Las Vegas Nevada History

The History Of Las Vegas Nevada

The History of Las Vegas Nevada started before the city was established. It was home to Native Americans for hundreds of years. In the 1820s a Spanish trader led his men through the area that was, at that time, called the Meadows. The area was later explored in 1844 by the US Topographical Corps before Nevada became a state.

Mormons gathered in the area in the 1850s to help the Native Americans grow more plant crops. Along with them was a group of settlers. They stayed in the area a few short years and created a safe station which was meant to help those going from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles. However, despite this they left the area in 1858.

It was not until 1965 that Octavius Gass set up a ranch known as the Las Vegas Ranch. This ranch would later pass hands and the last owner’s widow eventually sold it to a railroad company. The railroad was built in the very early 1900s for the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. This was the beginning of the real settling around the area. A new town sprouted up near the railroad.

That same year the history of Las Vegas Nevada takes a turn when the city of Las Vegas was created. It was only a parcel of 110 acres situated between Stewart Avenue, Garces Avenue, Main Street, and Fifth Street. Water was available making it a perfect spot for refueling and resting. The historic area of West Las Vegas was laid out by JT McWilliams on the west side of the railroad.

By the 1930s the Hoover Dam began construction. This brought thousands of people to the city for work. Casino gambling became legal. The city was awash in activity and leisure fun. It still had its struggles, as it was still a small place for a bonafide city.

According to lasvegasnevada.gov, it had the special privilege of being home to fast divorces. This made it another attractive spot along with it being a gambling town.

Things perked up more for the city when New York mobster Bugsy Siegel opened up the Flamingo Hotel in 1946. This is when the city really began to take on its identity as Sin City. By the 1960s, many casinos and hotels had sprouted up and were ready for renovations which was bolstered up by Howard Hughes. He put his millions into many hotels which began the trend of ownership by corporations.

In the present day, Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. It has begun sprawling with communities sprouting up in nearby Henderson. It is one of the most desirable and affordable places to live. It is believed that nearly 8000 people move there every month �” many of them from more expensive states like California. Gaming and tourism are the biggest employers.

The strip is home to many exciting entertainment acts including Celine Dion, Cher, The Rolling Stones and many more. It has more hotel rooms than any city in the world.

To learn more about the history of Las Vegas Nevada click here.  Or check out the best restaurants Las Vegas, Nevada has to offer here.

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