Old Boundary (37th Parallel)
Lincoln County, Lincoln County, Nevada
Marker Inscription
Old Boundary. The 37th degree north latitude marked at this point the dividing line between the territories of Utah and New Mexico under the provisions of the Compromise of 1850, which originally organized the land ceded by Mexico in 1848.When the territory of Nevada was carved from western Utah in 1861, this line became the southern boundary of the new territory and continued to serve as such when the territory and state were enlarged by extensions to the east in 1862 and 1866, respectively.In 1867, the Nevada legislature approved the action of Congress to add the portion of the territory of Arizona which lay to the south of this line, west of the 114 degree west longitude and the Colorado River, and to the east of the boundary of California. This action, taken on January 18, 1867, gave the state of Nevada the permanent boundaries as they are today.
Erected by Southern Nevada Historical Society
The Story
Here the 37th parallel served as a boundary first drawn under the Compromise of 1850, separating the Utah and New Mexico territories organized from land ceded by Mexico in 1848. As Nevada Territory emerged from western Utah in 1861, this line became its southern limit and survived the enlargements of 1862 and 1866. Congress and the Nevada legislature completed the picture on January 18, 1867, adding the Arizona lands south of the parallel to give the state its enduring shape.
Why it matters
It marks the moment abstract federal compromises over the Mexican Cession became the fixed, lasting geography of the Silver State.
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Related events
- · Compromise of 1850
- · Mexican Cession of 1848
- · Creation of Nevada Territory, 1861
Themes & tags
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