History of Las Vegas

Though John C. Fremont did not originally discover the location of present day Las Vegas, he undoubtedly remains historically significant in the discovery. The Fremont Hotel-Casino and Fremont Street bear mention to his name. Museums and historical information interpret Las Vegas history, and Fremont's overland expedition into the Las Vegas Springs in May of 1844. Though the explorer is thus popular in American culture, etc., the history of Las Vegas consists of various other influences as well.

In 1890, the water rich valley of Las Vegas seemed an ideal location for a town, and in 1904, the first railroads were initially constructed. While Nevada is historically significant as the first state to legalize casino-style gambling, it was additionally the last to outlaw similar gaming in the year of 1910. Furthermore, this restriction eventually established underground gaming in saloons, bars, etc. where guests could illegally participate. Unfortunately, and yet fortunate in a separate sense, gambling was once again legalized during the Great Depression. Naturally, with the preliminary construction of Hoover Dam in the early 1930's, which employed over 5,000, and the local gaming industry, Las Vegas failed to notice financial burdens associated with many during this era.

In the late 1940's, the popular Las Vegas Strip emerged. Business owners designated a specific area for the constructed casinos; the most celebrated being that of the Flamingo, owned by mobster Bugsy Siegel. Other additions and developments were eventually demolished. In 1950's, though, a building boom erupted in Las Vegas. Modern day names such as the Tropicana, Desert Inn, Sands Hotel, and the Stardust claimed to attract many tourists to the featured shows, strip joints, and hotels. In 1957, Minsky's Follies debuted the first topless showgirls on the Las Vegas Strip. Additionally, with the 50's & 60's emerged the "from dusk to dawn" attractions; features that cost the customer simply the price of a drink. These years also did not regulate or propose state income tax, state speed limits, waiting on marriage accommodations, no minimum, and no cover charges. Naturally, some of the waivers were regulated into policy and laws today.

The 70's produced video machines that did not require reels, as did the slot machines. These machines promoted the electronic game play of poker, keno, blackjack, and bingo. When casino style gambling was legalized in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Las Vegas decided to create the ultimate atmosphere and "Entertainment Capital of the World." From this point on, casinos and hotels flourished throughout the city of Las Vegas and attracted visitors from all over the world.

History of Las Vegas (2010). Retrieved Jan 18, 2010 from http://www.lvol.com/lvoleg/hist/lvhist.html