| When most people think of Las Vegas, they picture | | | | Several factors in the history of Las Vegas Nevada |
| the glow of the vibrant strip, the magnificent and | | | | led to its expansive growth from the 1930's to the |
| spacious hotels, and the variety and splendor of the | | | | present day. Gambling was legalized in Nevada. |
| famous casinos. Today, you're never far from the glitz | | | | Railway development continued at a steady pace. |
| and glamor of the vibrant and exciting nightlife. But as | | | | And the giant Hoover Dam construction project began. |
| the brief history of Las Vegas Nevada indicates, it | | | | All three of these factors allowed Las Vegas to |
| wasn't always this way. | | | | expand and flourish while many other cities were |
| At one time, what is now Las Vegas and in fact most | | | | stymied by the difficulties of the depression. |
| of southern Nevada was abundant with water and | | | | This early growth triggered the construction of the first |
| vegetation. Over time the rivers receded and | | | | hotels on what was to later become the famous Las |
| marshlands dried up. What was once lush and vibrant | | | | Vegas strip. It's a building boom that has more or less |
| wetlands became a scorched desert. But water | | | | continued to the present day. |
| trapped occasionally surfaced, nourishing plant life and | | | | The only name remaining from the 1940's however is |
| creating somewhat of an oasis in the desert. | | | | the Flamingo. Now the Flamingo Hilton, this property |
| This oasis in the Mojave Desert was hidden to all - | | | | was among the first developed as a hotel and casino |
| with the exception of some Native Americans - until | | | | on the strip. |
| 1829. That's when a small group of explorers from | | | | By the 1950's, several more resorts were added and |
| Mexico discovered it and named it Las Vegas which | | | | Vegas continued to flourish, these included the Sands, |
| means "the meadows" in Spanish. | | | | Riviera, Tropicana and Stardust hotels. Later a major |
| By the 1850's early Mormon settlers from Salt Lake | | | | convention center was constructed to lure business |
| City arrived. By the early 1900's, Las Vegas became a | | | | travelers. |
| stop on the route of the developing railway. This in turn | | | | When you're enjoying today's colourful and exciting |
| triggered a growth in local stores, saloons and boarding | | | | Vegas strip, take a moment to reflect on the history of |
| houses. The original stop is located where the Plaza | | | | Las Vegas Nevada. It wasn't that long ago that the |
| Hotel now stands on Fremont Street in the downtown | | | | entire area lay hidden in the middle of a scorched |
| area. It's the only railway station in the world that is | | | | landscape. |
| located inside a resort and casino. | | | | |