter written?
2. What is the main idea of the letter?
3. Who was being recommended?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: How is this letter different from the previous two artifacts listed in this section?

Using Your Imagination: How would you evaluate this request if you were President Lincoln?
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "What role did Nevada play in Lincoln's presidency?"

Artifact Title: D. E. Edgar to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, February 03, 1863

Artifact Description: Letter discussing the possibility of a conspiracy to form a separate republic in the West from the states of California and Oregon combined with the territories of Washington and Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Why would Lincoln have been concerned about these western states/territories leaving the Union?
2. Why would these states/territories want to form their own republic?
3. What role did these area have in the 1864 election?

Thinking about the Artifact: How would their departure have affected the outcome of the war?

Using Your Imagination: Prepare a debate explaining both sides of the issue from the perspective of a resident from Nevada.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Noah Brooks to Abraham Lincoln, [November 1864] (Sends election returns)

Artifact Description: An election return table sent to President Lincoln regarding the 1864 election. Includes total number of votes for each candidate as well as per state. Shows as a home vote and army vote, with the army vote being separated.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What do each of the columns represent?
   
2. What do you think the asterisk next to the Nevada electoral vote means?
3. How many votes for each candidate did Nevada have?
4. What was the total number of votes given in Nevada?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: Explain some reasons that Nevada would have only used 2 of its 3 electoral college votes?

Using Your Imagination: Pretend your a newscaster and write a script for a newscast announcing poll results for the election.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Gordon N. Mott to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, February 06, 1864

Artifact Description: Letter from Mott to Lincoln seeking a promotion for his brother to Brigadier General in the U.S. Army

Describe the Artifact:

1. Why would Mott be writing to Lincoln about this matter?
2. Why would Lincoln consider Mott's request?
3. What are Colonel Mott's qualifications?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: Determine how would a this decision affect Lincoln if he agreed or disagreed with Mott's request.

Using Your Imagination: What a journal entry from a soldier that was commanded by a political appointee who's only qualification is a relative of a politician.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Henry G. Blasdel to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, February 17, 1865 (Telegram reporting ratification of 13th Amendment)

Artifact Description:Telegram regarding 13th Amendment ratification results for Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Why do you think this Amendment ratified so quickly?
2. Who was Henry G. Blasdel?
3. Why do you think there are words crossed out?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: Explain why this amendment was so important. Determine why Lincoln felt Nevada's vote was so important.

Using Your Imagination:Write a play demonstrating the day legislation voted on this Amendment. Be sure to include the description of the amendment.
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "What role did Nevada play in Lincoln's presidency?"

Artifact Title: D. E. Edgar to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, February 03, 1863

Artifact Description: Letter discussing the possibility of a conspiracy to form a separate republic in the West from the states of California and Oregon combined with the territories of Washington and Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Why would Lincoln have been concerned about these western states/territories leaving the Union?
2. Why would these states/territories want to form their own republic?
3. What role did these area have in the 1864 election?

Thinking about the Artifact: How would their departure have affected the outcome of the war?

Using Your Imagination: Prepare a debate explaining both sides of the issue from the perspective of a resident from Nevada.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Noah Brooks to Abraham Lincoln, [November 1864] (Sends election returns)

Artifact Description: An election return table sent to President Lincoln regarding the 1864 election. Includes total number of votes for each candidate as well as per state. Shows as a home vote and army vote, with the army vote being separated.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What do each of the columns represent?
   
2. What do you think the asterisk next to the Nevada electoral vote means?
3. How many votes for each candidate did Nevada have?
4. What was the total number of votes given in Nevada?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: Explain some reasons that Nevada would have only used 2 of its 3 electoral college votes?

Using Your Imagination: Pretend your a newscaster and write a script for a newscast announcing poll results for the election.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Gordon N. Mott to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, February 06, 1864

Artifact Description: Letter from Mott to Lincoln seeking a promotion for his brother to Brigadier General in the U.S. Army

Describe the Artifact:

1. Why would Mott be writing to Lincoln about this matter?
2. Why would Lincoln consider Mott's request?
3. What are Colonel Mott's qualifications?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: Determine how would a this decision affect Lincoln if he agreed or disagreed with Mott's request.

Using Your Imagination: What a journal entry from a soldier that was commanded by a political appointee who's only qualification is a relative of a politician.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Henry G. Blasdel to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, February 17, 1865 (Telegram reporting ratification of 13th Amendment)

Artifact Description:Telegram regarding 13th Amendment ratification results for Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Why do you think this Amendment ratified so quickly?
2. Who was Henry G. Blasdel?
3. Why do you think there are words crossed out?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: Explain why this amendment was so important. Determine why Lincoln felt Nevada's vote was so important.

Using Your Imagination:Write a play demonstrating the day legislation voted on this Amendment. Be sure to include the description of the amendment.
______________________________________________________

Inquiry Question: "Do you agree with the appointments Lincoln made of Nevadans for state offices?"

Artifact Title: James W. Nye to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, September 01, 1863 (Telegram concerning judicial appointment in Nevada)

Artifact Description: A Telegram from J. W. Nye to President Lincoln asking that Lincoln appoint Mr. North Judge of Motto.

Describe the Artifact: Explain the urgency in Governor Nye's request.

Thinking about the Artifact:
A primary source is any evidence from the time of a past event.

1. Is this telegram a primary source?
   
2. Why or why not?

Analyze the telegram to determine if it is a useful primary source.

Using Your Imagination: Compose a telegram recommending someone for a Federal position.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: James W. Nye to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, April 30, 1861 (Recommendation; endorsed by David Webb)

Artifact Description: Letter from Governor Nye to President Lincoln recommending Dr. Stephenson for the position of librarian at the Library of Congress

Describe the Artifact: List the characteristics of Dr. Stephenson.

Thinking about the Artifact: Predict Lincoln's response to Governor Nye's request and explain your reasoning.

Using Your Imagination: Research and assess Dr. Stephenson's qualification for the position of librarian at the Library of Congress.

Inquiry Question: "Do you agree with the appointments Lincoln made of Nevadans for state offices?"

Artifact Title: James W. Nye to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, September 01, 1863 (Telegram concerning judicial appointment in Nevada)

Artifact Description: A Telegram from J. W. Nye to President Lincoln asking that Lincoln appoint Mr. North Judge of Motto.

Describe the Artifact: Explain the urgency in Governor Nye's request.

Thinking about the Artifact:
A primary source is any evidence from the time of a past event.

1. Is this telegram a primary source?
   
2. Why or why not?

Analyze the telegram to determine if it is a useful primary source.

Using Your Imagination: Compose a telegram recommending someone for a Federal position.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: James W. Nye to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, April 30, 1861 (Recommendation; endorsed by David Webb)

Artifact Description: Letter from Governor Nye to President Lincoln recommending Dr. Stephenson for the position of librarian at the Library of Congress

Describe the Artifact: List the characteristics of Dr. Stephenson.

Thinking about the Artifact: Predict Lincoln's response to Governor Nye's request and explain your reasoning.

Using Your Imagination: Research and assess Dr. Stephenson's qualification for the position of librarian at the Library of Congress.

Inquiry Question: "How would you describe the living conditions in Nevada during the time of Lincoln?"

Artifact Title: The first house built in Nevada in 1850 by Colonel Reese. It was located at Mormon Station in Genoa, Nevada

Artifact Description: Built by Colonel Reese in 1850, this house was located at Mormon Station in Genoa, Nevada, the first permanent settlement in Nevada.

Describe the Artifact: Describe the house using as many adjectives as possible. Name the shapes that were used to build the house. List the materials probably used to build this house.

Thinking about the Artifact: Would you have wanted to live in this house? Why or why not?

Using Your Imagination: Describe the daily life of a young child who might have lived in this house.

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Artifact Title: An image by James Crockwell captures Virginia City. Photography by Howard Goldbaum

Artifact Description: Aerial photo of the town of Virginia City around 1855. You can zoom in and out of the photo to "get a closer look."

Describe the Artifact:

1. How are the buildings arranged in this city?
   
2. How many main streets do you see?

Thinking about the Artifact:
Compare Virginia City of 1855 with a map of Virginia City today.

1. What do you see that is the same?
   
2. What do you see that is different?

Compare Virginia City of 1855 with your city today.

1. What are the similarities and differences?
2. Why do you think someone in 1855 would want to live in Virginia City?
   

Using Your Imagination: Using the photo, make an advertisement poster urging people to move to Virginia City. Be sure to include the benefits of moving to the city as well as "Success Stories" of people who have moved there.

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Artifact Title: Nevada Territory Officials to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, March 11, 1864 (Telegram protesting appointment)

Artifact Description: Blasdel sent a telegram to Mr. Lincoln protesting the appointment of Mr. Baldwin as U.S District Judge.

Describe the Artifact: The telegram was signed by other officials. Who were they?
Name the present day officials of the same title.

Thinking about the Artifact: The telegram came from the war department during the Civil War.

1. Why do you thing these men protested the appointment of Mr. Baldwin?
   
2. Do you think this telegram was enough to make an impact on Mr. Lincoln? Why or Why Not?

Using Your Imagination: Using the writing process, write a persuasive letter to your principal asking him to allow the 5th graders to have a Civil War re-enactment. Be sure to include any information (supporting details, materials needed, cost, etc) that would persuade him to reply with a favorable response.
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Artifact Title: View, from Mustang Hill, of Main Street, Manhattan, Nevada

Artifact Description: Men and women walk on the dirt street. Wooden buildings, some with false fronts, line the street. Prominent signs read: "Pioneer Manhattan Insurance [?] Co." and "Painting". Tents dot the nearby hillsides. Either the Smoky Mountains or the Monitor Range stands in the distance.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What don't you see in this picture that you think you should see?
2. What is the most important object in this picture? What makes you say that?
3. Estimate how many buildings might be in this picture.
4. Is this picture old or new? What makes you say that?
   

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. Do you think this picture is an important picture to study? Why or why not?
2. What would you expect to hear if you were where this picture was taken?
3. If this picture were in color, what colors would you expect to see?
4. What objects could be placed into this picture that would belong?
   

Using Your Imagination: Make a list of things you would expect to see in this picture if it were taken today.
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Inquiry Question: "How would you describe the living conditions in Nevada during the time of Lincoln?"

Artifact Title: The first house built in Nevada in 1850 by Colonel Reese. It was located at Mormon Station in Genoa, Nevada

Artifact Description: Built by Colonel Reese in 1850, this house was located at Mormon Station in Genoa, Nevada, the first permanent settlement in Nevada.

Describe the Artifact: Describe the house using as many adjectives as possible. Name the shapes that were used to build the house. List the materials probably used to build this house.

Thinking about the Artifact: Would you have wanted to live in this house? Why or why not?

Using Your Imagination: Describe the daily life of a young child who might have lived in this house.

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Artifact Title: An image by James Crockwell captures Virginia City. Photography by Howard Goldbaum

Artifact Description: Aerial photo of the town of Virginia City around 1855. You can zoom in and out of the photo to "get a closer look."

Describe the Artifact:

1. How are the buildings arranged in this city?
   
2. How many main streets do you see?

Thinking about the Artifact:
Compare Virginia City of 1855 with a map of Virginia City today.

1. What do you see that is the same?
   
2. What do you see that is different?

Compare Virginia City of 1855 with your city today.

1. What are the similarities and differences?
2. Why do you think someone in 1855 would want to live in Virginia City?
   

Using Your Imagination: Using the photo, make an advertisement poster urging people to move to Virginia City. Be sure to include the benefits of moving to the city as well as "Success Stories" of people who have moved there.

______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: Nevada Territory Officials to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, March 11, 1864 (Telegram protesting appointment)

Artifact Description: Blasdel sent a telegram to Mr. Lincoln protesting the appointment of Mr. Baldwin as U.S District Judge.

Describe the Artifact: The telegram was signed by other officials. Who were they?
Name the present day officials of the same title.

Thinking about the Artifact: The telegram came from the war department during the Civil War.

1. Why do you thing these men protested the appointment of Mr. Baldwin?
   
2. Do you think this telegram was enough to make an impact on Mr. Lincoln? Why or Why Not?

Using Your Imagination: Using the writing process, write a persuasive letter to your principal asking him to allow the 5th graders to have a Civil War re-enactment. Be sure to include any information (supporting details, materials needed, cost, etc) that would persuade him to reply with a favorable response.
______________________________________________________

Artifact Title: View, from Mustang Hill, of Main Street, Manhattan, Nevada

Artifact Description: Men and women walk on the dirt street. Wooden buildings, some with false fronts, line the street. Prominent signs read: "Pioneer Manhattan Insurance [?] Co." and "Painting". Tents dot the nearby hillsides. Either the Smoky Mountains or the Monitor Range stands in the distance.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What don't you see in this picture that you think you should see?
2. What is the most important object in this picture? What makes you say that?
3. Estimate how many buildings might be in this picture.
4. Is this picture old or new? What makes you say that?
   

Thinking about the Artifact:

1. Do you think this picture is an important picture to study? Why or why not?
2. What would you expect to hear if you were where this picture was taken?
3. If this picture were in color, what colors would you expect to see?
4. What objects could be placed into this picture that would belong?
   

Using Your Imagination: Make a list of things you would expect to see in this picture if it were taken today.
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