During this time, the Nevada Guard struggled to meet national standards suggested by larger states. Still, in 1892, with fewer than 50,000 people living in the state — the smallest in the nation by population, but fifth largest in area — Nevada Guardsmen held their first summer encampment in Carson City. Volunteer soldiers, many of them miners, came from as far away as Tuscarora in Elko County and Yerington in the Mason Valley.
The Nevada Guard faced difficulties meeting national standards set by larger states during this period. However, they held their first summer encampment in Carson City in 1892 with volunteer soldiers, many of whom were miners from various locations.