Nevada's silver mines raised revenue that was needed to support the Union, and it was also able to contribute significant amounts of money to the cause because of the profit that mining brought in. In fact, Nevada's mining industry was so important to the Union that President Lincoln referred to the state as the "silver linings" in the cloud of the Civil War.

Nevada contributed a small amount of troops to the Civil War due to its small population and recent statehood. However, it still managed to raise and send two volunteer cavalry regiments to fight for the Union cause. In addition to these volunteer cavalry regiments, a number of Nevada residents also served in other Union units throughout the war. Even though Nevada was small, their contributions made a difference to the Union's efforts.