The first Nevada Territorial Legislature first convened on October 1, 1861. It consisted of the Council with ten seats and the House of Representatives with fifteen seats.
Background The Territory of Nevada was created on March 2, 1861 out of the western part of Utah Territory. On July 24, Governor James W. Nye ordered elections for the territorial legislature and a census to determine the districts. The elections were held on August 31.
Session One regular session was held between October 1 and November 29, 1861. The meeting place was the top floor of Warm Springs Hotel just outside Carson City, that was owned by Abraham Curry. Laws that were passed included ones creating the original nine counties, determining the county seats, and ratifying Governor Nye's decision to select Carson City as the capital of the territory. A total of 107 pieces of legislation were passed.
Members
Council NameDistrictResidenceJ. W. Pugh1AuroraIra M. Luther2GenoaWilliam Morris Stewart3Carson CityJohn W. Grier4Silver CityThomas Hannah5Gold HillA. W. Pray6Virginia CityJ. L. Van Bokkelen6Virginia CitySolomon Geller7Washoe Valley[Empty]8N/AIsaac Roop9Honey Lake
House of Representatives NameDistrictResidenceWilliam E. Teall1AuroraSamual Youngs1AuroraJames McLean2GenoaWilliam P. Harrington, jr.3Carson CityJohn D. Winters3Carson CityWilliam L. Card4Silver CityR. M. Ford4DaytonJohn H. Mills5Gold HillMark H. Bryan6Virginia CityEphraim Durham6Virginia CityMiles N. Mitchell6Virginia CityEdward C. Ing7Truckee MeadowsJames H. Sturtevant7Washoe ValleyWilliam J. Osborn8Buckland'sJohn C. Wright9Honey Lake Valley
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