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.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Early History and Growth of Las Vegas

The history of Las Vegas began with its naming by 19th-century Spanish explorers in 1844. John C. Fremont led an expedition there, and later, Mormons relocated from Utah but left due to harsh weather. The city's population increased significantly when Nevada became a state in 1864, making Las Vegas a key railroad stop. It was officially founded on May 15, 1905, and incorporated on March 16, 1911. However, Nevada banned gambling in 1910, leading to financial struggles post-World War I. Despite the ban, the city's connection to organized crime and illegal activities grew, especially as it became a stop for travelers and workers during the construction of the Boulder Dam (later Hoover Dam).

Keywords

💡Las Vegas

Las Vegas, often referred to as 'Sin City,' is a city in Nevada known for its casinos, entertainment options, and vibrant nightlife. The video script narrates the city's history, starting from its naming by Spanish explorers in 1844 to its evolution into a gambling and entertainment hub. The term 'Las Vegas' is central to the video's theme, as it sets the stage for discussing the city's transformation over time.

💡Gambling

Gambling is the act of betting money on games of chance, which is a significant part of Las Vegas's economy and culture. The video discusses how Nevada banned gambling in 1910, leading to financial struggles, and later legalized it in 1933, which played a crucial role in the city's development. The term is integral to understanding the economic shifts and the allure of Las Vegas as a destination for entertainment and risk.

💡Mormon missionaries

Mormon missionaries are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were among the early settlers in Las Vegas. The script mentions their relocation from Utah and their subsequent departure due to harsh desert conditions. The term 'Mormon missionaries' is relevant as it provides historical context to the early days of Las Vegas and the community's initial formation.

💡Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam, originally called the Boulder Dam, is a significant engineering feat that provided employment and electricity to the region. The video script highlights its construction during the Great Depression, which attracted a large workforce to Nevada. The term 'Hoover Dam' is key to understanding the economic boom and the influx of people that contributed to Las Vegas's growth and development.

💡Organized crime

Organized crime refers to the activities of groups engaged in illegal activities for profit. The video script discusses the connection between Las Vegas and organized crime, particularly in the context of casino ownership and operations. The term 'organized crime' is essential for understanding the historical underpinnings of the city's entertainment industry and the influence of figures like Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel.

💡Mob

The term 'mob' is often used to describe organized crime syndicates, particularly those involved in the illegal gambling and casino industry in Las Vegas. The script mentions how mobsters like Bugsy Siegel and Moe Dalitz played a role in shaping the city's entertainment landscape. Understanding the term 'mob' is crucial for grasping the historical context of Las Vegas's transformation into a gambling mecca.

💡Glitter Gulch

Glitter Gulch is a nickname for the bright and bustling Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, known for its abundance of neon lights and casinos. The video script uses this term to illustrate the city's vibrant atmosphere and the appeal of its entertainment district. 'Glitter Gulch' encapsulates the visual spectacle and the allure of Las Vegas as a place of excitement and entertainment.

💡The Strip

The Strip refers to the Las Vegas Boulevard South, which is lined with numerous casinos and resorts. The video script mentions the opening of El Rancho Vegas, the first resort on The Strip, and how it spurred further development in the area. The term 'The Strip' is central to the narrative of Las Vegas's evolution into a global destination for tourism and entertainment.

💡Rat Pack

The Rat Pack was a group of entertainers led by Frank Sinatra, which included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and others. They were known for their performances in Las Vegas during the 1960s. The video script highlights how names like Elvis, Liberace, and the Rat Pack drew huge crowds, contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for star-studded entertainment. The term 'Rat Pack' is significant for understanding the cultural impact and the celebrity appeal of Las Vegas during its heyday.

💡Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes was an American businessman, investor, and aviator who played a significant role in Las Vegas's history. The video script describes how Hughes's acquisition of properties in the city helped to shift its reputation towards sophistication and legitimate corporations. The term 'Howard Hughes' is important for understanding the transition of Las Vegas from a mob-influenced city to one dominated by corporate interests.

💡Mega Resort

A mega resort is a large-scale, luxurious hotel and entertainment complex. The video script discusses the shift in Las Vegas's focus towards developing mega resorts during the 1980s, such as the Mirage, Excalibur, and MGM Grand. The term 'mega resort' is key to understanding the city's strategy for attracting tourists and solidifying its position as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure.

Highlights

Las Vegas was named by 19th century Spanish explorers in 1844.

Explorer John C. Fremont led an expedition to Las Vegas.

Mormon missionaries relocated to Las Vegas from Utah but left due to harsh desert conditions.

Nevada's statehood in 1864 led to Las Vegas becoming a significant railroad stop.

Las Vegas was officially founded on May 15th, 1905, by Senator William Andrews Clark.

Nevada banned gambling in 1910, leading to financial struggles for the state.

The construction of the Boulder Dam (later Hoover Dam) attracted workers and visitors to Las Vegas.

Nevada loosened marriage and divorce laws in 1931, and legalized gambling by 1933.

El Rancho Vegas, the first resort on the Strip, opened in 1941, sparking more construction.

Mobsters like Bugsy Siegel and Moe Dalitz played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas casinos.

The 1950s saw a boom in tourism to Las Vegas, with over 8 million visitors annually.

The Kennedy administration reduced mob influence in Las Vegas.

Howard Hughes' investments in Las Vegas in the 1960s further diminished organized crime's presence.

Vegas shifted its focus to mega-resorts in the 1970s and 1980s.

The 1990s saw a resurgence of Las Vegas with new, larger hotels and casinos.

By the end of the century, over 37 million people visited Las Vegas each year.

Despite reinventions, the slogan 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas' remains a constant.

Transcripts

what happens here stays here welcome to

watchmojo.com and today we'll be

learning more about the history of Las

Vegas Sin City's history truly began

when it was named Las Vegas or The

Meadows by 19th century Spanish

explorers in 1844 Explorer John C

Fremont LED an expedition to Las Vegas

and soon Mormon missionaries relocated

there from Utah but quickly left due to

extreme Desert weather Vegas's

population jumped when Nevada was

admitted as a state in 1864 it became an

important railroad stop between Los

Angeles and Salt Lake City so the

Mormons returned and became pillars of

the community the city was officially

founded on May 15th 1905 when Senator

William Andrews Clark auctioned off land

in the area and on March 16th 1911 Las

Vegas was incorporated however Nevada

banned gambling in 1910 and problems

quickly surfaced the state struggled

financially after World War I when its

medals were no longer needed though A

Highway linked Vegas to California in

1926 without landmarks or tourist

attractions the city in the middle of

the desert offered little to visitors

soon Las Vegas became notorious for

connections to organized crime and

illegal activity as entertainment for

travelers at the height of the Great

Depression construction began on the

Boulder Dam later renamed the Hoover Dam

unemployed masses flooded Nevada for

work and were obliged to live in

government regulated Boulder City as a

way to enforce prohibition era rules

however many found ways to blow their

paychecks in Vegas 1931 saw Nevada

marriage and divorce laws loosened

because of the potential for profits

gambling was also legalized by 1933

prohibition was repealed local business

people investors from the Mormon

community and major players in organized

crime exploited the opportunity to

entertain the mostly male Dam Workforce

by building casinos and theaters as

construction finished those workers left

town hel Dorado days were introduced as

a marketing ploy to attract new visitors

to Vegas and as a way to celebrate its

Frontier Heritage however the struggle

to draw tourists ended in

1935 the Hoover Dam became an attraction

and provided electricity to downtown Las

Vegas western themed Fremont street

named after the Explorer even earned the

moniker Glitter Gulch for its abundance

of bright lights in 1941 El Rancho Vegas

became the first resort to open on the

Strip its success prompted more

construction when La cracked down on

unlawful gambling in the early 1940s

criminals turned to nearby Sin City

Mobsters like Benjamin Bugsy seagull and

mod dallot opened the door for organized

crime ownership of Las Vegas casinos

seagull pioneered Vegas Glam with the

flamingo in 1946 and dallat earned the

nickname Mr Las Vegas by opening the

Desert Inn in 1950 mob owned casinos

continued popping up with funding from

groups like Jimmy Hoff teamsters and

even the Mormons following a federal

inquiry the role of organized crime and

legalized gambling was considered safe

from government intervention even

nuclear testing Charmed Las Vegas

tourists in 1951 and ironically made it

a more family-friendly destination by

mid decade over 8 million people visited

Vegas annually for gambling girls and

star studded shows names like Elvis

Liberace and the Rat Pack Drew huge

crowds this period saw the Vegas color

barrier broken after pressure from the

NAACP and prominent black entertainers

the Kennedy administration soon chipped

away at mob influence in Vegas Oddball

businessman and Aviator Howard Hughes

further eliminated organized crime when

he started buying property in

1966 he changed the town's reputation to

one of sophistication and legitimate

corporations eventually took over

ownership completely Vegas's population

exploded in the 19 1970s though Atlantic

City offered gamblers another Mecca by

1976 Vegas shifted Focus to the mega

Resort during the 1980s deadly Hotel

fires and a Resurgence of mob activity

negatively thrust Vegas into the

spotlight leading into the '90s the city

was resurrected by bigger and more

fantastic hotels and casinos like Steve

wind's Mirage the Excalibur luxur and

the new MGM Grand by centuries end over

37 million people visited Vegas each

year no matter what Vegas is remembered

as the land of Quicky marriages and

quicker divorces of betting the house

and of endless glits though it's been

reinvented multiple times one thing

remains certain what happens in Vegas

stays in

[Music]

Vegas