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Las Vegas

Major city in Nevada
Las Vegas

Las Vegas, often known as Vegas, is a major resort city famous for gambling, entertainment, and nightlife. It is the most populous city in Nevada, with a metropolitan population of over 2.2 million. Las Vegas is a top tourist destination and a global leader in the hospitality industry, boasting luxurious casino-hotels and hosting numerous business conventions. The city's rapid population growth since the 1960s has solidified its status as a cultural and commercial center in Nevada.

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Timeline

1829
Rafael Rivera names Las Vegas valley
In 1829, Rafael Rivera, the first person of European ancestry, enters the Las Vegas valley as part of Antonio Armijo’s expedition. He names the valley Las Vegas, meaning 'the meadows,' due to its spring-watered grasses.
1905-05-15
Las Vegas founded as a city
On May 15, Las Vegas was officially founded as a city when 110 acres of land adjacent to the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad tracks were auctioned off. This area later became the downtown area of Las Vegas.
1906
Opening of Hotel Nevada (Golden Gate Hotel & Casino)
The first hotel in Las Vegas, located at One Fremont Street, opens under the name Hotel Nevada, now known as Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. It offers modern amenities such as electric lighting, ventilation, and steam heat radiators.
1911-06-01
Incorporation of Las Vegas
On June 1, 1911, citizens of Las Vegas voted 168 to 57 in favor of incorporation, establishing the city as an official entity.
1926-05-23
Daily Passenger Air Service Begins in Las Vegas
In 1926, daily passenger air service started in Las Vegas, with the addition of airmail service by Western Express. Las Vegas became the only intermediate stop on the new commercial airway, marking its significance on the national air map.
1937
Southern Nevada Power Supplies Electricity from Hoover Dam
In 1937, Southern Nevada Power became the first utility to supply power from the Hoover Dam to Las Vegas, leading to the city being illuminated by bright lights on Fremont Street.
1938
Guy McAfee moves to Las Vegas
In 1938, Guy McAfee, a former crooked Los Angeles vice squad commander, moved to Las Vegas, becoming one of the key figures in the rapid transformation of the city.
1946-12-26
Opening of Flamingo Hotel by Bugsy Siegel
On December 26, 1946, Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel inaugurated the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.
1947-06-20
Murder of Bugsy Siegel
On June 20, 1947, Bugsy Siegel was assassinated at Virginia Hill's residence in Beverly Hills.
1950-11-15
Kefauver Hearings in Las Vegas
On November 15, 1950, the United States Senate Special Committee to Investigate Crime in Interstate Commerce, known as the Kefauver Hearings, took place in Las Vegas. The hearings revealed the ties between organized crime and Las Vegas casinos, leading to discussions about federal gambling control.
1957-01-10
Topless showgirls debut at Desert Inn
On January 10, 1957, topless showgirls make their first appearance in Las Vegas with Minsky's Follies at the Desert Inn, marking a significant moment in the city's entertainment history.
1964-11-15
Bonanza Air Lines Flight 114 Crash
Bonanza Air Lines Flight 114 crashed on a hill southwest of Las Vegas during a landing approach in poor weather conditions, resulting in the deaths of all 26 passengers and 3 crew members.
1966-11-27
Howard Hughes takes over top two floors of Desert Inn
On November 27, 1966, Howard Hughes arrived in Las Vegas and assumed control of the top two floors of the Desert Inn.
1970-11-26
Howard Hughes leaves Las Vegas
On November 26, 1970, Howard Hughes departs Las Vegas after attaining significant roles in the city's economy and property ownership.
1972
Las Vegas Becomes Popular Tourist Destination
In 1972, Las Vegas attracted over 15 million visitors, establishing itself as a rapidly growing metropolitan area in the United States.
1973
Opening of MGM Grand hotel
Kirk Kerkorian opens the MGM Grand hotel in 1973. The hotel boasts 2,100 guest rooms, five gourmet restaurants, and the world's largest casino. Standing at 26 stories high, the MGM Grand becomes the tallest casino in the free world.
1976-04-05
Howard Hughes passes away
On April 5, 1976, Howard Hughes dies.
1977-08-16
Death of Elvis Presley
On August 16, 1977, the legendary singer Elvis Presley passed away in Memphis.
1980-11-21
MGM Grand Hotel Fire
The tragic MGM Grand Hotel fire on November 21, 1980, claimed the lives of 87 people and left around 700 others injured.
1985
First National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas
The first National Finals Rodeo took place in Las Vegas in 1985.
1989-11-22
Opening of the Mirage by Steve Wynn
Steve Wynn opened the Mirage on November 22, 1989, marking the first new casino in 16 years and sparking a resort building boom that transformed Vegas in the following decades.
1993-12-18
Opening of MGM Grand Hotel & Theme Park
The largest hotel in the world, Kirk Kerkorian's new MGM Grand Hotel & theme park, opens on the Las Vegas Strip. Costing $1 billion, the hotel features a 33-acre theme park, a casino, 12 theme restaurants, 3 swimming pools, five tennis courts, arena, and 5,009 hotel rooms.
1995-03-10
Opening of the World's First Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas
On March 10, 1995, the world's first Hard Rock Hotel opened its doors in Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone in the city's hospitality industry.
1995-12-25
Death of Dean Martin
On December 25, 1995, Dean Martin, a former member of the Rat Pack, passed away due to lung cancer, leaving a legacy in the world of entertainment.
1996-09-07
Shooting and Death of Tupac Shakur
On September 7, 1996, renowned rapper Tupac Shakur was shot and tragically passed away six days later, leaving a profound impact on the music industry.
1998-10-15
The Bellagio Grand Opening
The Bellagio, the most expensive hotel in the world at that time, opened its doors with a construction cost of $1.7 billion.
2006-04-18
Red Rock Casino opens
On April 18, 2006, the Red Rock Casino opened its doors to the public.
2007-07-16
Closure of New Frontier Hotel & Casino
After 65 years of operation, the iconic New Frontier Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, closed its doors at midnight on July 16, 2007.
2008-03-30
Sun's Series on Construction Deaths on the Strip
The Sun newspaper starts a series on construction deaths during the building boom on the Las Vegas Strip, revealing safety flaws and regulatory oversights that led to 12 deaths in 18 months. The investigative reporting eventually earns the Sun a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
2010-05-21
Opening of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health
The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health opened in Las Vegas, providing top-notch medical research facilities.
2010-12-14
Bellagio Bandit Robbery
Metro Police search for the 'Bellagio bandit' who robbed a craps table at gunpoint and escaped on a motorcycle with approximately $1.5 million in casino chips. The same individual also committed a robbery at the Suncoast Casino on Dec. 9, stealing just under $20,000 in cash.
2010-12-15
Opening of Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The $3.9 billion, 2,995-room Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas casino/resort officially opens to the public on 8.7 acres of land situated between the Bellagio and the CityCenter complex.
2011-04-21
Sen. John Ensign resigns amid scandal
Senator John Ensign announces his resignation after being involved in a scandal, with Dean Heller set to take over his position.
2012-04-04
Reopening of Sahara as SLS Las Vegas
On April 4, 2012, the iconic Sahara hotel and casino in Las Vegas reopened under the new name 'SLS Las Vegas.'
2015-05-02
Mayweather-Pacquiao boxing match
The highly anticipated boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao took place on May 2, 2015.
2017-10-01
Las Vegas Shooting
On October 1, 2017, a tragic mass shooting occurred in Las Vegas where 60 people lost their lives and 867 were injured. The shooter, Stephen Paddock, opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel onto the Route 91 Harvest music festival before taking his own life.
2017-10-09
Vegas Golden Knights First Home Game at T-Mobile Arena
The Vegas Golden Knights, Nevada's first major professional sports team, played their first home game at T-Mobile Arena, defeating the Arizona Coyotes 5-2.
2019-12-21
Alpine Motel Apartments fire in Las Vegas
A fire at Alpine Motel Apartments in downtown Las Vegas resulted in the death of six individuals, marking it as the deadliest fire within the city limits.
2020-03
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic reached Las Vegas in March 2020, leading to significant impacts such as business closures and event cancellations, affecting the city's economy and daily life.
2021
Expansion of Las Vegas Entertainment Venues
The city of Las Vegas is experiencing growth with the development of new entertainment venues such as the MSG Sphere and the Allegiant Stadium. These venues offer state-of-the-art facilities for various events and activities.
2024
Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium
Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled to be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, attracting football fans from around the country.
End of the Timeline
Las Vegas

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