United States Governor Directory

Henry Goode Blasdel

Henry Goode Blasdel served as Governor of Nevada.

  • Republican
  • Nevada
  • Former
Portrait of Henry Goode BlasdelNevada
Role Governor

Current assignment referenced in the congressional directory.

State Nevada

Representing constituents across the Nevada delegation.

Service period 1864-1871

Years of public service formally recorded.

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Biography

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.

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