Once 1950 hit with its explosion of Elvis, The Rat Pack, Liberace, the area was now a real destination for a vacation. Gambling involved using silver dollars, which were replaced by now recognised silver dollar sized plastic chips. It is easy to see how Las Vegas earned its reputation for fun, carefree behaviour. These earlier days had fewer restrictions with no state speed limits, no state income or sales tax, no waiting period for marriage licenses, with gambling being completely unregulated. This establishment was built with mob money supplied by gangsters Benjamin Siegel (‘Bugsy’) and Meyer Lansky. Opening 1946 on New Year’s Eve, Flamingo was one of the earliest resorts along here. Something that most people do not know about the Strip is that she lies outside of city limits officially under Clark County jurisdiction. Once just a nicknamed ‘Strip’, she is now a much more famous street. Not long after this, a dusty desert road came to life south of downtown. The Las Vegas gaming industry got its start in 1931 when Clark County issued a three-month gaming license to a downtown club. Nevada was first in the country to legalise gambling. Building the Hoover Dam (formerly known as Boulder Dam) began construction on Colorado River. During Great Depression Era (the 1930’s), people were eagerly seeking work. 2005 brought celebrations for the city’s centennial commemoration, although everybody knows that this place never needs an excuse to party.Īlthough recognised during 1905, it did not become incorporated as an official city until 1911. The city was officially recognised in 1905, becoming a perfect resting oasis for The Union Pacific Railroad.

Spanish for ‘The Meadows’, Las Vegas got its name because of its provision of spring-fed water.

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