History of Las Vegas: Casinos and Crime

Summary

Las Vegas, dubbed 'Sin City,' has a rich history dating back to 1844 when Spanish explorers named it 'The Meadows.' The city's growth accelerated with Nevada's statehood in 1864 and the railroad's expansion. Despite an initial gambling ban, the legalization of gambling in 1931, along with the Hoover Dam's construction, transformed Vegas into a hub for entertainment and organized crime. The 1940s saw the rise of mob-owned casinos, while the 1950s brought family-friendly tourism. The city's image evolved from a mob haven to a sophisticated corporate destination, with mega-resorts emerging in the 1980s and '90s. Today, Las Vegas remains a symbol of glitz, gambling, and the famous adage, 'What happens here, stays here.'

Takeaways

• 🏰 Las Vegas was named 'The Meadows' by 19th-century Spanish explorers in 1844.
• 🚂 The city's population grew significantly after Nevada's statehood in 1864, becoming a key railroad stop.
• 🚫 Nevada banned gambling in 1910, leading to financial struggles for the state post-World War I.
• 🛣️ The construction of the Boulder Dam (later Hoover Dam) during the Great Depression attracted workers and led to increased illegal activities.
• 💸 Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, and loosened marriage and divorce laws in 1933 to boost its economy.
• 🏨 The opening of El Rancho Vegas in 1941 marked the beginning of the modern Las Vegas Strip.
• 🎰 Organized crime figures like Bugsy Siegel played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas casinos.
• 🚨 The Kennedy administration's efforts in the early 1960s reduced mob influence in Las Vegas.
• 💼 Howard Hughes' investments in the mid-1960s shifted Vegas's image towards sophistication and legitimacy.
• 🌆 The 1980s saw the rise of mega-resorts, changing the focus from individual casinos to large-scale entertainment complexes.
• 🎉 By the end of the century, over 37 million visitors annually flocked to Las Vegas for its casinos, entertainment, and unique attractions.

Q & A

What was the original name given to Las Vegas by 19th century Spanish explorers?

Las Vegas was originally named 'Las Vegas' or 'The Meadows' by 19th century Spanish explorers in 1844.

Who led an expedition to Las Vegas and what was the impact of this event?

Explorer John C. Fremont led an expedition to Las Vegas, which was followed by Mormon missionaries relocating there from Utah.

Why did the Mormons initially leave Las Vegas?

The Mormons left Las Vegas due to the extreme desert weather conditions.

When was Las Vegas officially founded and by whom?

Las Vegas was officially founded on May 15th, 1905, when Senator William Andrews Clark auctioned off land in the area.

What event led to a significant increase in Las Vegas' population and why?

Nevada's admission as a state in 1864 led to an increase in Las Vegas' population as it became an important railroad stop between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.

Why did Nevada ban gambling in 1910 and what were the consequences?

Nevada banned gambling in 1910, leading to financial struggles for the state after World War I when its medals were no longer needed.

What construction project during the Great Depression brought workers to Nevada and impacted Las Vegas?

The construction of the Boulder Dam (later renamed the Hoover Dam) brought unemployed masses to Nevada for work, impacting Las Vegas as many chose to spend their paychecks there.

How did Nevada's marriage and divorce laws in 1931 influence Las Vegas?

Nevada loosened its marriage and divorce laws in 1931 to attract more visitors and profit from the potential increase in business.

What was the significance of the legalization of gambling in Las Vegas in 1933?

The legalization of gambling in 1933 allowed local businesses, investors, and organized crime figures to build casinos and theaters to entertain the mostly male Dam workforce.

Which resort was the first to open on the Las Vegas Strip and what was its impact?

El Rancho Vegas was the first resort to open on the Strip in 1941, and its success prompted more construction and development in the area.

How did organized crime influence the development of Las Vegas during the mid-20th century?

Organized crime figures like Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel and Moe Dalitz played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas by opening and funding casinos, which helped to shape the city's reputation and economy.

What was the impact of Howard Hughes' involvement in Las Vegas in the 1960s?

Howard Hughes' involvement in Las Vegas in the 1960s helped to eliminate organized crime's influence and changed the town's reputation to one of sophistication and legitimacy.