In 1959, the classic welcome sign to Las Vegas was introduced by commercial artist Betty Willis and has since become a 25-foot-tall iconic landmark in the city. The area now is known as “Las Vegas,” emanating from a verdant grassland with a natural spring, first discovered by a young scout named Rafael Rivera in 1829. After some Mormon missionaries arrived unsuccessfully to convert the indigenous Paiute population, the area remained a hidden secret until prospectors discovered gold and silver in the area four years later, leading to a population boom.
Construction began on the Hoover Dam around the same time, which led to an influx of workers coming to the city. This prompted local entrepreneurs to open casinos in the city and transform it into a bustling entertainment capital. Notably, in 1931, Nevada became the first state to legalize gambling and offer quickie divorces, shaping the future of the Silver State.
Shady characters were attracted to the Strip from the beginning, with mobsters like Guy McAfee and Thomas Hull establishing the first luxury resort in the area. Not long after, the infamous Bugsy Siegel developed the luxury Flamingo resort, sparking an era of unbridled opulence in the city’s casinos. Acts like Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack helped establish the swanky after-dark revelry that Las Vegas has become notorious for.
Over the years, Vegas developers made the city and the Strip bigger and more extravagant. The 1990s saw the arrival of the Luxor Hotel and Casino—a great pyramid—ushering in a decade of international icons being recreated in smaller forms along the Strip. The area became the global destination for gambling as well as family-friendly entertainment.
Vegas has also played a significant role in extreme sports, boxing, and motorsports over the years. Furthermore, the city continues to tempt visitors with unmatched indulgences such as winning a fortune, falling in love by the fountains of the Bellagio, getting married by Elvis, or even snagging a quickie divorce. Ultimately, Vegas continues to thrive by offering visitors the thrill of the ephemeral that makes it the entertainment capital of the world. Whether it’s gambling, entertainment, or sports, Vegas has it all.
Teddy Brokaw, an expert, compiled a list of some of the most unusual gambles in history. From ancient Roman emperors to infamous British royalty and even modern-day entrepreneurs, his collection covers some of the weirdest gambles imaginable.
The progression of Vegas over time showcases how the city has evolved from a small oasis settlement into the extravagant and thrilling global destination it is today. From its humble beginnings to its notable contributions to culture and entertainment, Las Vegas has left an indelible mark not just on American history but on global history as well.
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