Do you ever wonder how Las Vegas came to be the grand city it is today with over 2 million residents? Las Vegas is one of the largest national tourist attractions in the world and such a popular city is not without its tall tales. So how do you separate fact from fiction when it comes to Las Vegas? We hope to clear up some of the tales today.
The city of Las Vegas was officially incorporated in 1911 and in 1920, the first casino was opened on Fremont Street which is still there today. That first casino began a lucrative industry that is still going strong today, even stronger than ever.
Las Vegas has been the center of speculation, lies, tall tales and even horrible stories that are actually true. This is a place for illegal fun and games, real and alleged mob activity, prostitution and much more. While much of what takes place in Vegas is legal (even if not legal in other parts of the country), some things which happen there are not.
This doesn’t stop the people from flocking there, though and Las Vegas is one of the largest tourist attractions in the world. The 1930s were a very important time for Las Vegas and many things developed in these years that would make the city what it is today. The underwriting of the Hoover Dam brought many people to the area and the legalization of gambling made many stay and brought even more.
Nevada also legalized divorce during this period and Las Vegas residents could get a divorce after living there for only six weeks. This also brought people from all over the country.
The beginning of the casinos is what is said to have brought the mobsters and it is true that some mob activity moved from the New York City area to Las Vegas. Bugsy Siegel was one of these mobsters who in addition to working a racket in Vegas, also ran narcotics importing from Mexico into Las Vegas and built a huge prostitution business.
In the 40s and the 50s, Las Vegas would see even more growth, especially in the downtown areas. Many more gambling establishments would grow up during this period, attracting yet even more people. In the late 40s and early 50s, the government became concerned about the mob’s presence and power in Las Vegas.
This was when the Gambling Control Board was set up to regulate and legitimize gaming. This “cleaned up” Vegas a bit as shady investors had to get clean although Las Vegas could still be considered a “freewheeling” area.
From the 50s on, Las Vegas would continue to soar with new hotels, casinos and attractions being built at a rapid pace. Many famous names and faces made their appearances at Las Vegas and The Strip grew up from the 60s to the 80s. Las Vegas today has become not only a place but a brand and a legend all of its own. We’re left with a famous catchphrase: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
