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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