On October 1, 1863, the Treaty of Ruby Valley was signed by Gov. James W. Nye of the Nevada Territory and Gov. James Duane Doty of the Utah Territory. Twelve chiefs signed for the Western Bands of the Shoshone Nation of Indians. The treaty assured their ownership of property (that later became a U.S. nuclear test site). The treaty stated that the presence of U.S. settlements will not negate Native sovereignty. The Western Shoshone did not cede land but agreed to allow the U.S. government the "right to traverse the area, maintain existing telegraph and stage lines, construct one railroad, and engage in specified economic activities."[citation needed] The Union relied on this treaty to demonstrate to European governments and banks backing the Union that it could provide the gold needed for the American Civil War.
