The city of Las Vegas is a part of Las Vegas, Nevada's Clark County, and is located in the Mojave Desert. With over 641,000 people, it is the largest city in Nevada and one of America's fastest-growing cities. It has been known as the Entertainment Capital of the World since its founding in 1905 and continues to draw millions of visitors annually.

Interesting Facts About the History of Las Vegas

Las Vegas has a vibrant history of interesting facts that many people may not know. Here's a list of a few of the most fascinating facts about the history of Las Vegas, as follows:

• The name "Las Vegas" means "The Meadows" in Spanish, owing to the original natural springs that supplied water to the area.
• IN 1905, Las Vegas was officially founded as a city when 110 acres of land were auctioned off in what is now downtown Las Vegas.
• In 1931, Nevada legalized gambling, forever changing the landscape of Las Vegas as casinos and resorts began to pop up globally.
• The first casino resort to open on the Las Vegas Strip was the El Rancho Vegas in 1941, paving the way for the iconic resort and casino scene for which the city is now famous.
• The Mafia played a major role in the development of Las Vegas in the 1950s and 1960s, controlling many of the casinos and resorts in the city.
• The popular "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign was designed by Betty Willis and has been welcoming visitors to the city since 1959 and has become a popular photo-op for tourists.
• Las Vegas became known as the "Wedding Capital of the World" in the 1960s and 1970s due to the ease of obtaining a marriage license and the abundance of wedding chapels throughout the city.
• In 1989, Las Vegas became the world's first city to install slot machines in its airports, making it easy for travelers to try their luck at gambling before even reaching their hotel.
• Las Vegas has also made several appearances in popular culture, including films like Ocean's Eleven and The Hangover, as well as in hit TV shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Pawn Stars.

Local Attractions

Below are some of the top attractions to visit and explore in Las Vegas:

• The Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Strip is among the city's most famous attractions, stretching over 4 miles of renowned resorts, casinos, and restaurants. The strip also has several iconic attractions, such as the Fountains of Bellagio, the High Roller Observation Wheel, and the Mirage Volcano.
• Fremont Street. Fremont Street is in the historic downtown area and hosts several famous landmarks, such as the Fremont Street Experience and the Neon Museum. The street features several shops, restaurants, and classic casinos, such as the Golden Nugget and the Binion's Gambling Hall.
• The Mob Museum. The Mob Museum is a national museum dedicated to the history of organized crime in the United States. Visitors can view exhibits and artifacts that delve into the infamous gangsters of America's past, including organized crime in Las Vegas.
• Cirque du Soleil Shows. Cirque du Soleil, a Canadian circus company, has several productions in Las Vegas featuring mesmerizing acrobatics, colorful costumes, and dazzling performances. A few of the most popular shows include O, KÀ, and Mystère.
• The Stratosphere Tower. The Stratosphere Tower is a 1,149-foot tower located at the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip. The tower offers magnificent views of the city and thrill rides such as the SkyJump, Big Shot, and Insanity.