How it All Began

1700's - The Discovery

In the early 1700's, Las Vegas was discovered by Spanish traders searching for a faster route to Los Angeles.  Rafael Rivera discovered a fertile valley abudant with wild grass and water, the valley was named Las Vegas, "The Meadows" in Spanish. 

1855 - First Settlement

In 1855, Brigham Young assigns 30 Mormon missionaries to build a fort in Las Vegas valley.  The fort constitutes the first non-Indian settlement in the region.  The Mormon's primary mission was to teach the Paiute Indians farming techniques, the Paiute Indians rejected their teachings and even occasionally raided the fort.  In 1857, Brigham Young's fort was abandoned.

Late 1800's - The Railway Comes to Town

The completion of a railway linking Southern California and Salt Lake City, made Las Vegas a railroad town.  The railroad is the principal industry in Las Vegas for the next 25 years.

1911 - Las Vegas is Incorporated

Las Vegas becomes an incorporated city and adopts its first charter.  The city consisted of 19.18 square miles and has approximately 800 inhabitants. 

1911 - Gambling is Legalized

On March 19th, 1911 gambling is legalized in the State of Nevada.  Six gambling licenses where issued shortly after this was legalized.

1931 - Hoover Dam Construction Begins

In 1931, the construction of the Hoover Dam brings many construction workers to Las Vegas.  The economy starts to boom, pulling it out of the Great Depression.  In 1935, four years later, construction on the Hoover Dam is complete.

1941 - El Rancho Las Vegas Opens

April 3, 1941 El Rancho Las Vegas opens with 63 rooms

1942 - The Hotel Last Frontier Opens

October 30, 1942 the Hotel Last Frontier opens with 105 rooms.

1946 - The Flamingo Hotel Opens

December 26, 1946 the Flamingo Hotel opens with 105 rooms.

1950 - Topless Showgirls Debut on the Strip

"Minsky's Follies" debuts on the strip, the first topless show.