In 2231, when Jeremy Maxson began leading the Brotherhood of Steel, tensions grew to an all time high between the two factions. Their numbers are such that they are one of the largest standing militaries in the postnuclear American west. Militarily, the NCR maintains several divisions of units, including cavalry and mechanized units. Another major source of the NCR's power is due to the close proximity of vaults 13 and 15, providing the Republic with a large population and access to more advanced technology. Their control of the livestock allowed them to become a major economic power in the area. Much of the NCR's early power came from its control of vast Brahmin herds. The town of Shady Sands, a small village of displaced Vault 15 citizens, grew to become the capitol of the Republic, which consisted of Shady Sands and the outposts around it.
The New California Republic was founded in the year 2186, 24 years after the events of Fallout 1. Overview NCR Flag as it appears in New Vegas
