A Brief History of Las Vegas aka Sin City

Talk to anyone about Las Vegas and the immediate gut reaction you are most likely to receive is either one of dreamy enthusiasm about a city where anything goes, or it is a somewhat thinly veiled disgust at the perceived looseness of Sin City. Yet did you know that before Las Vegas became a hot property in the Nevada desert it was little more than a small town that saw its fair share of tumbleweeds blowing through? Even after the legalization of gambling it did not become a hot commodity.

As a matter of fact, what put Las Vegas on the map was the 1936 completion of the Hoover Dam, which is an outstanding monument to construction skill and know how even for todays standards. Not only does the structure help in providing electricity to Arizona, California and Nevada, but the tragic deaths of 96 people involved with the planning and building of the dam gave it a certain aura of mystique that has caused many visitors to come just to see the monument that exacted such a high cost in human life.

Yet it was not until the 1941 that famous mobster Bugsy Siegel saw the potential of Las Vegas as a gambling town. He is responsible with the building of the famed ; and notorious ; Flamingo Casino, which was completed in 1946. The project was marred from the beginning by Siegels inexperience, driving up construction costs to well over $6 million. Surprisingly, the venture was a complete flop, and Siegel was murdered by his mob buddies in response.

Gambling was still legal and sought after, but back at the old address of Fremont Street. While the beginnings of the famous Las Vegas Strip were less than promising, the idea was never quite put to rest. Yet it would take until 1968 for another developer to not only see the potential of the Strip but to actually act on it. Kirk Kerkorian is undeniably tied to not only Las Vegas history as the inventor of what could be considered the luxurious gambling resort, but also to American tourism for his vision of turning humble Las Vegas into a gambling Mecca that not only caters to the gambling clientele, but to the whims of a large variety of travelers.

At first Mr. Kerkorian purchased a piece of property across the street from the Flamingo where he built Caesars Palace. After selling the property in 1968, he not only built what today is known as the Las Vegas Hilton, but he also purchased the Flamingo. From then on, Mr. Kerkorian proceeded to shape Las Vegas looks and future by creating the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, which then went on to create a snowball effect on the Vegas Strip with the creation and improvement of several of the largest properties.

Today Las Vegas has taken its rightful place in the annals of history as being the most sought after vacation destination for those who enjoy a quick roll of the dice, fantastic food choices, and also themed resorts. While Las Vegas for a while attempted to front a family friendly image, Sin City has long since conceded that it is indeed a playground for adults, and not for children. While there are babysitting services available for those who insist on bringing their kids, not a lot of development dollars are being spent on facilitating entertainment options for children. Nonetheless, the city has a regular draw and many visitors bring repeat business to the casinos and hotels. Thus, the gambling industry is not the only aspect of Nevadas economy that is being enriched. As a matter of fact, transportation, hospitality, and even retail have experienced a huge upswing in the wake of eager tourists spending their vacation dollars in Vegas.

(ARA) - Las Vegas is a city with a reputation for being unique and exciting. It is a popular vacation destination because it has something to offer everyone, no matter what age or interest.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas police says they're seeing an increase in gang activity in the southwest part of the valley. Police trace the crimes to three gangs made up mostly of teenagers.

Founded in 1982, Consolidated Resorts, Inc. is a privately held vacation ownership resort developer with resorts in Maui, Las Vegas, Orlando. The company also has projects in the pipeline in Palm Springs and Kauai.

File charges against client or cease trying to build case, he says Adam "Pacman" Jones' lawyer urged authorities in Las Vegas yesterday to file criminal charges or stop trying to link the Tennessee Titans cornerback to a strip club melee and triple shooting.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is criticizing the state's new highway funding plan. Goodman says the one billion dollars allocated for roads by the state Legislature last week is "inadequate" and "irresponsible."

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