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.
Native Americans, particularly the Paiute tribe, inhabited the Las Vegas Valley over 10,000 years ago. They migrated seasonally between the mountains and the valley, leaving archaeological evidence of their presence.
In 1821, the area where Las Vegas is located was established, marking the early beginnings of the city.
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.
On May 3, 1844, John C. Frémont entered the Las Vegas Valley while it was still under Mexican rule. He established a camp at the Las Vegas Springs as part of a reconnaissance mission for the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
On May 13, 1844, John C. Fremont stayed at Las Vegas Springs and documented the oasis in his journal, attracting more travelers to the region.
In 1855, William Bringhurst led a group of 29 Mormon missionaries from Utah to the Las Vegas Valley. They built a fort and used flood irrigation to water their crops, but tensions, heat, and crop difficulties led to their return to Utah in 1857.
In 1881, Octavius Gass lost his ranch to Archibald Stewart due to mismanagement and intrigue with a Mormon syndicate. This led to the property being transferred to the Stewart family.
In 1884, Helen J. Stewart became the Las Vegas postmaster after her husband Archibald Stewart's murder. She played a significant role in the local community.
In 1895, the first large-scale migration of Mormons began in the area, fulfilling Brigham Young's early dream. Agriculture became the primary industry, leading to the naming of the area as Clark County in honor of Senator William Andrews Clark.
The population of Las Vegas is recorded as 22, six years before it is officially founded as a city.
In 1902, U.S. Senator William Andrews Clark proposed a plan to connect the transcontinental railroad through Las Vegas.
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.
On June 1, 1905, Las Vegas officially became a city with its first mayor. The completion of the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad played a significant role in establishing Las Vegas as a city.
The McWilliams Town Site in West Las Vegas burns to the ground, destroying banks, bakeries, saloons, and three weekly newspapers. This event leads to the displacement of 1,500 residents.
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.
In 1907, the first telephone wires were installed on Fremont Street, marking a technological advancement in Las Vegas.
On March 16, 1911, the city of Las Vegas was formally incorporated, solidifying its status as an official municipality.
On June 1, 1911, citizens of Las Vegas voted 168 to 57 in favor of incorporation, establishing the city as an official entity.
Edward Taylor announces plans for Las Vegas' first 'high-class resort,' called Twin Lakes, which would include boating, fishing, an outdoor swimming pool, and a dance hall.
The Las Vegas City Commission votes to pave Fremont Street from Main to Fifth and then provide additional funding to pave Fremont to the city limits at San Francisco Street, now Sahara Avenue.
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.
In 1927, Maude Frazier took on the role of superintendent of the Las Vegas Union School District. She later played a key role in opening a new Las Vegas High School in 1929, advocating for a university in southern Nevada, establishing the Clark County School District, and promoting a civil rights bill.
Phil Tobin introduced legislation to permit 'wide open' gambling in Nevada, which was signed into law on March 19, 1931, marking the legalization of gambling in Vegas.
In 1934, the city's leading figures purged gambling dens to curtail criminal activities in the gambling industry.
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.
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.
In January 1939, Ria Langham fulfills the six-week residency requirement in Las Vegas to divorce her husband Clark Gable, briefly earning Las Vegas the title of 'Divorce Capital of the World' before Reno takes over in the 1950s.
In 1943, the Las Vegas Army Airfield was activated, playing a crucial role during World War II.
The Huntridge Theater made history on October 10, 1944, by becoming the first non-segregated theater in Las Vegas.
On December 26, 1946, Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel inaugurated the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.
On June 20, 1947, Bugsy Siegel was assassinated at Virginia Hill's residence in Beverly Hills.
Alamo Airport was renamed to McCarran Field, which is now recognized as McCarran International Airport, on December 20, 1948.
April 24, 1950, marked the grand opening of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas.
Hank Greenspun released the inaugural edition of The Las Vegas Sun, initially named the Las Vegas Morning Sun, on July 1, 1950.
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.
On January 27, 1951, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission conducted the first of many atmospheric nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site. Despite the risks of radiation exposure, Las Vegas promoted the explosions as a tourist attraction, offering Atomic Cocktails to visitors.
Roxie’s, a bordello located off Boulder Highway, was raided by authorities.
Senator McCarran passed away on this date.
The Nevada Tax Commission established the Gaming Control Board on this day.
The Riviera, a nine-story tall building, opened as the tallest in town.
Las Vegas celebrated its 50th birthday on this day.
The Dunes opened as the 10th resort on The Strip.
The Moulin Rouge, the first racially integrated hotel, opened its doors.
A tragic plane crash into Mt. Charleston resulted in the loss of 14 lives.
On April 23, 1956, Elvis Presley performs his first shows in Las Vegas at the New Frontier Hotel.
The 12-story tall Fremont Hotel opens in downtown Las Vegas on May 18, 1956, becoming the area's tallest building.
On June 1, 1956, Nellis Air Force Base becomes the home of the Thunderbirds, an aerial demonstration squadron.
Las Vegas' first two-story club, Silver Palace, opens on June 8, 1956.
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.
Tropicana opens on April 3, 1957, in Las Vegas.
On September 10, 1957, UNLV holds its first classes.
In 1958, The Stardust hotel and casino opened its doors in Las Vegas, becoming a popular destination for tourists and gamblers.
On March 30, 1959, Nevada established the Gaming Commission, a regulatory body overseeing the state's gaming industry, including casinos in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Convention Center was inaugurated on April 29, 1959, providing a venue for various events, exhibitions, and conventions in the city.
Freed's Bakery commenced operations on October 10, 1959, offering cakes and baked goods to the residents, tourists, and celebrities in Las Vegas.
On August 10, 1960, the film 'Ocean’s Eleven,' featuring the Rat Pack, premiered, showcasing the group's star power and camaraderie on the big screen.
The office of the Las Vegas Sun newspaper is destroyed by a fire.
In 1964, a nighttime view captured pedestrians on the brightly-lit Las Vegas Strip, showcasing the vibrant neon lights and signs of the era.
A fire on the rooftop of the Sahara hotel results in significant damage amounting to $1 million.
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.
On November 27, 1966, Howard Hughes arrived in Las Vegas and assumed control of the top two floors of the Desert Inn.
On January 7, 1967, R.J. Parish tragically killed six people, including himself, and injured eight others by shooting a pile of dynamite at the Orbit Inn Motel.
On May 1, 1967, the iconic couple Elvis and Priscilla Presley tied the knot at the Aladdin hotel in Las Vegas.
On December 31, 1967, Evel Knievel famously crashed during his jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
On October 18, 1968, Circus Circus, a renowned hotel and casino, officially opened its doors in Las Vegas.
On July 26, 1969, Elvis Presley premieres his Las Vegas act at the International Hotel, starting a five-year contract for regular performances that would become iconic in the history of Las Vegas entertainment.
On November 26, 1970, Howard Hughes departs Las Vegas after attaining significant roles in the city's economy and property ownership.
During 1971, Hunter S. Thompson releases 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' as a story in Rolling Stone magazine.
In 1972, Las Vegas attracted over 15 million visitors, establishing itself as a rapidly growing metropolitan area in the United States.
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.
A photograph captured in November 1975 showcases iconic landmarks in downtown Las Vegas, including the Pioneer Club, Golden Nugget, and 4 Queens Hotels.
On April 5, 1976, Howard Hughes dies.
On August 16, 1977, the legendary singer Elvis Presley passed away in Memphis.
On January 31, 1979, a winter storm covered the valley with 7.4 inches of snow, with the record snowfall in Las Vegas being 9 inches in January 1974.
The Liberace Museum, showcasing Liberace's rare pianos, cars, and extravagant wardrobes, was opened on April 15, 1979.
The tragic MGM Grand Hotel fire on November 21, 1980, claimed the lives of 87 people and left around 700 others injured.
On February 10, 1981, the former International, now known as the Las Vegas Hilton, was engulfed in flames, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals.
Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal narrowly escaped death in a near-fatal car bomb explosion on October 4, 1982.
In 1983, Trans World Airline canceled its nonstop service from New York City to Las Vegas, signaling a period of stalled growth for Las Vegas. This event reflected a shift in the city's transportation and tourism dynamics.
In 1984, the Spanish Trail Country Club was inaugurated in the region.
The first National Finals Rodeo took place in Las Vegas in 1985.
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.
The Rio opened on January 15, 1990.
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.
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.
The Landmark Hotel in Las Vegas was imploded on November 7, 1995, and the footage of the implosion was later used in Tim Burton's 1996 film 'Mars Attacks!'
On December 14, 1995, the Fremont Street Experience, a major entertainment complex in Las Vegas with a cost of $70 million, was officially opened to the public.
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.
The Stratosphere Hotel opened on April 30, 1996, becoming the tallest building west of the Mississippi River at that time, adding to the iconic Las Vegas skyline.
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.
On November 26, 1996, The Sands Hotel in Las Vegas was imploded.
The Orleans in Las Vegas opened its doors on December 18, 1996.
The Hacienda in Las Vegas was imploded on December 31, 1996.
New York-New York in Las Vegas opened on January 3, 1997.
On June 28, 1997, Mike Tyson infamously bit Evander Holyfield's ear during a boxing match.
On January 4, 1998, 'Star Trek: The Experience' opened at Las Vegas Hilton.
On May 14, 1998, Frank Sinatra passed away due to a heart attack, leading to the dimming of lights on the Strip in his honor the following night.
The Bellagio, the most expensive hotel in the world at that time, opened its doors with a construction cost of $1.7 billion.
The Venetian, a luxurious hotel and casino, opened its doors to the public in Las Vegas.
On July 8, 1999, a devastating flood hit Las Vegas, resulting in the loss of two lives, significant damage to homes, and substantial public property destruction amounting to $20 million.
The Paris Hotel and Casino commenced operations, adding to the vibrant entertainment scene in Las Vegas.
The Desert Inn ceased operations after being purchased by Steve Wynn, leading to its eventual demolition in 2001.
The Palms Casino, located off the Strip, opened its doors as a new addition to the Las Vegas entertainment scene.
Green Valley Ranch, a notable resort and casino, commenced operations in Las Vegas, offering a new entertainment option.
On March 21, 2003, a record Megabucks jackpot of $39,713,982.25 was won by a 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles, creating a buzz in the Las Vegas gambling scene.
On July 15, 2004, the Las Vegas Monorail system officially opened to the public, providing a convenient transportation option along the famous Las Vegas Strip.
On April 18, 2006, the Red Rock Casino opened its doors to the public.
On February 18, 2007, Las Vegas hosted the NBA All-Star Weekend.
The Stardust casino in Las Vegas was imploded on March 13, 2007.
On July 7, 2007, considered the luckiest day of the century, hundreds of couples got married in Las Vegas.
After 65 years of operation, the iconic New Frontier Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, closed its doors at midnight on July 16, 2007.
On September 13, 2007, O.J. Simpson was arrested for an alleged armed robbery at the Palace Station casino in Las Vegas.
Robert Goulet passed away on October 30, 2007.
The New Frontier hotel in Las Vegas was imploded on November 13, 2007.
On November 15, 2007, Las Vegas hosted the CNN Democratic Presidential Debates at UNLV’s Cox Pavilion.
On January 17, 2008, the $1.9 billion Palazzo resort opens, adding to the luxurious accommodations in Las Vegas with over 7,000 rooms combined with The Venetian.
A roof fire on top of the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas on January 25, 2008, causes severe damage, fortunately without any fatalities.
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.
The Eastside Cannery, a $250 million casino property, opens along Boulder Highway in Las Vegas after 14 years, marking a significant addition to the city's gaming industry. It becomes the first new casino property in the area in over a decade.
The Los Angeles Dodgers end their affiliation with Las Vegas as the parent team for the Triple-A 51s, relocating to Albuquerque. This move leads to the Toronto Blue Jays becoming the new parent club for the 51s, altering the dynamics of minor league baseball in the region.
Due to structural building problems, MGM Mirage announces the suspension of work on the condo project part of the Harmon Hotel and Spa.
Caesars Palace postpones the opening of the new 660-room Octavius Tower.
The M Resort inaugurates on 90 acres near Interstate 15 and St. Rose Parkway, becoming the newest locals-oriented resort and casino in the Las Vegas Valley.
Danny Gans, a renowned Las Vegas impressionist, singer, and comedian, dies in an accidental death attributed to a mix of medical conditions and a prescription painkiller.
On December 17, 2009, Cloud Nine, a tethered balloon ride located across from Mandalay Bay, ceased its operations.
The new all-suite HRH Tower at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino welcomed its first guests on December 28, 2009, featuring 359 suites, seven penthouses, and eight spa villas.
On January 4, 2010, Johnny Lee Wicks entered the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in downtown Las Vegas, fatally shooting security guard Stanley Cooper before being killed in a gunfight with deputy U.S. marshals.
The Las Vegas Monorail filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on January 13, 2010, but continued its operations.
On February 19, 2010, Harrah's officially took over Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
The Stratosphere introduced the $99 SkyJump thrill ride on April 20, 2010.
The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health opened in Las Vegas, providing top-notch medical research facilities.
Barbara Greenspun, the matriarch of Greenspun Media Group and the Las Vegas Sun, passed away at the age of 88. She took over as the publisher of the Sun after her husband's death.
Eric Scott, a 38-year-old U.S. Military Academy graduate, was fatally shot by three Metro police officers outside a Costco store in Summerlin. The incident led to changes in the inquest process.
Tropicana Las Vegas demolishes a section of the resort that housed its oldest rooms through a controlled implosion.
The owners of the downtown Lady Luck property reveal plans for the renovation of the closed casino and hotel, signaling a potential revival for the establishment.
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.
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.
The Stratosphere reveals its $20 million renovation project, aimed at enhancing the hotel and casino's facilities and overall guest experience.
Executives confirm that there are no current plans in place for the halted Fontainebleau project on the Las Vegas Strip.
A plan is revealed to transform the Centurion Tower at Caesars Palace into the luxurious 180-room Nobu Hotel, showcasing Japanese elegance.
Station Casinos finalizes a deal to purchase the Green Valley Ranch hotel-casino located in Henderson.
Senator John Ensign announces his resignation after being involved in a scandal, with Dean Heller set to take over his position.
The Western Hotel and Casino shut down its operations after running for 41 years in downtown Las Vegas.
Caesars Palace introduced the Octavius Tower, offering a 'hotel within a hotel' experience to its guests.
The Bellagio completed a $70 million renovation of 2,568 rooms in the main tower of the hotel.
The Mob Museum was inaugurated in downtown Las Vegas, showcasing the city's history with organized crime.
The new Las Vegas City Hall, a modern glassy structure, was unveiled, allowing Zappos to start renovating the old city hall building.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts was opened in Symphony Park, enriching downtown Las Vegas' cultural scene.
Fitzgeralds in downtown Las Vegas underwent a makeover and a $15 million renovation, rebranding itself as the D Las Vegas Casino Hotel.
On April 4, 2012, the iconic Sahara hotel and casino in Las Vegas reopened under the new name 'SLS Las Vegas.'
Construction started on May 22, 2012, for SkyVue, a 500-foot observation wheel located on the Las Vegas Strip.
On July 15, 2012, The Sun newspaper examined four major proposals for constructing a sports arena in Las Vegas, including locations on the Strip, at UNLV, downtown Las Vegas, and southwest Henderson.
In 2013, Steven Horsford assumed office as the U.S. representative for Nevada's 4th congressional district, representing the state in the federal government.
On June 8, 2014, a tragic shooting incident occurred in Las Vegas, resulting in casualties and impacting the community.
The highly anticipated boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao took place on May 2, 2015.
Plans were announced in 2016 to invest $450 million in remodeling the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, renaming it to Park MGM, and adding the NoMad Las Vegas Hotel within the resort.
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.
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.
Park MGM opened its doors to the public in April.
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas replaced the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in September.
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.
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.
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.
A heat wave in Las Vegas caused more than 40 airline flights of small aircraft to be grounded. American Airlines had to reduce sales on certain flights to prevent the vehicles from being over the maximum weight permitted for safe takeoff. Las Vegas also tied its record high temperature at 117 degrees Fahrenheit.
Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled to be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, attracting football fans from around the country.